Different types of Food License

FSSAI License


Food License is a type of license which has to be obtained by every person who is involved in any food-related business. In other words, in India, if you wish to start any kind of food-related business, you need to have a relevant Food License. Therefore, the Food Safety and Standardization Authority of India or FSSAI is constantly working to provide licenses to individuals who want to become a Food Business Operators. Additionally, the authority also lays down guidelines, regulates and supervises, the food business sector in India.

Types of FSSAI Food License

Basically, there are two types of food licenses in India. One of them is the FSSAI Registration, and the other is the FSSAI License. But, the FSSAI Basic Registration needs to be obtained by small Food Business Operators having a turnover up to Rs. 12 Lakhs. On the contrary, the FBOs having a turnover which is more than Rs. 12 lakhs need to obtain FSSAI License. Furthermore, the FSSAI License is further divided into two types, i.e. State License and the Central License. 
  • Basic Registration
  • State License
  • Central License
However, the three licenses, differ on the basis of the scale of operation of the food business which is being carried out. The following is detailed information on the three food licenses.
  •  FSSAI Basic Registration: Food business operators like petty food manufacturers and also the small-sized manufacturers, storage units, marketers, transporters, retailers, distributors etc. are required to obtain the FSSAI Registration. However, FSSAI Registration is issued by the State Government. Furthermore, depending upon the eligibility, an FBO can thus fall under the  State Registration license. Therefore, It is mostly for the units having an annual turnover which is up to 12 lakh. Also, the maximum tenure of this license is 5 years, and the minimum is 1 year.
  • FSSAI State License Food business operators like small to medium-sized manufacturers, storage units, marketers, transporters, distributors, retailers etc. are required to obtain the State Food License. Furthermore, the State License is issued by the State Government, and it is important that you have operations in only one state. Additionally, it is for the units having an annual turnover of more than 12 lakh. Also, the maximum tenure of this license is 5 years, and the minimum is 1 year.

  •  FSSAI Central License: FBOs such as the  Importers, 100% Export Oriented Units, large manufacturers, operators in the  airports, Central Government agencies, seaports etc. are required to obtain the Central Food License. Furthermore, FBOs need to obtain the Central License for their head office, and if they have operations in more than 1 state. The Central license is granted by the Central Government. It is for the units who have an annual turnover greater than Rs. 20 crores. Moreover, the maximum tenure of this license is 5 years, and the minimum is 1 year.

    Requirements for FSSAI Basic Registration


    FSSAI Registration is a basic license which is needed by every small food-related business. Furthermore, this category of food license covers the following businesses;
    1. A Petty retailer dealing with food items
    2. FBOs with an annual turnover which is not more than Rs. 12 Lakhs
    3. Food sale is prepared or sold by temporary stallholders
    4. Any individual who manufactures or sells any food article by himself
    5. Any person who distributes food in any religious or social gathering except a caterer
    FSSAI License


    FSSAI License Requirements

    • FSSAI State License – is for the food license, business with turnover between Rs. 12 Lac to Rs. 20 Cr. annually or/additionally. The turnover limit is the same for an FSSAI State trading license or an FSSAI State Manufacturing license.
    • FSSAI Central License – is for turnover above Rs. 20 Cr in Case of Manufacturing or Trading or Storage beyond certain limited as specified by the law.

    Exemptions for holding an FSSAI Food License

    There are certain FBOs who have exceptions from obtaining FSSAI Registration/license. The petty retailer is exempted from obtaining the FSSAI registration/license. Apart from this following FBOs are exempted:
    •   Itinerant vendor
    • Small-scale
    •  Cottage
    • Tiny food business operator
    • A temporary stallholder
    • Hawker

    Takeaway

    Indian Industry holds immense scope for the Food businesses as our country has a vast variety of foods. However, to operate any kind of food business, you need to have a food license, then only you will be able to commence your business. On the other hand, you are free not to take a food license if your food business comes under the exempted category. Corpbiz

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