A Step-by-Step Guide for Small Food Businesses in India on How to Register Under FSSAI

Introduction:

Food business setup in India requires abiding by strict standards of safety. The most significant requirement during the process is getting the FSSAI registration. In general, its purpose is to promote and safeguard public health through proper food safety. You must know how to get an online food license in India if you are a small food business owner, entrepreneur, or a part of a food sector startup, to start with maximum smoothness and legality.

What is FSSAI Registration?

FSSAI registration is a unique 14-digit registration number displayed on all food packaging and ensures that such a food business house follows the norms of food safety. This simplest level of FSSAI registration would be very much suitable for small restaurants, either home-based bakers food delivery startups, or small units of small manufacturing.

1. Why Small Food Enterprises Need FSSAI Registration?

There are many benefits of getting an FSSAI registration, especially for the small food industries

• Legal Compliance: Automatically it will become a statutory requirement under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 so that at least all the food industries maintain a minimal level of quality.
• Consumer Confidence: An FSSAI registration form acts as a stamp of quality which helps in building consumer confidence in your products.
• Business Expansion: Business licensee under FSSAI possesses extensive options in its marketplace, like online food and export-based businesses
• High Standards: FSSAI regulations ensure hygiene and quality standards to be maintained by the operators of the food business thus diminishing the chances of legal cases and health hazards.

2. Types of FSSAI Licenses

FSSAI offers three distinct types of licenses which are as per the size and scale of the business :

• Basic FSSAI Licensing: Any small enterprise with an annual turnover of INR 12 lakh.
• State FSSAI License: For medium food enterprises whose annual turnover is between INR 12 lakh to INR 20 crores.
• Central FSSAI License: For large food enterprises whose annual turnover is more than INR 20 crore or those who import/export.

Small food businesses can be accommodated with the Basic FSSAI Registration alone, though they can work up to a State or Central license based on the business volume size.

3. How to Register under FSSAI Registration for Small Food Businesses Step-by-Step process

For ease in the self-registration process by small business owners with FSSAI, I am providing here an online procedure for acquiring a food license in India:

Step 1: FSSAI Registration Portal

The portal for the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) is https://fssai.org/. It is the authentic portal for all FSSAI services, like registration, renewal, and updates.

Step 2: Creating an Account

Here, the first-time applicant will have to register with essential information like the name of the proprietor, phone number, and email ID.

Step 3: Eligibility

Basic, State and Central FSSAI registration is based on your business size. Any other small business will only require basic FSSAI registration.

Step 4: Fill in the Application form

Submit Form A on the FoSCoS portal. From here, one will be asked for general information regarding the company; this may include:

• Company type and activity-for example, manufacturing, storage, or distribution.
• Address and contact details
• Types of food that will be dealt with or manufactured.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

The applicant is to submit required documents; commonly, these would include :

• Passport-size photograph
• Business premises, for example, rental agreement or utility bill
• Identity proof, which may either be an Aadhaar card or PAN card
• Commodities handled in food

Step 6: Paying the Application Fee

A standard FSSAI registration has a small amount of money charged as a per-registration fee.

Step 7: Await Approval

Once the form and fee are submitted, it generally takes 7-10 days for the FSSAI authority to process the application. In some cases, inspection may be done. And, then a registration certificate shall be issued with the 14-digit FSSAI number after confirming all the documents are in order.

4. Benefits of FSSAI Registration

Various advantages are coming along with FSSAI registration for small food business operations.

• Your business may become popular easily since varied customers feel that goods that are FSSAI compliant.
• The company is unlikely to have a threat of being punished or sued for lack of compliance
• Ease in Expansion: A registered business has the potential to associate with big retailers, food delivery e-commerce companies and supermarket chains
• Effective Management: FSSAI regulations maintain hygienic conditions and standards while providing quality. This would eventually enhance the manufacturing and service process.

5. FSSAI Registration Renewal

The period for the validity of FSSAI registration as chosen while registering starts from 1 to 5 years. Renewal will ensure to keep at that level and also prevent fines. One can renew in the following ways:

• Initiate Renewal Process 30 Days Before the End Date: begin the process to renew 30 days before the end date.
• Login Fssai Portal: Log on to the FoSCoS portal for the renewal option and update as necessary.
• Submit New Upgraded Documents and Fees: Hand over upgraded documents and pay the renewal fee
• Collect Registration Certificate: This renewed registration will be carried out through your existing FSSAI number and ensure compliance.

Conclusion:

It becomes a kind of value addition wherein its registration is a legal requirement but translates into giving credibility and reliance in the market. For that matter, the process has never been easier or more accessible-like the process of online application while trying to obtain a food license in India. If done, then small food business operators would have all the necessary compliance, consumer confidence, and resultant opportunities for growth that their businesses need in an exceptionally competitive industry.