The epidemic-imposed quarantine has given rise to a number of skilled home cooks and bakers. You must be aware of and obtain an FSSAI Registration or License if you operate a homemade products business in India. If you don't have one, the FSSAI may also ban your company, or you may be subject to a severe fine of up to Rs. 5 lakhs. Learn everything there is to know about FSSAI Registration before you sell handmade products in India.

What is FSSAI?

A government organisation called the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, or FSSAI, is in charge of policing India's food businesses and industry. It is a distinct entity that answers directly to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Indian government. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act), a single piece of legislation that governs all facets of food regulation in India. Food items are put through rigorous testing to stop the distribution of subpar products and food tampering.

It is responsible for registering and issuing licences to Food Business Operators (FBO), as well as setting the standards for the Indian food industry. As a result, FSSAI developed FSSAI Registration and License to oversee the Indian food business.

What is FSSAI Registration?

Before they can legally produce, prepare, store, distribute, or sell food, firms dealing with food in India are required to obtain some sort of registration or licence, according to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

A Food Business Operator (FBO) may be required to register with the FSSAI, known as Basic FSSAI Registration, or to obtain a licence from the organisation, known as FSSAI License, depending on the size and nature of operations.

It is a 14-digit registration or licence number that is specific to each food business and may be found on all food packaging. The registration procedure is meant to give FBOs more accountability for maintaining the uniformity and safety of their food products. The procedure and requirements for getting a licence or registration for a food business are governed by the Food Safety & Standards Regulations, 2011.

Importance of FSSAI Registration for Selling Homemade Products in India

All companies that sell homemade food products must register with the FSSAI or receive a basic registration. You will require an FSSAI License if your annual turnover exceeds Rs 12 lakh.

Subsets can be found even within the licence acquisition field. The FSSAI office in their respective state must provide the licence to those with annual sales over Rs 12 Lakh but less than Rs 20 Crore; those with annual sales over Rs 20 Crore must apply to the Central FSSAI office.

The licence that was granted to you after the registration process is complete is only good for usage in the state where the licence was initially sought; it cannot be used in any other state.

The length of the FSSAI registration may range from one to five years, and it may be renewed if required.

A renewal application must be submitted by businesses that sell homemade products 30 days before their FSSAI licence expires.

A fine of Rs. 100 per day will be assessed for late submission of the registration renewal.

According to the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, anyone selling homemade products without the required registration faces a punishment of up to Rs 2 Lakh.

Key Points to remember for Homemade Food Products Business in India as per FSSAI Standards

• Keep the space where the food is prepared clean at all times.
• Air, light, and regular cleaning must all be available in appropriate amounts.
• Water that is clean must be accessible.
• In order to avoid the buildup of dirt and bacteria on the kitchen utensils, all procedures must be followed. To use the cleanest equipment possible, every effort must be made.
• Access to protective gear, including clean aprons, hard hats, and gloves, is necessary for workers. Personal hygiene must be emphasised.  

Why is FSSAI License Important for homemade products?

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is where the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) operates. The FSSAI requires any company involved in the food industry to register. Obtaining an FSSAI certificate guarantees the food you produce is secure and hygienic. It consists of a meal preparation business as well as a food delivery, distribution, catering, and retailing operation. To obtain the FSSAI certificate, FoSCos (Food Safety Compliance) was established by FSSAI.

Online home kitchens must register with the FSSAI to conduct business. Without an FSSAI certificate, they won't be able to operate their firm. Swiggy and Zomato greatly aid the delivery of orders from online home kitchens. However, these platforms forbid third parties from listing their product without an FSSAI licence. The customer will be able to trust your goods and services as a result.

The following are some ways that an FSSAI accreditation can help you take your business to the next level while also helping you meet regulatory requirements:

• Create a trustworthy brand for your online homemade food products by focusing on quality.
• Any legal proceeding involving your company will be simple and successful thanks to your FSSAI registration.
• By opening more locations, you can simply grow your business.
• You can let clients know that you care about quality by using the FSSAI licensing logo.
• Your FSSAI licence can attract investments and simplify the loan application process.

How to get FSSAI License for homemade products? 

