FSSAI State License
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an authority set up in 2006 by law, to make sure that food in India meets safety standards. FSSAI has made different types of paperwork needed by those who run businesses selling food. FSSAI State License is needed for medium to big food businesses active in one state. This license is needed for FBOs who make more than Rs12 lakhs or more in rupees 20 crores. A State License from FSSAI lets food businesses run legally and follow the set food safety rules.Getting an FSSAI State License means medium to big food businesses follow the rules for safe food. With this license, FBOs prove they will keep things clean and safe for quality control. They also guarantee customer safety.Getting an FSSAI State License involves a big process that includes handing in important papers like your food safety plan, where you live proof, who the owner is and details about them. It also covers how their company handles food talk. An FBO needs to give the required papers and pay the cost set based on yearly sales and the type of food business.A State License from FSSAI is very important for big and medium food businesses. It shows they follow rules to keep food safe. It helps build customer confidence by making sure food products offered in markets are safe and good.
Types
For medium to big food businesses in one state of India, the FSSAI State License is needed. This license is given by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). It makes sure that these companies follow all rules about keeping food safe. The types of FSSAI State License are as follows:
- State License for Manufacturers: This group includes restaurant owners and managers who make or change food products in a medium to big size. It includes businesses like food factories, wrapping plants and other production places. It includes businesses like food factories, wrapping plants and other production places.It includes businesses like food preparation places, wrapping factories and other production sites.It includes businesses like places that process food, wrap things up, and other factories.
- State License for Storage: This type is for FBOs that keep and store food items on a medium to big scale.
- State License for Distributors: This group includes FBOs who give out and provide food items in middle to big sizes. It includes sellers, distributors and keepers working in a certain state.
- State License for Retailers: This type is for businesses in the shopping part, like big grocery stores and supermarkets. It also includes small places where you can buy food fast or get things from online sellers of food too.
- State License for Transporters: This group includes FBOs that transport food items for medium to big sizes. It includes carriers and suppliers managing food goods in a particular state.
- State License for Caterers: This group is for large and medium businesses that provide food services. This involves giving food services at events, canteens and other institutions.
Advantages
Obtaining a national license from the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a requirement for medium-sized food processing businesses. This license applies to businesses whose annual turnover is between Rs. 12 lakhs and Rs. 20 crores of rupees. Here are some of the benefits of an FSSAI State License.
- Compliance: The FSSAI state license ensures that the food industry operates within the regulatory framework laid down by the FSSAI. It demonstrates adherence to food safety and quality standards and ensures that the business operates safely and hygienically.
- Increased credibility: State licensing provides credibility and authenticity for the food industry. It assures consumers that the products offered by the business are safe to consume. This increases customer trust and loyalty.
- Access to more customers: State licensing enables food service providers to access more customers. Many government tenders, contracts and institutional purchasers require registration with the FSSAI, and having a state license enables you to participate in such opportunities.
- Expansion Opportunities: State licenses allow food processors to expand their operations beyond their state’s geographic boundaries. These licenses allow for the establishment of multiple branches and facilitate cross-border trade, thus providing avenues for business growth.
- Financial assistance: Many financial institutions and banks consider the FSSAI state license as the key to providing loans or financial assistance to food entrepreneurs. These patents give the business credibility and reliability and provide funding for expansion or diversification.
- Variety flexibility: State licensing provides food processors with a wider range of products compared to original registration. It allows the business to introduce new or different foods, meeting changing consumer needs and preferences.
- Legal protection: State licensing provides legal protection to food retailers. In the event of any legal dispute or customer complaint, having the proper license helps to prove compliance with the required standards, thereby reducing the potential for liability.
Documents
The documents required to obtain a state license under the Food Safety Standards Act, 2006 are:
- Form B - Application for State Permit
- The complete declaration by Annex IV
- A food processing plan or plan of action
- A list of the types of foods to be prepared or handled
- A letter of authorization from the responsible person appointed by the manufacturer with the right to appoint
- In the case of a company, the certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association
- List of directors or partners or owners with contact details
- Photographic identity and address proof issued by the Government Authorities of the Promoter/Partner/Director/Ownership
- Food safety management program or certificate
- Water for feed (chemical and bacteriological) research report.
- Evidence of Ownership (Deed of Sale/Tenancy Agreement).
- Use a certificate issued by the local municipality or gram panchayat
- Partnership deed or affidavit of ownership
- Serial numbers, installed power, and consumption of horsepower of various machines and equipment
- Source of milk or procurement of milk including location of milk collection etc. In the case of processing of milk and milk products
- Arrangements for all measurements, weighing machines, etc. Certificate of measurement.
- Declaration of appointment of engineer
- NOC from the manufacturer
- Documentary evidence of sales (e.g. audited financial statements).
- Documentary evidence in support of the amount adjustment shown in Form B
- Import and export code details, if applicable
Process
Obtaining a State License from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is necessary for food businesses engaged in medium-scale manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, and sale of food products. The process to acquire an FSSAI State License can be outlined as follows:
- Determine Eligibility: Confirm if your food business falls under the category required to obtain a State License. This includes businesses with an annual turnover between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 20 crores, medium-scale manufacturers, processors, storage units, transporters, and retailers.
- Application Preparation: Collect the necessary documents for the application, which may include Form B (completed and signed), the proprietor/partners/directors' identity and address proof, business entity documents (such as incorporation certificate, MOA, AOA), layout plan of the premises, supporting information on the food safety management system, and a list of food products to be manufactured/handled.
- Submit Application: Submit the filled-in Form B along with the required documents to the designated FSSAI office of your respective State either in person or through the online submission portal.
- Verification and Inspection: The FSSAI authority will assess the application and may conduct an on-site inspection of your premises to verify compliance with the prescribed standards and guidelines.
- License Issuance: If the application and premises meet the requirements, the FSSAI will issue the State License, usually containing a unique 14-digit license number.
- Display License: The FSSAI State License should be prominently displayed at the registered office or place of business.
- Renewal: The State License is ordinarily issued for 1-5 years, depending on the fees paid. It is essential to apply for renewal before the license expires to avoid penalties or non-compliance issues.
Why Adviso?
The process of FSSAI State License includes a comprehensive range of requisites, meticulous document preparation, and pre-and post-compliance obligations. Adhering to the specific terms of compliance is of utmost importance. Undertaking the Obtaining FSSAI State Licensewithout professional assistance can prove to be a difficult task. This is where Adviso comes into play. At Adviso, we offer proficient services for obtaining the FSSAI State License. Our team of competent Lawyers, Chartered Accountants, and Company Secretaries will adeptly guide you through each step of the journey, ensuring a seamless and efficient completion of your state license obligations. With Adviso's adept expertise and invaluable support, you will be able to navigate the intricate complexities of Annual Compliance requirements for Public Limited Companies, saving both time and effort, while ensuring full compliance with all requisite regulations.
FAQs
The criteria for applying for an FSSAI state license include an annual turnover of about Rs. 12 lakhs and Rs. 20 crores, operating in a specific geographical area of the country, and having a medium-sized food business. The specific criteria and requirements of the FSSAI license may vary depending on state government regulations and guidelines.