How to register for food license in India

Introduction

FSSAI or food safety and standards authority of India is the body governing all the food items in the country. With a population in billions, it is impossible for the government to check the food products being sold individually. Hence, this authority was created in order to maintain and provide healthy food to each citizen.

In this article, we will be discussing the procedure for food license registration in India. So if you are a trader, manufacturer, exporter etc in food business then continue reading. We will be explaining what are the requirements of food license.

What is Food license?

Food license in India is mandatory for all those dealing with items related to food. From a manufacturer to a retailer everyone has to get food license. It is the 12 digits unique number provided by the government to every registered manufacturer, trader, exporter or retailer. Once the license number is obtained it must be printed on the food products of the business.

Type of food license in India

There are 3 types of food license in India which depend upon your turnover and type of business. The 3 type is –

Basic registration,

State license, and

Central license.

We will be discussing these in details below but before let us understand why it is important to divide food products into 3 different categories.

Which food license one should acquire?

Hence, the first step for FSSAI registration is to check the eligibility of your business. So let's discuss the type of licenses to identify your business type.

FSSAI basic registration – If you are a small business worried about the cost and complications of registration in food license in India then we have good news for you.

The small business having a less than Rs.12 lakh are only required to get the basic registration and are not required getting state or central food license.

If in any a business is confident that their turnover will be above 12 lakhs then they have an to apply for state license away.

State FSSAI license – If you are a medium-sized business with turnover between 12 lakhs and 20 crores then you are required to register under state license. A maximum number of licenses fall under this category only.

If you have businesses which are in more than one state then you are required to get a for each state individually and a central food license for .

Central FSSAI license – Businesses with a turnover of 20 crores and above are required to get a central license. This category is for big businesses and enterprises.

People who are doing food business internationally will also register under the same. Hence anyone doing import or export of food items has to apply for food license in .

Procedure to get food license in India

The registration in FSSAI is a long and slow procedure that is why most people will suggest you take a professional's help. Especially if you are applying for state or central license as there are so many forms and undertakings to be provided that one may not understand.

Not to worry we will be talking about the procedure in an easy and understandable manner so that each and every reader will be able to grasp the meaning and procedure of food license in India.

1. Visit the official website of food license

The first step is to open the official website of FSSAI which is -https://foodlicensing.fssai.gov.in/index.aspx and click on apply now ( right-hand side of the page)

2. Proceed to file food license application

After accepting the undertaking you will be redirected to a new window.

Once you are on the new page select the state you want to register into like Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat etc.

After selection of state, this screen will appear on and you have to select from the multiple options.

The option is to first select the business type – manufacturer, Importer etc. and then select the food product you are dealing in. Like milk, vegetable oil. Slaughterhouse etc. You can also select multiple options.

2.Then you will be required to sign into the website and fill the appropriate application form for your business. For example form B for a state license. 

The following documents are to be attached in the application –

Passport size photo of the applicant

Identity proof like voter ID card, pan card, driving license etc.

Address proof – rent agreement if rented or electricity bill if owned.

Authority letter with name and address of the nominated person

Declaration form 

List of food category desired to be manufactured.

Layout plans and measurement etc.

3. Cost for food license registration

The last step is to make the payment for your application. The fee structure is different for all 3 categories. The applicant will be able to make the payment through online transfer, DD or cash deposit.

The fee structure for food license in India is as follows –

Basic license – Rs.2000/-

State license – Rs.5000/-

Central License – Rs.7500/-

Please note that the price quoted above is only government fee and for 1-year registration. If you wish you register for more than a year you can do so but the fee will vary. You can apply for a license maximum of 5 years.

Food license registration for small business

Even if you are a small business operating from your house you must register under FSSAI. There are different types of food license in India for different types of businesses. Let us discuss them to understand them better.

Conclusion

If you are someone or know someone who has doubts regarding food license in India then email us at info@hubco.in for a free consultation