Documents Required for FSSAI State License

If you want to run a successful food business in India, you need to maintain compliance with the safety and quality standards, as it is non-negotiable. One of the key certifications required to ensure that your food business operates legally and ethically is the FSSAI State License. In this article, you will know about the paperwork to formalities, which will help you navigate the application smoothly and efficiently. Whether you are a startup or an established business, you need to understand these requirements as this is the first step towards securing your FSSAI State license and building consumer trust.

Types of FSSAI Licenses

To run a food-related business in India, it’s crucial to obtain the right FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license based on the size and scope of your business. The FSSAI provides three types of licenses, each meant for businesses based on their turnover levels. Here is a breakdown of each type:

1. FSSAI Basic Registration

Eligibility: For businesses with an annual turnover of less than Rs 12 lakh.

Description: This is the simplest and most basic form of registration for small food businesses. It is ideal for small retailers, hawkers, home-based food businesses, and other small-scale food operators. The process is quick and easy, and allows small businesses to comply with food safety standards without the complexity of higher-level licensing.

2. FSSAI State License

Eligibility: For businesses with an annual turnover between Rs 12 lakh and  Rs 20 crore.

Description: The state license is meant for medium-sized food businesses that operate within a single state. This license is required for businesses such as mid-sized restaurants, food manufacturers, processors, and distributors. It ensures that the business adheres to FSSAI standards while it operates within the state’s jurisdiction.

3. FSSAI Central License

Eligibility: For businesses with an annual turnover that exceeds Rs 20 crore or those who operate in multiple states or are involved in importing and exporting food products.

Description: The central license is the most comprehensive license. It is meant for large-scale food businesses, including manufacturers, importers, exporters, and those who operate in multiple states. This license is required to meet the top food safety standards established by the FSSAI at the national level.

Documents Required for FSSAI State License

When you apply for an FSSAI State License, the required documents can differ depending on whether your food business is manufacturing or non-manufacturing. Below is a list of the general documents needed for both types of food business operators (FBOs):

Documents Required for Non-Producing FBOs or Non-Manufacturing Companies

• Certificate of Incorporation: Document verifying the company’s legal incorporation.
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA): These define the company’s operations and objectives.
• PAN Card: A copy of the company’s Permanent Account Number (PAN) card.
• List of Directors: Names of all the directors in the company.
• Board Resolution: A resolution passed by the board of directors to apply for FSSAI license.
• Form IX, Nomination Form: A form nominating a person responsible for FSSAI compliance.
• List of Food Products: A list of food products to be sold or distributed by the business.

Documents Required for Producing FBOs or Manufacturing Companies

Along with the documents listed above, producing or manufacturing food businesses must submit the following additional documents:

• Documents of Directors & Nominee: Copies of photo identity cards and address proofs for the directors and the nominee.
• Educational Qualification: Proof of the educational qualifications of the nominee or authorized person.
• Blueprint or Layout Plan of the Processing Unit: A detailed plan of the processing unit showing dimensions and allocated areas for various operations.
• Photograph of the Manufacturing or Production Unit: A current photo of the manufacturing facility.
• List of Machinery and Equipment: A detailed list of all machinery, which includes the quantity, installed capacity, and horsepower.
• Water Test Analysis Report: If water is used in the production process, a chemical and bacteriological analysis report from a recognized laboratory is required to ensure water is safe for consumption. This is not required if water is not used in production.
• Recall Plan: A detailed strategy that defines the steps to be taken if a product needs to be recalled.

Other Common Documents

1. Proof of Address of Food Business: A recent utility bill, like electricity, water, etc., or a rent agreement as proof of the company’s business location.
2. Sale Deed or Rent Agreement: Legal document proving ownership or rent of the business premises.
3. Electricity Bill: A recent bill not older than 2 months, showing the business address.

Important Note:

For non-manufacturing FBOs, only basic operational documents and food product details are needed. For manufacturing FBOs, additional documents relating to production facilities, machinery, and compliance plans are required.

Documents Required for FSSAI State License for LLP

For businesses that operate as a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), the documentation required for obtaining an FSSAI State License can vary depending on whether the business is manufacturing or non-manufacturing. Below is the list of essential documents needed for both types of Food Business Operators (FBOs):

Documents for Non-Manufacturing or Non-Producing FBOs

• Certificate of Incorporation: Proof that the LLP is legally registered.
• LLP Agreement: The agreement outlining the LLP's structure and operations.
• PAN Card: A copy of the LLP’s Permanent Account Number (PAN) card.
• List of Partners: Details of all the partners in the LLP.
• Partners Resolution: A resolution passed by the partners of the LLP to apply for the FSSAI license.
• Form IX: Nomination Form – A form for nominating a person responsible for food safety compliance.
• List of Food Products: A detailed list of all food products to be manufactured or sold.

