FSSAI Central License is required by all the Food Business Operators (FBOs) which are having their units in more than one state. Basically, they are large size businesses and are spread over various states or nations like McDonald's, Subway, Domino's and so on. These food businesses have an annual turnover of more than ₹20 crores. FBOs like importers, large producers, administrators in central government agencies are qualified for issuance of Central Food License. Food businesses operating in at least 2 states need to apply for one Central License for its Registered Head Office and separate registration or license for all branches according to the eligibility criteria relevant to them. The validity of the Food License starts from 1 year and the maximum tenure of the license is 5 years.
The Food Standard and Safety of India (FSSAI) is the legal authority who is responsible for the regulation of food security in India. All the FBOs must get a 14-digit FSSAI registration/license number according to their business activity and turnover and publish it on the food packages to overcome the adulteration in the food products. The FSSAI issues the Central License to all the large FBOs in India. It is the main requirement of the food businesses dealing in manufacturing, storage, distribution, transportation or retailing of food products.
It is mandatory by the FSSAI department for all large food business operators to obtain a Central FSSAI license to run their business legally in India. There are various reasons for FSSAI obtaining Central License which are as follows:
FSSAI monitors the food license of FBOs on a random basis and takes strict actions over those businesses whose licenses have expired or food businesses that don’t have an FSSAI license.
There is a huge level of consumer trust in the safety and quality of food so it has been more mandatory to continue that trust of the public. So licensing is an important factor, to keep that trust.
To maintain the trust of consumers, FBOs must print a 14-digit FSSAI License number on their food packages.
Central License promotes trade without compromising consumer protection and a larger share.
Central FSSAI License assures that the food products undergo quality checks by reducing the food adulteration and sale of sub-standard products.
The following Food Business Operators are eligible for Central FSSAI License:
FBOs like restaurants, retailers, distributors, and suppliers with an annual turnover of more than ₹20 Crores.
Manufacturing and processing units of vegetable oil by the method of solvent extraction and factories including oil expeller units, with a capacity of over 2 metric tonnes per day.
Dhaba, club, canteen, and other food vending establishments with branches spread in more than one state and an annual turnover of more than ₹12 Lakhs.
Wholesalers that have an annual turnover of not less than ₹30 Crores.
Hotels with rating 5-star or more.
100 % export oriented units involved in food production or processing
All importers including the import of food ingredients or additives.
Caterers working under Central Government or related agencies such as Railways, Airlines and airport, Seaport, Defence, etc.
Storages with a capacity of more than 50,000 metric tonnes,
Dairy Units (including chilling units), with a capacity to handle or process, over 50,000 liters per day,
A slaughtering capacity of over 50 large animals or more than 150 small animals or more than 1000 poultry birds per day.
Controlled Atmosphere + Cold Storage with the capacity of 1,000 MT or more
Transporters with more than 100 vehicles. Or turnover of more than ₹30 crores per annum.
All food processing units including re-packers and excluding the grains, pulses & cereals milling units with a capacity of over 2 metric tonnes per day.
All FBOs involved in producing an item of food, additive or its ingredient, using some new process or technology, and/or a combination thereof, whose safety has not been established yet by the FSSAI.
Following are the eligible entities having above stated turnover for applying for state license
1. According to the eligibility criteria, you are expected to get a Central FSSAI License then they must fill out the application form B according to the guidelines as prescribed by FSSAI. It must be taken care that every data provided must be correct, appropriate and authentic.
2. Focus that the general names must be mentioned for the products and not the brand names.
3. All the products as specified in the license must be certified as per the FSSAI Act, 2006
4. At last, you will be questioned for how many years you want to apply for Central License. You have to pick the appropriate period for which you wish to take the license. ( between 1-5 year)
5. Post-filing the form, the prescribed fees have to pay either by an online portal or by submitting the demand draft at the FSSAI state office.
6. Your license will be delivered in 25-30 days by posts
NOC & Copy of License from the manufacturer (Mandatory for Relabellers and Repackers). Food Safety Management System Plan or Certificate (if any)
Source of milk or procurement plan for milk including the location of milk collection centers in case of milk and mik products processing units. (if appl Source of raw material for meat and meat processing plants. (if applicable)
Pesticide protection report of water from a recognized laboratory if manufacturing packaged water.
NOC from Municipality or Local Body (optional)
Ministry of Commerce Certificate for 100% EOU.
NOC issued by FSSAI
Import Export Code issued by DGFT.
Nomination of Person(s) by a Company(Form IX)
Certification by the Ministry of Tourism.
Detailed proof of income in writing
Self-declaration of the number of vehicles
FSSA Declaration Form.
If applicable a copy of certificate received below the Coop Act — 1861 / Multi-State Coop Act - 2002 in case of Cooperatives.
List and name of machinery and equipment alongside the quantity, installed capacity and horsepower applied. It is compulsory for production and manufacturing units only.
Review report Chemical & Bacteriological of water to be applied as an ingredient in food from a verified or public health laboratory to verify the portability. I's Necessary for manufacturing and processing
Documentary evidence of turnover or setf-declaration of a number of vehicles. It's a compulsory document for Transporters.
Certificate of Food Safety Management System Plan ( FSMSP) if required
1) Form B
2) Address proof
3) Id Proof
4) PAN card
5) Declaration form
Yes, the central license in mandatory to apply.
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