Food License Apply: Its process, Fees and Benefits

Food license apply is essential for food ventures. If you are planning to start a food business in India, obtaining a food license is mandatory.

Are you opening a bakery? A hotel? Or even a restaurant?

Are you a small home kitchen owner?

If your answer to all these questions is yes, a food license apply is vital for you.

Moreover, if you are a food business operator (FBO), you need to have a food license

If you are operating in:

1. Storage of food products
2. selling
3. Preparation of food
4.  Distribution
5. Transportation
6. Food manufacturing

Applying for a food license is beneficial for you.

Are you a food business owner? Have you still not applied for a food license?

Are you someone who finds the food license apply confusing?

Then don’t worry.

This blog is your ultimate guide for understanding everything about food license apply online. Let’s read together.

What does a food license apply refers to?

Food license refers to having an FSSAI license. So, you need to know what FSSAI is:

F for Food

S for Safety

Another S is for Standards

And A stands for Authority. I, is the initial of India.

So, in simple words, FSSAI is:

• An independent body
• This is an organisation
• FSSAI governs all kinds of food businesses in India
• It is formed under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Govt. of India)

Are you finding it interesting? Here is some more food for thought about the food license apply:

• FSSAI comes under the Food Safety Standards Act 2006 (FSS Act)
• It ensures the quality checks for all the food products before it gets delivered to us
• Food license apply means that you are a registered and licensed FBO in India
• It helps to prevent food adulteration and the sale of substandard food products
• Lastly, it also makes rules for running the food business in India.

What is a Food license?

Having a food license in India refers to the legal approval of your food business.

Do you own any kind of food business? Having a food license mandatory for you.

In simple words, if you are involved:

1. The distribution of Food Products
2. An artificial or natural food business
3. Or in the case of manufacturing, storing, processing, and selling

Having a food license is vital for you. So a food license in India is:

• Firstly, it is the 14-digit registration number
• You can also call it a license number
• Moreover, this number gives details about the producer’s permit
• It also gives information on the assembling state
• This helps to bring more accountability to the FBO
• Lastly, it helps the FBOs to maintain the quality of food products.

Are applying for food registration and a food license the same?

Is having a food registration and a food license the same, right?

Before getting into any further discussion, I need to tell you this.

Food registration and a food license are also known as FSSAI registration and FSSAI license.

And, please don’t be confused here.

Having an FSAAI registration and an FSSAI license are not the same

(a)  It depends on the nature and size of your business

(b) If you are an FBO, you need to get the license or registration.

(c)  Remember that it entirely depends on the size of your business

Want to know more about the differences between FSSAI registration and food license apply? Here is what it is:

The various types of food license apply

Before knowing how to opt for a food license apply, you need to know some facts.

• There are 3 types of food licenses you can apply for.
• This food license apply is based on the business types.
• Moreover, it includes types, turnovers and capacity of your production.
• Considering these factors, the FBOs are eligible for a license.
• These 3 types of licenses are: basic, central and state licenses.

(i) FSSAI Registration (Basic)

This applies to you if you are:

1. An FBO and your turnover is less than 12 lakhs per annum
2. FSSAI basic registration is ideal for you
3. You need to fill a FSSAI registration form
4. Here, remember that you need to fill out (FSSAI basic registration) Form A.

(ii) FSSAI State License

Are you planning to opt for a food license apply?

This is what you need to know.

• The FSSAI state license applies to you if:
• Your turnover is more than 12 lakhs per annum
• Moreover, it needs to be less than 20 crore rupees
• In this case, you need to opt for the FSSAI state license.
• You need to fill a FSSAI registration form
• To get an FSSAI state license, Form B applies to you

(iii) FSSAI central license

For a food license apply, the FSSAI central license is apt for you. If your food business:

1. Turnover is more than 20 crores per annum
2. Here, you need to opt for the FSSAI central license
3. It is obvious that you need to fill a FSSAI registration form
4. To get the FSSAI central license, Form B is applicable to you.

Food license apply online

To answer your question, the process of food license apply online, I would say:

1. To get the food license, you need to fill out the FSSAI registration form
2. From A (Only for Basic Registration) or Form B (For State License and Central License) on the https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/ portal
3. You can also register offline.
4. For this, you need to submit Form A or Form B to the Food Safety Department
5. For FSSAI registration, you need documents.
6. Upload this to the FoSCoS portal at the time of filling out this application
7. In case of offline, submit the documents to the Food and Safety Department
8. Your basic registration form is accepted or rejected usally within 7 days of application. State and Central License can take 30–60 days, especially if inspection is involved.

Here, you need to remember this. It applies to both online and offline methods

You will be informed in case your application is rejected.

Thinking of what happens after your food license apply? Here it is simplified for you:

• The department examines your documents
• An inspection can take place.
• They can examine the food premises for granting the food license.
• If you can satisfy the department with the required criteria, you will be given an FSSAI registration.
• The FSSAI registration certificate will have the registration number
• Here, you can find your photo and email id
• You can download this by logging into the FoSCoS portal.

Lastly, you need to remember this.

You should prominently display the certificate of FSSAI registration in your business place

What documents are needed for the food license apply online?

Here is the list of documents for the food license apply online:

• Your business constitution certificate.
• Photo identity proof
• The partnership deed (if applicable)
• Shop and establishment license
• Certificate of incorporation and so on.
• Proof of your business premises.
• You can submit rental agreements.
• NOC of the owner, Utility bills and so on
• List of food products (Processed or manufactured)
• Some supporting documents (If applicable)
• Food safety management plan
• Copy of the license from the manufacturer
• It includes the NOC of the municipality, Health, or Panchayat
• Information about your bank account

What are the fees for applying for a food license online?

If you have read so far, there might be a question on your mind.

What are the fees you need to pay for a food license apply online, right?

You need to pay the fees at the time of form submission

For basic registration, you need to pay a fee of 100 INR

The state license fees: between 2000 and 5000 INR

It also depends on the business type you are in

If you are opting for a central license, you need to pay 7500 INR

Final Thoughts

So, at the end of our guide, I would tell you one simple thing:

A food license apply is not an option. It is mandatory for food business.

The process is simple. It is online completely. The food license apply is fast if you are submitting the correct documents. So, what are you waiting for? Apply for a food license today and stay compliant. If you need any assistance regarding FSSAI license get in touch with Online Legal India.

FAQs

1. Can I renew my food license online?

Yes, you can renew your food license online before expiry

2. What happens if I don’t have a food license and I am doing a food business?

A food business without a license is subjected to penalties and fines. You may have to close your food business also.

3. How can I check my food license status after applying?

After food license apply online, you can check the status using your application reference number.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Online Legal India is a digital platform. If you require legal assistance, we strongly recommend consulting a qualified lawyer or law firm.