fssai centeral licence

FSSAI Central License: A Comprehensive Guide

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Its primary responsibility is to regulate and oversee food safety standards in the country, ensuring that food products are safe for human consumption.

For businesses involved in food manufacturing, processing, and distribution, obtaining the appropriate license from the FSSAI is a legal requirement. The FSSAI Central License is one such license, applicable to businesses that operate on a larger scale or fall under certain categories of food production and distribution.

In this article, we will explore what the FSSAI Central License is, who needs it, the application process, and why it is important.

What is FSSAI Central License?

The FSSAI Central License is a license issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to food businesses that operate at a national level or handle large-scale production or importation of food products. This license is mandatory for companies involved in manufacturing, processing, packaging, and distributing food items that are not covered under the scope of the State License.

The FSSAI Central License is governed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and is an essential regulatory requirement for ensuring food safety and hygiene in India. This license is generally required for food business operators (FBOs) that have a turnover of more than ₹20 crores annually, deal with imports, or are involved in the manufacturing of certain types of food products.

Who Needs the FSSAI Central License?

FSSAI issues licenses based on the type and scale of food businesses. The Central License is primarily required by the following categories of businesses:

  1. Large-Scale Food Manufacturers:
    • Food businesses with an annual turnover of more than ₹20 crore.
    • Businesses involved in large-scale food processing, such as food manufacturers and packers.
  2. Importers and Exporters:
    • Food business operators engaged in the import or export of food items.
  3. Food Businesses Operating at a National Level:
    • Centralized food establishments such as large chains of restaurants, hotels, and catering services operating across multiple states.
  4. FBOs Involved in Specific Categories of Food Products:
    • Manufacturers of high-risk foods such as infant foods, dairy, meat, poultry, and seafood.
    • Businesses dealing in specific products such as genetically modified foods, organic foods, and alcoholic beverages.
  5. Food Service Providers:
    • Chains of restaurants, catering businesses, or multi-location hotels that operate across multiple states.

Requirements for FSSAI Central License

The FSSAI Central License is issued only after the food business operator fulfills certain criteria and provides the required documentation. Some key requirements include:

  1. Business Details:
    • The name and address of the food business, along with a description of the operations.
  2. Annual Turnover:
    • Evidence of turnover of more than ₹20 crore for the previous financial year (for applicable businesses).
  3. Food Safety Management System (FSMS):
    • The food business must implement an FSMS, such as ISO 22000 or HACCP, ensuring food safety at all stages of food production.
  4. Product Details:
    • Information about the type of food products being manufactured, processed, or imported.
  5. Registered Premises:
    • The manufacturing or processing unit must be registered with the FSSAI, and the premises should meet the required hygiene and safety standards.
  6. Qualified Personnel:
    • The food business must employ qualified personnel for food safety and quality control, including trained Food Safety Supervisors.
  7. No Objection Certificates (NOCs):
    • For certain businesses, a no-objection certificate from relevant authorities may be required, such as pollution control boards or fire departments.

How to Apply for FSSAI Central License?

The application process for the FSSAI Central License is done online through the FSSAI’s official portal, the Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS). Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Registration on FLRS:
    • Visit the FSSAI official website (www.fssai.gov.in) and register on the FLRS portal by providing basic details such as business name, type, and address.
  2. Fill the Application Form:
    • After registration, fill out the application form for the Central License by selecting the appropriate license type and providing all necessary details, including product categories, business address, and production processes.
  3. Upload Documents:
    • Upload scanned copies of the required documents, such as the business’s PAN, GST registration, proof of turnover, NOCs, and food safety management system certifications.
  4. Payment of Fees:
    • Pay the application fee online, which depends on the type of food business and the number of locations or units involved.
  5. Inspection (If Required):
    • In some cases, FSSAI may inspect the premises to verify compliance with safety standards before granting the license.
  6. Issuance of License:
    • If the application is processed successfully and all requirements are met, the FSSAI will issue the Central License, which will be valid for up to 5 years.

Benefits of FSSAI Central License

  1. Legal Compliance:
    • Ensures that your food business is operating in compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, avoiding any legal issues or penalties.
  2. Consumer Trust:
    • Displaying the FSSAI license number on your product packaging builds consumer confidence in the safety and quality of your food products.
  3. Market Access:
    • An FSSAI Central License facilitates easier access to national markets and simplifies trade regulations, especially for exporters and importers.
  4. Increased Business Credibility:
    • An FSSAI-certified business is seen as more credible, and it can help you gain a competitive edge over unlicensed competitors.
  5. Better Food Safety:
    • Having an FSSAI license ensures that your business adheres to stringent food safety and hygiene standards, reducing the risk of contamination and foodborne diseases.

Conclusion

The FSSAI Central License is an essential requirement for food businesses that operate on a larger scale, such as manufacturers, importers, and large restaurant chains. It ensures compliance with food safety standards and demonstrates a commitment to consumer health and safety. By obtaining this license, food businesses can strengthen their market presence, enhance consumer trust, and legally operate in the vast Indian food industry.

For businesses operating on a smaller scale or in specific regions, the FSSAI State License or Registration might be more appropriate, but larger operations must seek the Central License to expand their reach across the country or internationally. As the food industry continues to grow, adherence to food safety regulations through proper licensing remains an important pillar of the business’s success and longevity.

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