For any food business operating in India, obtaining an FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) Registration or License is mandatory. This legal requirement ensures that your food business complies with food safety and quality standards, protecting public health and increasing consumer trust. Whether you are a street food vendor, a small restaurant owner, or a large-scale food manufacturer, know the right documents is essential. In this article, we will discuss more about FSSAI & important documents required for FSSAI Registration.
What is FSSAI Registration?
FSSAI Registration is a process governed by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, aimed at ensuring that food products undergo stringent quality checks, thereby curbing food adulteration and sale of substandard products. Based on the size and scale of your food business, you will require either a Basic Registration, a State License, or a Central License.
Types of FSSAI Registration in India
1. FSSAI Basic Registration: For small food businesses or startups with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakh.
2. FSSAI State License: For medium-sized food enterprises with an annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakh and Rs. 20 crore.
3. FSSAI Central License: For large-scale food businesses, import-export companies, and those operating across multiple states, with a turnover exceeding Rs. 20 crore.
Documents Required for FSSAI Registration in India
The documents you need to prepare depend on the type of registration or license your business requires. Below is the list of documents for each category.
Basic Documents Required for FSSAI License
To ensure your food business operates legally and upholds food safety standards, the following essential documents are required:
Form A
1. Photo Identity of the Food Business Operator (FBO) like Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License
2. Proof of Complete Possession of Premises such as Rental Agreement, property ownership papers, or NOC from the landlord
3. Partnership Deed or Certificate of Incorporation
For Companies: If the business is a partnership firm or incorporated entity
4. List of Food Products: A list detailing the types of food products or menu items the business will handle.
5. Food Safety Management Plan
Documents Required for the Central FSSAI Registration
For large-scale operations or businesses dealing in import-export, a Central FSSAI License is mandatory. Here’s what you need:
Form B: Duly completed and signed by the business owner or authorized signatory.
1. Plan of the Processing Unit: Layout showing dimensions and area allocation for each operation (e.g., storage, processing, and packaging).
2. List of Directors/Partners/Proprietor: Including address, contact details, and photo IDs for each.
3. List of Equipment and Machinery: Details of equipment used, including the number and capacity.
4. Food Category List: An analysis of the categories of food items to be manufactured or processed.
5. Authority Letter: Nomination letter authorizing a responsible person for compliance matters, with their name and address.
6. Water Analysis Report: A Certification confirming the potability of water used in food production, from a recognized laboratory.
7. Source of Raw Material: Details regarding the sourcing of key raw materials, such as milk or meat.
8. Recall Plan: Outline of the procedure for recalling products in case of safety concerns.
9. Ministry of Commerce Certificate: If the business is a 100% Export-Oriented Unit (EOU).
10. NOC/PA Document from FSSAI: Any prior approvals from FSSAI, if applicable.
11. Import Export Code (IE Code): Issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), for businesses involved in import or export.
12. Form IX: Declaration form by the manufacturer.
13. Ministry of Tourism Certificate: If applicable, for businesses in the hospitality sector.
14. Proof of Premises: Ownership documents, rental agreement, or an NOC from the landlord.
15. Partnership Deed/Affidavit of Proprietorship: Depending on the type of business entity.
16. NOC and License from the Manufacturer: If you are a distributor or seller of products from another manufacturer.
17. Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Plan: Detailed safety measures to be adopted.
18. NOC from Municipality or Local Body: Approval from local authorities.
19. Supporting Documents for Turnover and Transportation: Financial records and documents related to logistics.
20. Declaration Form: Statement affirming the business complies with FSSAI regulations.
Documents Required for the State FSSAI License
For medium-sized food businesses operating within a state, the following documents are essential:
Form B: Properly filled and signed by the proprietor or authorized signatory.
1. Processing Unit Layout Plan: Showing dimensions and section-wise area allocation for various operations.
2. List of Directors/Partners/Proprietor: Complete with addresses, contact information, and photo IDs.
3. Equipment and Machinery List: Detailing the number and capacity of machines used.
4. Food Category List: Enumeration of food items to be manufactured or sold.
5. Authority Letter: Nomination of a responsible person, with name and address.
6. Water Analysis Report: To certify the quality and safety of water used.
7. Proof of Premises: Rental agreement, property deed, or NOC from the landlord.
8. Partnership Deed/Affidavit of Proprietorship: Depending on the business structure.
9. NOC and Manufacturer License: If sourcing products from a third party.
10. Certificate from Cooperative Act (if applicable): For cooperative societies.
11. Food Safety Management System Plan: Outline of safety measures and protocols.
Conclusion
FSSAI registration is an important compliance step for any food business in India. If you are aware of all the important documents in advance then the process will be very smooth and more efficient. Whether you require a Basic FSSAI Registration, FSSAI State License, or FSSAI Central License, staying informed will save you from many future complications and ensure your business operates within the legal framework.