How To Get An FSSAI Certificate? [Step-wise Process]

Are you starting a new food-related business in India?

Then you must know that all Food Business Operators (FBO) in India must get an FSSAI certificate for the manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, and sale of food products.

FSSAI has set quality standards to ensure food safety. If your business falls under any category mentioned above, then you must apply for a certificate or license. It is an easy online process. Read this article to know how to get an FSSAI certificate. We have also answered some frequently asked questions at the bottom. So make sure you scroll till last.

Before jumping into the process, let us learn more about FSSAI and the different types of FSSAI licenses.

What is FSSAI?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an organisation that supervises food business in India. It is established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. This organisation aims to establish a single reference point for all matters relating to food safety and standards.

FSSAI has been mandated by the FSS Act, 2006 and performs the following functions:

• Set standards and guidelines about articles of food.
• Contribute to the development of international technical standards for food, sanitary, and phytosanitary standards.
• Promote general awareness about food safety and food standards.
• Create an information network across the country so the citizens receive rapid, reliable, and objective information about food safety and issues of concern.

It performs several other functions, and one of the functions is issuing licenses to Food Business Operators.

An FSSAI certificate is provided to food business operators who follow the regulations set by the government. It ensures the food is as per the specified standards.

All food business operators must obtain an FSSAI license. There are different types of licenses depending on the turnover of your business.

How to get FSSAI certificate?

You can apply for an FSSAI certificate through the FoSCoS official website. The Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) works for the issuance of pan-Indian FSSAI Licenses and Registration.

To get an FSSAI certificate, you have to fill the form A or B, attach your correct documents, and pay the processing fee.

Form A is for business owners who want basic registration.

Form B is for business owners who want a State or Central license.

We have shared the step-by-step guide to apply online for an FSSAI certificate.

Step 1: Go to the official FoSCoS website.

Step 2: Scroll down to see the different options. Click on “Apply for License/ Registration”

Step 3: Once you click to apply, a page with three options will open. Choose the option best suited for your business. You can refer to the above-mentioned types of licenses.

Step 4: Fill in form A or B, depending on the license you want.

Step 5: Upload self-attested documents and acceptance of declaration.

Step 6: Pay the processing fee and submit your application.

Step 7: You will get a 17 digit application reference number after the successful submission of your application. Note that number for future reference.

Applying online for an FSSAI certificate is an easy 7-step process; however, make sure you are filling in the correct information.

What are the types of FSSAI licenses?

1. Basic Registration

The basic license is for the small business operators in the food industry with an annual turnover of up to 12 lakhs. This license is issued by the State Government to manufacturers, storage units, transporters, marketers, and distributors in the food industry.

2. State License

The state license is issued to food business operators having an annual turnover of more than 12 lakhs. And the business should be operated in one state only. It is issued by the state government.

3. Central License

The central license is for large manufactures and food business operators with an annual turnover of more than 20 crores. It is issued by the central government.

If your business is operated in more than one state, you will need to register the license for the head office.

Now that you know what an FSSAI certificate is and what you should choose according to your business type, let us understand why you need an FSSAI certificate.

Why do you need an FSSAI certificate?

• FSSAI license implies your food is safe to be consumed according to standards set by the government. Thus, it acts as a trust factor for your consumers.
• It will help in regulating the manufacturing, storage, and import of your food products.
• The license also provides legal benefits to your business.

An FSSAI certificate will build goodwill among your customers. However, you need to make sure you are providing the correct documents to get an FSSAI license.

What documents are required to get an FSSAI certificate?

The basic documents required to get an FSSAI certificate are as follows:

• Your photo
• Your government-issued photo ID such as AADHAAR, PAN, Voter ID, etc.
• Proof of Address of businesses activity

The basic documents required are the same for all types of licenses. However, you also need documents related to your business activities, and they are mentioned in this file.

Now that you are aware of the documents you need to get an FSSAI certificate, let us understand the procedure.

What happens next?

After generating the 17 digit application reference number, you will be notified about your certificate status via email. It takes around 7 days for basic registration and 30 days for State or Central License.

The registering authority might also inspect premises before the grant of a license if they find it necessary.

You can also track the process of your application on the official FoSCoS website.

We hope this “how to get an FSSAI certificate” guide is helpful for you.

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FAQs

Q. Who is eligible for an FSSAI certificate?

Ans. Anyone in the food business involved in procedures such as manufacturing, storage, and import of food can apply for an FSSAI certificate. The eligibility criteria are different for basic registration and license. You can find the details in this document issued by the government.

Q. What is the validity period of the FSSAI license?

Ans. You get to choose the validity of your license while filling up the form. Your processing fee depends on the period chosen by you.

Q. What is the fee for an FSSAI certificate?

Ans. The fee ranges from INR 100 to 7,500 depending on your business and the validity of your license.

Q. Does homemade food require FSSAI Licence?

Ans. Yes, homemade food businesses also need a basic FSSAI registration.

Q. Is FSSAI mandatory for small businesses?

Ans. If your annual turnover is below 12 lakhs, you will only need a basic FSSAI registration.

Q. How many days does it take to get FSSAI license?

Ans. A basic FSSAI license can be issued in 7-10 days. State and Central licenses can take 30 days.

Q. How can I check my FSSAI status?

Ans. Go to the homepage of the website. Click on “Track Application”. Enter 17 Digit FSSAI Reference Number. Click On Check status.

Q. We have units in multiple states. Which type of license should we get?

Ans. You need to get a Central FSSAI License.

Q. What does FSSAI do?

Ans. 1. It sets regulations for food products.
2. It regulates the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food.
3. It facilitates food safety.