Process for applying for an FSSAI license.

Starting​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ a small restaurant in India might be a dream that comes true, but you must make food safety standards compliance a top priority and be sure of it before you can serve your first customer. Acquiring an FSSAI license is the most crucial move in this regard—a must-have credential for all companies dealing with food that are based in India. In​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ case you have a small cafe, bakery, cloud kitchen, or dine-in restaurant, it will be very helpful for you to know the FSSAI regulations to run your business properly, and thereby you will not risk paying heavy ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌fines.

Document required to apply for the FSSAI License.

The documents may slightly differ based on the license type, but in general, one should provide the following documents:

• Business PAN card and Aadhaar card
• Proof of address for your business utility bill or your lease
• Passport-size photo
• Type and category of food business
• FSMS: Food Safety Management Plan
• Food products list and process details

How to get an FSSAI license?

The online procedure for this is pretty easy. You can apply by visiting the official website of FSSAI.

Application Process:

• Registration on the FSSAI web portal
• Fill out the FSSAI registration form.
• Enter some basic information first, like business name, the applicant's name, e-mail ID, etc.
• Choose registration tenure.
• All the information related to your business, like the address of your business, the date of incorporation, etc.
• Choose your business information and category.
• Upload the required documents.
• Pay the prescribed fee online.
• The application will then be scrutinised by an official after submission.
• Thereafter, an FSSAI license number, along with a certificate, will be issued after verification.

Validity and Renewal of FSSAI License

• The period of validity of the food license is from 1 to 5 years, which is granted to the food business operator (FBO).
• A renewal application should be filed at least 30 days before the expiry date of the validity period to continue the license granted under FSSAI.
• Failure to renew on time may cost you a fine and also the revocation of your license.
• Food business operators can use the same FSSAI website to renew it.

Consequences of Not Having an FSSAI License

• A food business without a license from FSSAI may be taken to court for manufacturing or selling any food products.
• It carries a maximum penalty of ₹5 lakh.
• For more serious offences, prison sentences can even be imposed.

Therefore, it is always better to get the proper FSSAI license for your business as soon as possible.

Benefits of FSSAI License

• Higher consumer trust and, importantly, higher brand equity.
• Benefits accruing from government schemes and subsidies.
• Expansion of the food business
• Product Quality Control
• Operating in accordance with food safety standards.

Conclusion

The FSSAI certificate is the first step towards safe, legal, and profitable business operations, no matter whether you are opening a small cafe, starting a small restaurant or cloud kitchen, or opening a full-service restaurant. Having the right license is the starting point for your restaurant’s development and standing in the tough but exciting food industry ‌ ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌market.