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What is an FSSAI license?

FSSAI is an acronym for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. FSSAI is a Government of India regulatory body for the food safety and quality of the country. As a manufacturer, packer, seller, or supplier of food, you will have to hold an FSSAI license. This license indicates that your company maintains food quality and safety standards.

Why does a startup need an FSSAI license?

Legal Requirement

It is compulsory to possess an FSSAI license to operate a food business in India. Without this license, your business startup may be taken to court or fined. Such unlicensed businesses are usually sealed.

Customer Trust

The customers today are very aware. When they see that your restaurant or product has an FSSAI license, they know that your food is safe and of higher quality. This is the easiest way through which startups can establish brand value.

Attracting Investors

Startups need funds. Investors invest in those businesses that follow legal guidelines. Obtaining an FSSAI license makes your business more reliable and susceptible to raising funds.

Market Competition

The food business is highly competitive. When you are licensed and delivering safe, quality-standard products, customers will opt for you.

Registration on Online Platforms

If you wish to sell food on platforms such as Zomato, Swiggy, Amazon Pantry, or Flipkart Grocery, you must have an FSSAI license. Otherwise, you cannot do business on these sites.

Benefits for Startups

Brand Value and Trust

A license puts your brand in good faith and trustworthiness. It establishes your company in good faith with customers as well as partners.

Legal Protection

With a license, you have no fear of government inspection and investigation. You are totally legally covered.

Easy Expansion

During business expansion and desiring to open new branches or expand the business into other cities, FSSAI licensing proves useful.

Quality Improvement

FSSAI applies standards periodically. FSSAI-licensed startups must adhere to these standards, hence the quality and customer satisfaction improvement.

FSSAI License Types

Startups should also understand that there are three kinds of FSSAI licenses:

• Basic Registration â€” For small firms or startups with an annual turnover limit of not more than ₹12 lakh.
• State Registration â€” For firms with an annual turnover ranging between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.
• Central Registration â€” For large firms, export-import firms, or firms with a turnover of more than ₹20 crore.

Startups can opt for any one of these licenses depending on their requirements and business size.

Documents Required for an FSSAI License

There are certain documents required by startups while applying for an FSSAI license, which include:

• Aadhaar Card/PAN Card
• Proof of Business Address
• Food Product Details
• Certificate of Business Registration (like Private Limited, LLP, or MSME)
• Passport-Size Photo
• Other Documents as Applicable (based on the type of business)

How can you register on the FSSAI registration portal to obtain a food license certificate?

• First, search for FSSAI registration on Google.
• Once the webpage opens, the application form for a food license certificate will open on your screen.
• The form will require all the information required, such as your startup’s name, the applicant’s name, email address, and other business-related information.
• Then, select the type of registration you wish to obtain from the drop-down box, such as basic registration, state registration, or central registration.
• Then, select the period for which you wish to obtain the registration from the drop-down box.
• Then, select the designation.
• Enter the state, district, and PIN code of your startup’s location in the form. If you wish to provide additional information related to your business, enter that information as well.
• Then, select any proof of your business that you wish to submit from the drop-down box.
• Then, enter the verification code displayed on the form and click Apply Now. Once the entire process is complete, you will receive your food license.

What if you do not obtain a FSSAI license?

• Severe repercussions may be imposed.
• Your company may even be closed.
• Customer and investor confidence will be eroded.
• You cannot connect to online platforms or large supply chains