FSSAI License for Importers: Process, Required Documents, Fee, Etc

It is mandatory for all persons operating in the food business in India, including those who plan to open restaurants, bakeries, hotels, cloud kitchens, or food stalls, to register on FSSAI. Thus, regardless of the role of FBO – whether being the processor, maker, seller, importer, supplier, or even packager of food items /products- they must have the FSSAI license in India to run the food business. FSSAI is an authorized body that monitors and regulates all food activities. It is independent under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Indian Government.

The FSSAI was set up under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act), a codifying legislation on food safety and standards in India. It provides quality assurance on the food products so that the spread of inferior products on the market is minimized. It looks to register and license the FBOs in India and sets the guidelines for operating the food business.

Documents Required for FSSAI license for Importers

♦ Address proof from the legal body of authorized government forces

♦ Identity proof such as Aadhaar is mandatory to avail of the service, and a complete feedback from checklist is needed to enable the GPS.

♦ Documentation confirming ownership of the business property

♦ A copy of the partnership deed or the company's incorporation certificate is required.

♦ Certification from Ministry of Commerce endowment 100% EOU

♦ Certification under the Coop Act of 1861 and the Multistate Coop Act of 2002, if applicable.

♦ Form IX duly filled

♦ Form -B must be filled

Some of the essential documents for importing foods to India:

♦ List of ingredient

♦ Declaration

♦ Import export code

♦ Label copy of the specimen

♦ Bill of entry

♦ Certificate of origin of country

Different Categories of FSSAI Registration in India

FSSAI body works nationally regarding food safety. FSSAI regulates all the food and ensures food safety throughout the country. To function legally, any food manufacturer, processor, trading company, distributor, marketer, or any other food group (FBO) must get an FSSAI registration or license/number, as the case may be under this scenario. The kind of FSSAI registration an FBO needs to obtain depends on the business's size, annual turnover, and production scale. Here’s a quick look at the three main categories:

1. FSSAI Basic Registration

♦ Eligibility: FSSAI registration Type I is the minor registration type required by businesses with an annual turnover of up to INR 12 lakhs.

♦ Process: Registration is online through Form A. It is not complicated and only needs basic information regarding the FBO and its activities.

♦ Suitable for: Small manufacturing industries retailers or marketers or those providing supplies that:

♦ Basic cooked food processes include jams, pickles, chocolates, and sweets.

♦ The mobile canteens and food stalls

♦ Small-scale storage units

♦ Small cafes and restaurants

2. FSSAI State License

♦ Eligibility: This license is for organized businesses with an annual turnover greater than Rs. 12 Lakh and less than Rs. 2 crore.

♦ Process: They note that Form B is the comprehensive application for a state license. It may involve an assessment of the FBO physical facilities and compliance with higher hygiene and safety standards.

♦ Suitable for: Food manufacturers, processors, and exporters, particularly mid-scale industries in the shortage areas needing the commodity most:

♦ Bakers and confectioners or establishment

♦ Oil processing units

♦ involved in packaging and bottling

♦ Restaurants that have more tables and chairs to offer

3. FSSAI Central License:

♦ Eligibility: The FSAAI central license category is the most liberal and is compulsory for large-scale industries with a turnover of more than Rs. 20 crore.

♦ Process: The most detailed and formal is the license application through Form B, where deep inspections, certification of numerous documents, and high-quality requirements are necessary.

• Suitable for: Large size food production units, processing plants and importers, including:

♦ Multistate and national food chain

♦ Large slaughterhouses and meat processing units

♦ Importers of food products

FSSAI License Cost

The fees must be paid to the applicant / FBO while filing the FSSAI registration form.

♦ FSSAI Basic Registration – Fee is Rs.100

♦ FSSAI State License – Fee range is between 2000 INR to 5000 INR (Based on the kind of operations that are going to be conducted)

♦ FSSAI Central License – this license costs Rs.7500 + 18% GST units.

How to Apply for an FSSAI Registration Online

1. Online application

Applicants for FBO can register online through FSSAI registration form A (registration) or form B (state and central license) from the FoSCoS website. The FBOs can also register offline by submitting Form A or B to the Food and Safety Department.

2. Inspection by FSSAI

According to the norm, the authorities will respond to the application within one week. The food safety officer will inspect the business premises if the application is rejected.

3. Approval from FSSAI

Following the due inspection, authorities will permit it to move to the following level for the FSSAI license issuance.

4. Issuance of License

After the approval, the central licensing authority will issue an FSSAI food license and send a soft copy to your registered email ID.

Renewal of FSSAI License

The FSSAI license is required as the first step for starting the food business. The validity can be one year or five years; therefore, the company must apply for renewal 30 days before the current permit expires.

Conclusion

FSSAI license is therefore crucial to importers to help ensure that the food products imported into the country meet India's food safety standards. The credibility of this license is apparent, and the business of importing food and beverages runs efficiently with this type of license. In India, food importers need an FSSAI license to conduct their business legally and to regulate and ensure that the health of the public is protected in a highly competitive as well as in an opportunistic market.