Documents for Manufacturing or Producing FBOs

In addition to the above, businesses engaged in manufacturing or food production must submit the following supplementary documents:

• Documents of Partners & Nominee: Government-issued photo identity card and address proof for each partner and the nominee.
• Educational Qualification: Proof of the educational qualifications of the nominee or authorized person.
• Blueprint or Layout Plan of the Processing Unit: A layout showing dimensions of the production facility, which includes areas for various operations.
• Photograph of the Manufacturing or Production Unit: A current photograph of the production unit.
• Detailed List of Machinery and Equipment: A list specifying the machinery’s quantity, installed capacity, and horsepower.
• Water Test Analysis Report: A report from a certified public health laboratory confirming that any water used in food production meets safety standards. This document is not required if water is not an ingredient or used.
• Recall Plan: A documented plan for handling product recalls, which ensures consumer safety in case of safety issues.

Common Documents

• Proof of Address of Food Business: Utility bills or other documents that verify the business address.
• Sale Deed or Rent Agreement: Legal document showing ownership or rental agreement for the business premises.
• Electricity Bill: A recent bill issued within the last two months serves as proof of address.

Key Points:

Non-manufacturing FBOs require basic documents like the LLP Agreement, PAN, and a list of food products. Manufacturing FBOs need to submit additional documents regarding production facilities, machinery, and operational plans, such as the layout of the processing unit and a water test report if applicable.

Documents Required for FSSAI State License for Partnership Firms

The documents needed to obtain an FSSAI State License for a partnership firm depend on whether the business is engaged in manufacturing activities or not.

Common Documents for Non-Manufacturing and Producing Units

• Registration Certificate: Proof of partnership firm registration.
• Partnership Deed: A copy of the signed partnership agreement.
• PAN Card: Permanent Account Number of the partnership firm.
• List of Partners: Names and details of all partners.
• Partners' Resolution: A document authorizing a partner or person to apply for the FSSAI license.
• Form IX: Nomination form for the person responsible for compliance with food safety regulations.
• List of Food Products: Complete list of food items the business deals with.

Additional Documents for Manufacturing or Producing Units

Along with the above, manufacturing or producing units must also submit:

• Government-issued Photo ID: Identity proof of each partner and the nominee, such as Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID.
• Address Proof: Residential proof of each partner and nominee.
• Email ID and Mobile Number: Active contact details for OTP verification.
• Educational Qualification Certificate: Qualification proof of the nominee.
• Blueprint or Layout Plan: A map of the production unit showing the size and division of different operational areas.
• Photograph of the Manufacturing Unit: A clear photo showing the production facility.
• List of Machinery and Equipment: Details of all machinery used, including their numbers, installed capacity, and horsepower.
• Water Test Report: If water is used as an ingredient, a lab-tested report confirming that the water is safe for food production.
• Recall Plan: A document explaining how the firm would manage product recalls if needed.
• Proof of Address of the Food Business: Any valid proof, like an electricity bill, property tax receipt, etc.
• Sale Deed or Rent Agreement: Proof showing the ownership or rental agreement for the business premises.
• Electricity Bill: Latest bill, not older than two months.

Note: The nominated person is responsible for ensuring that the food business follows all food safety laws and regulations.

Documents Required for FSSAI State License for Individual/Proprietor

If you are applying for an FSSAI State License as an individual or sole proprietor, the required documents depend on whether your business is involved in manufacturing activities or not. Here is the complete list.

Common Documents for Non-Manufacturing and Producing Units

• Photograph of the Proprietor: A recent passport-sized photo.
• Government-issued Photo ID: A valid identity proof such as PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, or Voter ID.
• Email ID and Mobile Number: An Active email address and mobile number for receiving OTPs during the application process.

Additional Documents for Manufacturing or Producing Units

If the business is engaged in manufacturing or food production, the following documents are also needed:

• List of Food Products: Details of all the food items to be manufactured or sold.
• Blueprint or Layout Plan of the Processing Unit: A detailed plan showing the size and layout of the production facility.
• Photograph of the Manufacturing Unit: A clear picture of the facility where production will take place.
• List of Machinery and Equipment: Information about the machines used, their numbers, installed capacity, and horsepower.
• Water Test Analysis Report: A certified report from a recognized lab confirming that the water used is safe for food production. This document is not required if water is not an ingredient.
• Recall Plan: A written plan explaining how the business will manage product recalls if necessary.
• Proof of Address of Food Business: Documents like an electricity bill, property tax receipt, etc.
• Sale Deed or Rent Agreement: Proof of ownership or rental of the business premises.
• Recent Electricity Bill: A bill not older than two months to confirm the address.

