Introduction

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an autonomous body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. FSSAI is responsible for laying down food safety standards, regulating the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of food products, and ensuring the availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption. FSSAI has introduced two types of licenses for food business operators (FBOs) in India: FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License. In this article, we will discuss the differences between FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License.

FSSAI Registration

FSSAI Registration is a basic registration that is mandatory for all FBOs in India, whether they are involved in the manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution or sale of food products. The FSSAI Registration is issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and is valid for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the requirement of the FBO. FSSAI Registration is required for businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs.

Types of FSSAI Registration

There are three types of FSSAI Registration:

1. Basic FSSAI Registration: This type of registration is for small food business operators, such as petty retailers, small manufacturers, and cottage industries that have an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs. The basic FSSAI Registration is valid for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the requirement of the FBO.
2. State FSSAI Registration: This type of registration is for medium-sized food business operators that have an annual turnover of more than Rs. 12 lakhs but less than Rs. 20 crores. The State FSSAI Registration is valid for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the requirement of the FBO.
3. Central FSSAI Registration: This type of registration is for large food business operators that have an annual turnover of more than Rs. 20 crores. The Central FSSAI Registration is valid for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the requirement of the FBO.

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration

The following documents are required for FSSAI Registration:

1. Form A: This is the basic form that needs to be filled in by the FBO.
2. Photo ID and address proof of the FBO.
3. Proof of ownership or rental agreement of the premises where the business is conducted.
4. List of food products to be manufactured, processed or sold.
5. List of machinery and equipment to be used.
6. Partnership deed or certificate of incorporation, as applicable.
7. A copy of the certificate obtained under the Coop Act 1861/Multistate Coop Act 2002, if applicable.

FSSAI License

FSSAI License is a more advanced license that is mandatory for FBOs that have a higher turnover or are involved in the manufacturing or processing of food products that require more scrutiny. The FSSAI License is issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and is valid for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the requirement of the FBO.

Types of FSSAI License

There are three types of FSSAI License:

1. State FSSAI License: This type of license is required for food business operators that have an annual turnover of more than Rs. 20 crores but less than Rs. 30 crores. The State FSSAI License is valid for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the requirement of the FBO.
2. Central FSSAI License: This type of license is required for food business operators that have an annual turnover of more than Rs. 30 crores. The Central FSSAI License is valid for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the requirement of the FBO.
3. FSSAI License for Import: This type of license is required for FBOs that import food products into India. The FSSAI License for Import is valid for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the requirement of the FBO.

Documents Required for FSSAI License

The following documents are required for FSSAI License:

1. Form B: This is the application form for FSSAI License.
2. Photo ID and address proof of the FBO.
3. Proof of ownership or rental agreement of the premises where the business is conducted.
4. List of food products to be manufactured, processed or sold.
5. List of machinery and equipment to be used.
6. Partnership deed or certificate of incorporation, as applicable.
7. A copy of the certificate obtained under the Coop Act 1861/Multistate Coop Act 2002, if applicable.
8. Food safety management system plan.
9. Water testing report from a recognized laboratory.
10. Proof of turnover, such as sales tax return or income tax return.

Difference between FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License

1. Applicability: FSSAI Registration is mandatory for all FBOs in India, while FSSAI License is mandatory only for FBOs with a higher turnover or involved in the manufacturing or processing of food products that require more scrutiny.
2. Validity: FSSAI Registration is valid for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the requirement of the FBO, while FSSAI License is also valid for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the requirement of the FBO.
3. Type: FSSAI Registration has three types – Basic FSSAI Registration, State FSSAI Registration and Central FSSAI Registration, while FSSAI License has three types – State FSSAI License, Central FSSAI License and FSSAI License for Import.
4. Turnover: FSSAI Registration is required for businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs, while FSSAI License is required for FBOs that have a higher turnover or are involved in the manufacturing or processing of food products that require more scrutiny.
5. Scrutiny: FSSAI Registration does not require as much scrutiny as FSSAI License, as it is a basic registration, while FSSAI License requires more scrutiny as it is a more advanced license.

Conclusion

In conclusion, FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License are two types of licenses issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for food business operators in India. FSSAI Registration is a basic registration that is mandatory for all FBOs in India, while FSSAI License is a more advanced license that is mandatory for FBOs with a higher turnover or involved in the manufacturing or processing of food products that require more scrutiny. Both FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License are valid for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the requirement of the FBO, and require the submission of certain documents.