Crops, vegetables, fruits, and cattle products are examples of agricultural goods that are not confined to field crops. In addition, agricultural products include goats, cattle, horses, sheep, milk, and eggs. Many individuals in rural areas rely on the trade of these goods to support their families. Therefore, this blog focuses entirely on the critical requirements for the FSSAI license for agricultural products.

Importance of FSSAI License for Agricultural Products

FSSAI license is important for agricultural products because the Food Safety & Standard Authority of India regulates food quality and safety; all food-related businesses and industries must be FSSAI-registered. The FSSAI license assists food-related firms in meeting all regulatory criteria. Food preparation, handling, delivery, packaging, retailing, and import or export sectors are all included. Therefore, an FSSAI registration/FSSAI license is required for every food-related company.

Consumables include agricultural items. Under the Food Safety Act, trading, selling, and marketing agricultural goods require a food license. As a result, in order to conduct any agricultural activity, an FSSAI registration is required.

Benefits of FSSAI License for Agricultural Products

The benefits of an FSSAI License for agricultural products are-

• Create a quality and trusted brand for your agricultural goods firm.
• FSSAI registration will make any legal process involving your company simple and efficient.
• You may open branches for your agricultural product company.
• You can use the FSSAI licencing logo to demonstrate to consumers your care for quality.
• The FSSAI License can bring you investments and simplify the lending procedure.

FSSAI License Registration

Every food business operator that manufactures, stores, distributes or sells food products must get an FSSAI License. FSSAI Registration differs from FSSAI License in that FBO should get the relevant registration or license based on the size and type of the business.

It is a 14-digit registration or licencing number found on all food containers. The 14-digit registration number contains information on the assembly state and the producer's permit. This registration procedure is intended to increase accountability on the part of the FBO to preserve the quality of the food items. The Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, govern the licencing and registration process and standards.

Who Can Opt for An FSSAI License?

Below listed business operators can opt for an FSSAI license-

• Retail stores and petty retailers such as Retail Shop, Snack Shop, Confectionery or Bakery Shop, and so on.
• Food booths, whether temporary or permanent that are involved in the preparation, distribution, storage, and sale of food goods such as Gol Gappa booths, chat stalls, fruits and vegetable vendors, Tea Stall, munchies stalls, Bread Pakoda stalls, Samosa stalls, Chinese cuisine stall, South Indian food stall, candy stall, juice stores, and so on.
• Hawkers are people who sell packaged or freshly prepared food by travelling from one site to another (typically on foot or on portable carts).
• Milk Chilling Units, Petty Milkman, and Milk Vendors are examples of dairy units.
• Units for processing vegetable oil.
• Meat stores, mutton shops, chicken shops, lamb meat shops, etc.

The type of FSSAI license or registration required by each of the aforementioned company types is determined by their qualifying requirements. The FSSAI website lists the eligibility conditions for each type of company and license/registration.

Types of FSSAI Registration

There are three types of FSSAI licenses for agricultural products-

Basic FSSAI License for Agricultural Products

The Food Standards & Safety Authority of India has made it mandatory for FBOs to obtain a basic license if their yearly sales are less than Rs 12 lakh. Entities that meet this threshold limit are needed to get this license. When this threshold is reached, the involved entity must automatically upgrade to a State license.

State FSSAI License for Agricultural Products

The FSSAI is a government-run organisation that establishes food safety and cleanliness recommendations in India. According to this organisation, the State FSSAI License is necessary for FBOs with annual revenues ranging from Rs.12 lakhs to Rs.20 crore. In addition, food business operators such as producers, retailers, transporters, wholesalers, restaurant marketers, and so on are also subject to the FSS Act, 2006, and must get FSSAI registration.

Central FSSAI License for Agricultural Products

The Food Standards & Safety Authority of India requires central FSSAI registration for enterprises with annual revenue of more than Rs 20 crore.

How to Obtain FSSAI License for Agricultural Products Online

The process of obtaining an FSSAI license for agricultural products involves the following steps-

• FBOs can receive FSSAI registration online by submitting Form A for Registration or Form B for State & Central License on the FoSCoS site. Offline Registration is also possible for FBOs by submitting Form A or Form B to the Food and Safety Department.
• The relevant documentation must be submitted with the FSSAI registration form. The papers must be posted electronically on the FoSCos site at the time of application submission or physically provided to the Food and Safety Department together with the application.
• The Department has seven days from the date of receipt of an application, either physically or electronically through the FoSCoS site, to approve or reject the FSSAI registration form. If the application is refused, the applicant must be notified in writing.
• The Department will review the papers provided.
• If required, the Department may examine the food facilities before issuing the FSSAI registration certificate.
• If the Department determines that the FBO fits all of the specified requirements, it will issue an FSSAI registration certificate with the registration number and the applicant's email ID photo. Connecting to the FoSCoS portal allows the applicant to get the FSSAI registration certificate.
• The FSSAI registration certificate shall be conspicuously displayed during business hours at the FBO.