Note: If the food business is operated from the address already mentioned in the proprietor’s ID proof, like Aadhaar Card or Voter ID, then no separate address proof for the business premises is needed.

Documents Required for FSSAI State License for Societies

When a society applies for an FSSAI State License, the documents required depend on whether the food business involves manufacturing activities or not. Below is the complete list:

Common Documents for Non-Manufacturing and Producing Units

• Certificate of Registration: Proof of registration of the society.
• Memorandum of Society: The official memorandum outlining the society's objectives.
• Rules and Bylaws: A copy of the society’s rules and regulations.
• PAN Card of Society: A valid PAN card issued in the society's name.
• List of Governing Body Members: Names and details of the key members managing the society.
• Copy of Governing Body Resolution: A certified copy of the resolution authorizing the food business activity.
• Form IX: Nomination Form: Document appointing a nominee responsible for compliance with food safety laws.

Additional Documents for Manufacturing or Producing Units

For societies involved in manufacturing or food production, the following documents must also be submitted:

• List of Food Products: A detailed list of products to be manufactured or sold.
• Blueprint/Layout Plan of the Processing Unit: A detailed layout showing the specific dimensions and allocation of different operational areas.
• Photograph of the Manufacturing Unit: A clear photo of the manufacturing facility.
• List of Machinery and Equipment: Details mentioning the number of machines, their capacity, and horsepower.
• Water Test Analysis Report: A lab-certified report confirming the quality and safety of water used as an ingredient.
• Recall Plan: A written procedure outlining the steps to be followed in case any food product needs to be recalled from the market.

Documents of Directors and Nominee

• Government-issued Photo Identity Card: Valid ID proof like Aadhaar, PAN Card, or Voter ID.
• Address Proof: Recent proof of address, such as an electricity bill or rental agreement.
• Email ID and Mobile Number: Active email and mobile number for OTP verification.
• Educational Qualification Certificate: Proof of the nominee’s educational qualifications.

Proof of Address for Food Business

• Sale Deed or Rent Agreement: Proof of ownership or lease of the premises.
• Recent Electricity Bill: The Electricity bill should not be older than two months to confirm the operational address.

Note: The nominee appointed will be responsible for ensuring that the food business complies with all relevant food safety laws and regulations.

Documents Required for FSSAI State License for Trusts

If a Trust wants to apply for an FSSAI State License, the documents needed vary depending on whether the Trust is engaged in manufacturing activities or not. Here is a clear list:

Common Documents Required for Non-Manufacturing and Producing Units

• Registered Trust Deed: An Official document that proves the creation and registration of the Trust.
• PAN Card of the Trust: Valid PAN card issued in the name of the Trust.
• Details of Trustees: Names and information of all trustees managing the Trust.
• Copy of Resolution: Resolution passed by the trustees allowing the food business activity.
• Form IX: Nomination Form: Form to nominate a person responsible for ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
• List of Food Products: A list mentioning all the food items the Trust plans to deal with.

Additional Documents for Manufacturing/Producing Units

Trusts involved in manufacturing or processing food products must also provide these documents:

• Blueprint or Layout Plan of the Processing Unit: A floor plan showing the specific measurements and arrangement of different operational sections.
• Photograph of the Manufacturing Unit: A recent photo of the production area.
• Detailed List of Machinery and Equipment: A list showing the number of machines, their capacity, and horsepower.
• Water Test Analysis Report: A lab-certified report confirming the water quality if water is used as an ingredient. This document is not required if water is not used.
• Recall Plan: A detailed plan describing how the Trust will handle the recall of unsafe food products, if needed.

Documents of Directors and Nominee

• Government-issued Photo ID: ID proof like Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or Voter ID.
• Address Proof: Valid address proof, such as an electricity bill or rental agreement.
• Email ID and Mobile Number: For communication and OTP verification.
• Educational Qualification Certificate: Proof of educational qualifications of the nominee.

Proof of Address for the Food Business Premises

• Sale Deed or Rent Agreement: Ownership or rental agreement of the business premises.
• Electricity Bill: A Recent bill not older than two months to confirm the operational address.

Note:
The nominee is responsible for making sure that the food business follows all food safety laws, rules, and guidelines.

Additional Documents Required for FSSAI State License

Certain additional documents are needed along with the basic documents, depending on the type of food business activity. Here is a table showing the extra documents required for different activities:

Conclusion

It is a crucial step to obtain an FSSAI State License to run any food business legally and gain customer trust. The documentation process can feel overwhelming, but it is essential to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

At Online Legal India, we make the process easy for you. Our experts assist you in every step. They ensure a smooth and hassle-free FSSAI License registration for you through their exclusive filing services. Visit Online Legal India today.