In the early stages of development of India, every product was categorized and channel through particular law. The particular product was governed by a specific law. This created a lot of disturbance, for the authority governing different laws for different products. Due to rapid changes in the economy, it was making it difficult to keep track of every law and products. Hence, a decision was taken by the ministry to introduce the Food Safety and Standard Act (FSSAI) which will eradicate all previous laws and bring out one consolidated law for different products.
FSSAI License is mandatory for every Individual and Food Business Operator who is related to the manufacturing, storage, and distribution of food products. Food Licensing in India is governed by the Food Safety and Standard Regulation 2011. Food Safety and Standard Authority of India aims to regulate the quality and safety of food businesses covering all food items for safe consumption. The prime motive of the government for launching the FSSAI Central License is to ensure the quality of the product, reducing adulteration, improve the standard of product, and improve the accountability of manufacturers.
FSSAI License Classification
FSSAI License is classified into two types:
1. State FSSAI License
2. Central FSSAI License
The State and Central License needs to be obtained by a person or an entity depending on the size and nature of the business. State License is taken by the mid-size business where the annual turnover of the business is more than 12 lakhs but less than 20 crores. The central license is essential for business which is conducted their activity on a large scale. The annual turnover to obtain such a license is more than 20 crores.
FSSAI Registration Central License
- Importers, 100% Export Oriented Units, Large manufacturers, airports, seaports, operators in central government agencies, etc. have to obtain Central Food License.
- The Food Business Operators whose annual turnover crosses 20 crores mandatory requires to acquire Central Food License
- An application for obtaining such a license needs to be made in Form B, which is available on FSSAI Website.
What is the procedure to apply for Central License?
- Sign-up the details of the Food Business operator on the FSSAI website with a proper email address and mobile number.
- Create a unique username on the website and proceed further.
- On successful completion of this process, an online account will be created, which will be intimated through email or SMS
- The new user ID created will be valid until 30 days, so the FBO needs to fill all details within the time frame.
- After log into the account complete the online application form.
- After the successful completion of the application, a Unique Reference Number is generated.
- Take the print out online application form and acknowledgment. Attached the Demand Draft of the fees along with supporting documents.
- Submit the form to the Regional office of FSSAI within 15 days from the date of submission of application online.
- The progress of the application form can be tracked with the help of a reference number.
- On successful scrutiny, by the officer, 14-digit FSSAI Registration number is allotted which states the information about the manufacturer’s license and manufacturing state.