FSSAI food licence certificates come in three different varieties. You must apply based on your business cap. These three licence types are:

Basic FSSAI Registration or FSSAI certificate: For startups and small businesses, basic FSSAI permits are available. Such enterprises should have a turnover of less than Rs. 12 lakhs per year. A Basic Food licence is adequate for these tiny enterprises.

You are subject to a small business cap if the revenue from your online home kitchen business is less than Rs. 12 lakhs. You must fill out Form A for a Basic FSSAI registration/FSSAI certificate. You must update your food licence from Basic FSSAI registration to state FSSAI registration whenever your business's annual revenue reaches Rs. 12 lakhs.

• Documents required:
• Address proof      
• Passport size photos      
• Business details
• FSSAI declaration form

State FSSAI Food License Registration or FSSAI certificate: Let's talk about the state-level food permit. Businesses with annual revenue of between Rs. 12 lakh and Rs. 20 crores are required to obtain a state-issued FSSAI licence or certificate.

The state will issue a food licence to any online home kitchen that provides food and generates revenue exceeding the aforementioned threshold. Fill out Form B in order to apply for this food licence.

Documents Required:      

• Documents of business premises (Rental/Lease agreement)      
• ID proof of the business owner (Aadhar/ Voter ID/ Driving License/ Passport)      
• Incorporation Certificate/ GST Registration/ Trading License      
• MOA and AOA      
• Trade license/ Establishment registration/ Panchayath License/ Corporation License/ Municipality License. Any one of them.      
• Business details      
• FSSAI declaration forms     

Central FSSAI Food License Registration or FSSAI certificate: The nationwide chains of online home kitchens are covered by the Central FSSAI food licence. Even small enterprises that manage to generate more than Rs. 20 Crores fall into this group.

You should apply for a Central food licence if your company's annual revenue exceeds Rs. 20 crores. Your mid-cap business must upgrade from a State food licence to a Central food licence if its annual revenue exceeds Rs. 20 crores. Fill out Form B to apply for this food licence.

Documents Required:

• Documents of business premises (Rental/Lease agreement)
• ID proof of the Business Owner (Aadhar/ Voter ID/ Driving License/Passport)
• Incorporation Certificate/GST Registration/Trade License
• Import and Export code
• MOA and AOA
• Trade license/ Establishment registration/ Panchayath License/ Corporation License/ Municipality License. Any one of them.
• List of business partners, if applicable.
• Business details
• FSSAI declaration forms

Procedure to get FSSAI Certificate for homemade products

1.Prepare a business plan.

2.Find out what your yearly turnover is.

3.Choose the appropriate licensing type for your online home kitchen business.

4.Complete the application and any required paperwork.

5.Settling the fee

6.Send the application form to portal

7.You should exercise caution if there is any inaccurate information in your application. FSSAI may cancel your registration. The form must be updated if there are any changes that need to be made. The amended form must be returned within thirty days (about four and a half weeks).

8.FSSAI could approve the licence in between 15 and 45 days or roughly one and a half months. You must continually monitor the process to identify any inconsistencies.

You might believe that going through all of these hoops to obtain an FSSAI certificate is challenging. But contacting a consultancy can make it simple. The market leader in terms of services for registering FSSAI licence certificates is Online Legal India. Our specialist will handle all the things that need to be done for you to obtain FSSAI registration. With the assistance of Online Legal India, you may complete the FSSAI registration and receive your FSSAI food licence at your doorstep.

Benefits of obtaining FSSAI Registration for selling Homemade products

By obtaining the proper FSSAI Registration, a food business is better able to operate legally, establish a reputation, ensure the quality and safety of its products, grow its clientele, and facilitate its expansion.

It is simpler for food businesses to attract financing, whether in the form of business loans or seed money, when they are registered with the FSSAI.

The FSSAI Registration is beneficial for businesses that sell homemade food products because it demonstrates to customers that they value their health and the safety of their food, two elements that are crucial for developing a loyal customer base.

Conclusion

To sum up, FSSAI Registration is necessary to run your home-based food business legally. To grow your business and increase your revenues, you must follow FSSAI regulations and obtain FSSAI registration.

Furthermore, feel free to visit our online Legal India website if you need assistance with the FSSAI Registration.