FSSAI Registration Eligibility

FSSAI Registration is a license that is needed for all FBOs engaged in the small-scale food sector. This category includes the following companies:

Any FBO has an annual revenue of less than Rs. 12 lakhs.

Small-scale retailer specialising in food.

Any individual who makes or sells food on his or her own.

The temporary stall holder sells the food.

Except for a caterer, someone who distributes food during a religious or social event.

Documents Required for FSSAI License Registration

The following is the content of documents required for a basic fssai license, state fssai license, and central fssai license for agricultural products-

• Operators of food establishments must provide photo identification.
• Certificate of the business constitution, such as a partnership agreement, certificate of incorporation, shop and establishment License, or other business registration certificate.
• Proof of business premises possession, such as a leasing agreement
• NOC from the rental premises' owner, utility bills, etc.
• Plan for a food safety management system.
• A list of food items that have been produced or processed.
• Information about your bank account.
• Supporting documentation (if necessary), such as a Municipality or Panchayat NOC, a Health NOC, a copy of the manufacturer's license, and so on.

Aside from the generic paperwork listed above, some specialised documents are necessary to get the FSSAI state License and the FSSAI central License. The following papers are necessary to receive the FSSAI state License:

• Form B has been fully completed and signed.
• Plan of the processing unit displaying dimensions and operational area allocation
• List of Directors/Partners/Proprietors with address, contact information, and picture ID
• Name and list of used equipment and machinery, including the number and installed capacity
• A responsible person's name and address were designated in an authority letter from the manufacturer.
• A water analysis report must be utilised in the process to validate portability.
• Copies of certificates received under the Coop Act of 1861 and the Multi-State Coop Act of 2002
• Aside from the basic License, the FSSAI central License requires the following particular documents:
• Form B has been fully completed and signed.
• Plan of the processing unit displaying dimensions and operational area allocation
• List of Directors/Partners/Proprietors with address, contact information, and picture ID
• Name and list of used equipment and machinery, including the number and installed capacity
• A responsible person's name and address were designated in an authority letter from the manufacturer.
• A water analysis report must be utilised in the process to validate portability.
• Source of raw materials for milk, meat, and other products.
• Wherever possible, use a recall strategy.
• 100% EOU Ministry of Commerce Certificate
• FSSAI provided NOC/PA paperwork
• DGFT has produced an IE code paper.
• Form 9
• Ministry of Tourism Certificate
• Documentation supporting verification of turnover and transportation
• Form of Declaration

Status of FSSAI Registration

FSSAI sends SMS/Email alerts to applicants at various application processing stages. The applicant can also monitor the FSSAI registration status by entering the application reference number issued after filing the application to FSSAI on the FoSCoS website under the 'Track Application Status' option. Click here for complete instructions on following your FSSAI application's status.

Tracking the application status allows you to see the various phases of the FSSAI registration status. For example, when the FSSAI registration status is 'Application Reversed,' it means that the FSSAI authorities have reverted the application for any necessary changes or clarification. To avoid application rejection, the applicant must send the answer within 30 days after the reversed date.

When the FSSAI officials issue the FSSAI registration certificate, the registration status will be shown as 'Registration Certificate Issued'. By login into the FoSCoS website, applicants can download the certificate.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Any registered or Licensed person under the FSSAI must follow the rules and regulations outlined in the FSS Act of 2006. A food safety officer inspects the food company operator's facility and uses a checklist to determine the degree of compliance with the legislation. The food safety officer assigns it the following compliance level:

• Compliance (C) 
• Non-compliance (NC) 
• Partially Compliant (PC)
• Not applicable/Not seen (NA)

Based on the preceding, the food safety officer may issue an improvement notice as required by Section 32 of the FSS Act of 2006. If the business operator fails to relent with the improvement notice, the officer may terminate his License after providing the licensee with a chance to demonstrate cause. Any food business operator who is dissatisfied with an improvement notice may file an appeal with the State Commissioner of Food Safety. The judgement can be contested by filing an appeal with the Food Safety Appellate Tribunal/High Court.

Renewal of FSSAI License

The FSSAI License is required to begin a food company, and it is also required to renew the License. The License is valid for one year or five years; thus, the company must apply for renewal 30 days before the existing license expires.

Conclusion

According to Section 31(1) of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, every Food Business Operator in India must be licensed by the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India. The Food Safety & Standards Regulations, 2011 govern the FSSAI licensing, registration system, and standards. Any food business in India that makes, stores, transports, or distributes food must have a Food Safety & Standards Authority of India License or Registration. FSSAI license may be necessary depending on the size and type of the firm.

Read More:

FSSAI Registration for Selling Homemade Products in India
Requirement for FSSAI Licensing for Tea Business in India

How to Get FSSAI Licence for Dairy Products