In India, obtaining a food license is mandatory for individuals or businesses involved in the manufacturing, processing, packaging, distribution, or sale of food products. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing and implementing food safety laws in the country.

Food License is a permission granted by the FSSAI to carry on the food business. This food License is location specific and is also term bound. It carries a 14-digit registration number. Licensing/ Registration of food business is mandatory in India

FSSAI lays down science-based standards for the articles of food and it also regulates their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and the import in order to ensure the availability of safe and also wholesome food to 130 crore citizens of the country. The authority is thus also responsible for creating an information network across the country so that the public, consumers, etc thus receive rapid, reliable and also accurate information about the food safety and also hygiene and the related issues of concern.

In case a Food Business Operator is operating in more than two states, it has to obtain one additional central License for the Head Office/ Registered Office and separate license for each location, which will again depend upon the factors like capacity of production/ handling etc., nature of food business activities and area of operation.

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    HERE ARE THE KEY POINTS REGARDING OBTAINING A FOOD LICENSE IN INDIA:

    TYPES OF FOOD LICENSES:

    • Basic FSSAI Registration (for small businesses): Businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs.
    • State FSSAI License: For businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores.
    • Central FSSAI License: For businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crores.

    APPLICATION PROCESS:

    • Businesses need to apply for the appropriate category of license based on their turnover.
    • The application is submitted to the designated FSSAI office along with the required documents.

    DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:

    Basic FSSAI Registration:

    1. Form A filled and signed by the proprietor/partner/director.
    2. Photo ID and address proof.
    3. Passport size photograph.
    4. State/Central FSSAI License:
    5. Form B filled and signed by the proprietor/partner/director.
    6. Blueprint/layout plan of the processing unit.
    7. List of directors/partners/proprietor with address and contact details.
    8. Food safety management system plan.

    FEES:

    The license fee depends on the type of license and the scale of operations.

    VALIDITY:

    The validity of the license varies but is generally 1-5 years. It needs to be renewed before expiration.

    DISPLAY OF LICENSE:

    Once granted, the FSSAI license number must be displayed on all food packages.

    PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE:

    Non-compliance with FSSAI regulations can result in penalties, fines, and even imprisonment.

    ONLINE APPLICATION:

    The FSSAI registration and licensing process can be done online through the Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) portal.

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