FSSAI License Number
Starting a brand new food business can be a rewarding experience given the potential it has. However, the food business is compliance-intensive and attracts a multitude of legalities that are hard to follow. Among all noteworthy compliance, the most common is securing the FSSAI license Number, which is a 14-digit unique code.
Almost all food businesses that contribute to the food supply chain, directly or indirectly, fall under the purview of the FSSAI license. These entities are referred to as Food Business Operators (FBOs). Even the retailers, marketers, and packagers of edible items require this license to operate. With that being said, let’s see how you can get an FSSAI license number in a hassle-free way.
Anatomy of FSSAI license number
The FSSAI license number entails 14 digits that help the authority tracks businesses with ease. This number conveys various information about the food business. To illustrate, let’s take the following code into consideration and understand what it indicates.
10015042002228
- The first digit affirms that the entity is registered under the FSS Act, specifying the license type.
- The following two digits i.e. 00 refer to a state code in which the entity is operational.
- The next two digits i.e. 15 show the year of registration issued by the FSSAI.
- The subsequent three digits i.e. 042 show the number of enrolling masters.
- The rest of the digits i.e. 02228 indicates the unique license number assigned to the FBO.
Rules pertaining to FSSAI license number
Now we have decoded the FSSAI license number, let’s have a walkthrough of the rules that come along with it.
- Displaying the license number is mandatory at business premises, supporting paperwork (bills, cash receipts, invoices, quotations, etc), and food packages.
- Keep the readability and visibility of the license number and FSSAI logo as per the guidelines cited under the FSS Act.
- For typography, font size, and color selection, please refer to the norms of the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulation, 2011.
- The license number should also appear on the Food Safety Display Boards.
- The license number should not appear on food packages or any other place once it surpasses the deadline i.e. validity period.
- The renewal deadline set forth by the authority is within 180 days before the expiration date.
Check out our web stories: 7 Company Registration Types in India
Steps to Secure the FSSAI License Number i.e. Food license
The following steps shall come into play when you apply for a food license i.e FSSAI license number:
Step1: Visit FosCoS
The first step is to visit the online portal namely FoSCoS. This portal is helmed by the FSSAI. After navigating to this portal, create an account by passing a verification step.
Step 2: Relogin and fill out the application
Relogin on to the portal and find the relevant food license application based on their business type and turnover. Once done, fill out the application with relevant and accurate information.
Step 3: Upload supporting documents
Upload the supporting paperwork substantiating the business and owner’s legitimacy. Key other documents include details of food items and an analysis report of water. Keep in mind the file format and size before you upload these dossiers.
Step 4: Head to the payment gateway
Navigate to the payment gateway once you complete the above step for fee submission. The fee shall vary depending on the type of license and product threshold you select in the initial step.
Step 5: Inspection and Verification
Apart from inspecting the paperwork, the FSSAI officials may vet the business facility for compliance with the purview of the food safety standards.
Step 6: Grant of License
Once your application passes the vetting phase successfully, you will get the license certificate alongside the FSSAI license number.
What about the Validity and Renewal of the food license?
The validity period of the food license varies depending on the type of registration. Whereas basic registration stays valid for 1, the state and central license comes with a validity of 5 years. The timely renewal of a license is vital before the deadline to continue operating legally.
Documents Required For Obtaining the FSSAI License Number i.e Food License
To obtain FSSAI license number for general registration, FSSAI state license, or FSSAI central license, the following documents are required:
FSSAI Registration
- Photo identity proof of the food business operators.
- Business constitution certificate, such as partnership deed, certificate of incorporation, shop and establishment license, or other business registration certificate.
- Proof of possession of business premises, like rental agreement, NOC from the owner of the rented premises, utility bills, etc.
- Food safety management system plan.
- List of food products manufactured or processed.
- Bank account information.
- Supporting documents (if required), such as NOC by Municipality or Panchayat, Health NOC, copy of License from the manufacturer, etc.
FSSAI state license
- Form B duly completed and signed.
- Plan of the processing unit showing the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation.
- List of Directors/Partners/Proprietor with address, contact details, and photo ID.
- Name and list of equipment and machinery used with the number and installed capacity.
- Authority letter from the manufacturer nominating a responsible person with name and address.
- Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm portability.
- Copy of certificate obtained under Coop Act 1861/Multi-State Coop Act 2002.
FSSAI central license
- Form B duly completed and signed.
- Plan of the processing unit showing the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation.
- List of Directors/Partners/Proprietor with address, contact details, and photo ID.
- Name and list of equipment and machinery used with the number and installed capacity.
- Authority letter from manufacturer nominating a responsible person with name and address.
- Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm portability.
- Source of raw material for milk, meat, etc.
- Recall plan wherever applicable.
- Ministry of Commerce Certificate for 100% EOU.
- NOC/PA document issued by FSSAI.
- IE code document issued by DGFT.
- Form IX.
- Certificate from Ministry of Tourism.
- Supporting document for proof of turnover and transportation.
- Declaration form.
Conclusion
A food license is mandatory for all food business operators no matter which facet of the supply chain they serve. Once the license is granted, the authority assigns a unique number, reinforcing the legitimacy of the business. This number will help the authority keep track of activities and let businesses deal with compliances easily.
Read Our Article: Trade License Application: All You Need To Know
