FSSAI Licence Eligibility Criteria for Your Food Business

Introduction

It is crucial to understand the eligibility criteria for FSSAI license before applying for registration or licensing for a food business. The nature, extent and location of the business, along with its turnover, will impact whether basic registration, a state license, or a central license is required for the business.

What is FSSAI License Eligibility?

FSSAI licence eligibility is determined by the nature and amount of food business being conducted. The FSSAI divides food businesses into categories according to the services provided by them.

Here are some factors to consider:

• Type of food business
• Characteristics of food products
• Annual turnover
• Production or processing capacity
• Business premises
• Location of food business
• Import or export operations

In case one is not sure what category he falls under, the person should check FSSAI licence conditions in advance to avoid applying for the wrong type of license.

Who Is Eligible for FSSAI Registration?

Eligibility criteria for FSSAI registration apply to small food businesses that meet the prescribed conditions for obtaining Basic Registration.

This category includes some small food manufacturers, retailers, restaurants, petty food businesses, hawkers, and other food operators. However, it is important to carefully scrutinize your current business operation and the relevant turnover criteria instead of merely assuming that all small food businesses are eligible.

The assessment of your FSSAI registration eligibility should depend on the relevant FSSAI provisions and rules on the eligibility of the type of business you are running.

When Do You Need an FSSAI State Licence?

The FSSAI state license eligibility is based on whether or not your food business is covered by the State Licence category as mentioned in the governing provisions.

While considering FSSAI licensing, you should consider the State Licence when your business is operating at a scale that is beyond the framework of Basic Registration, but does not fit within the requirements of any specific Central Licence category.

Thus, you need to evaluate your eligibility for FSSAI licence based on your present business activities and the prescribed eligibility criteria.

Who Qualifies for an FSSAI Central Licence?

The FSSAI central license eligibility applies to certain types of food businesses as listed in the rules framed by the FSSAI. There is a chance that some large food and import and export businesses may have to get the FSSAI Central Licence depending on the businesses they deal in.

It’s wrong to assume that the evaluation of Central FSSAI Licence eligibility only depends on turnover. There are many attributes to the food business and other criteria applicable.

It’s always useful to make sure about the category you fall in before submitting your application.

What Are the Key FSSAI Registration Criteria?

Your FSSAI registration criteria considered, there are a few things to keep in mind, as the eligibility criteria of FSSAI may vary due to the type of food business you are operating.

The following major points should be kept in mind:

• Food processing or manufacturing
• Storage & distribution
• Retail or wholesale
• Food service
• Food import
• Special food business

How Can You Choose the Right FSSAI Category?

Make sure that you evaluate all of the FSSAI criteria before submitting your application because if you have selected the wrong category, then there may come queries, which will cause a delay in processing. Or there might be an option where you need to adjust your licensing arrangement.

So try to figure out the major food activity and see what kind of registration or license is most suitable according to the existing requirements. Also, if your business is running from different premises, then make sure that you require different types of registrations/licenses as per the requirements.

What Documents Should You Keep Ready?

Once you set up your eligibility criteria for FSSAI license, then prepare the documents relevant to your application.

• Depending on your business, these may include:
• Documents to Prove Applicant’s Identity & Address Details.
• Documents related to Business Address.
• Documents containing Information about the food product.
• Documents regarding Premises.
• Documentation related to Partnership / Company as the case may be.
• Supporting Declarations.

Photographs and Other Prescribed Documents. It should also be kept in mind that these are general categories of required Documentation for your specific Category of Business and Application Type.

Conclusion

Knowing the eligibility for FSSAI license will help you select the correct type of regulatory license before applying. There are three categories of licenses: Basic Registration, State License, and Central License.

Your FSSAI eligibility will depend on the kind of activity you do and the overall size of your business. Keeping your information accurate will help you avoid delays and rejection of your application.

Frequently Asked Questions