What is FSSAI license and how to obtain it?
Any business involved in food-related activities in India, including global shipping of food products, must obtain an FSSAI License to comply with regulations and ensure food safety and quality. The FSSAI issues it to businesses that meet the prescribed standards for food safety and quality. The application process involves submitting an application and necessary documents, undergoing an inspection, and obtaining the license.
Obtaining the FSSAI License is crucial to avoid legal issues and ensure food safety during global shipping of food products to or from India. This blog aims to provide what is FSSAI license, its significance and the steps involved in how to obtain it.
Introduction
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established as an independent statutory body under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It is responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of food products in India by regulating and monitoring the entire food supply chain from production to consumption.
As per the FSSAI regulations, any business involved in food-related activities in India, including the global shipping of food products to or from India, must obtain an FSSAI License. The FSSAI issues the mandatory license to businesses that meet the prescribed standards for food safety and quality.
Businesses involved in global shipping of food products to or from India consider FSSAI License of great importance. Which is based on the scale of the food business and the turnover of the business. The Basic FSSAI License is applicable to small-scale businesses with an annual turnover of up to INR 12 lakhs, while the State FSSAI License is applicable to businesses with an annual turnover of up to INR 20 crores. The Central FSSAI License is applicable to businesses with an annual turnover exceeding INR 20 crore.
The FSSAI License application process involves submitting an application along with the necessary documents and fees to the FSSAI. The FSSAI then conducts an inspection of the premises and the food products being handled to verify compliance with the prescribed standards. Once the FSSAI is satisfied with the compliance, it issues the FSSAI License.
For businesses involved in global shipping of food products to or from India, obtaining the FSSAI License is essential to avoid any legal or regulatory issues. Any food product that does not meet the prescribed standards of the FSSAI can be refused entry into India, leading to significant delays and losses for the business. Therefore, it is essential to ensure compliance with Indian regulations and obtain the FSSAI License to maintain the safety and quality of food products being shipped.
Importance
The FSSAI License is of utmost importance for businesses involved in global shipping of food products to or from India for several reasons:
- Compliance with Indian regulations:
Basically business involved in food-related activities in India must have the FSSAI License as a mandatory requirement. By obtaining the FSSAI License, businesses can ensure compliance with Indian regulations related to food safety and quality.
- Avoid legal and regulatory issues:
Than Non-compliance with the FSSAI regulations can lead to legal and regulatory issues for businesses. The prescribed standards of the FSSAI can lead to significant delays and losses for the business if any food product is refused entry into India.
- Ensure safety and quality of food products:
The FSSAI is responsible for regulating and monitoring the safety and quality of food products in India. Further by obtaining the FSSAI License, businesses can ensure that their food products meet the prescribed standards for safety and quality.
- Build trust and credibility:
Also obtaining the FSSAI License can help businesses build trust and credibility with their customers. Customers are more likely to trust and purchase food products from businesses that have obtained the FSSAI License because it demonstrates a commitment to safety and quality.
- Expand business opportunities:
Lastly the FSSAI License can open up new business opportunities for businesses involved in global shipping. Many customers, including retailers and wholesalers, require suppliers to have the FSSAI License as a prerequisite for doing business.
Businesses involved in global shipping of food products to or from India consider FSSAI License of great importance. It ensures compliance with Indian regulations, avoids legal and regulatory issues, ensures the safety and quality of food products. Which enables the business to build trust and credibility and expands business opportunities.
How to file for it
To file for the FSSAI License for your business involved in global shipping of food products to or from India, you can follow these steps:
- Determine the type of FSSAI License required:
FSSAI categorizes the license overall into three types – Basic, State, and Central. This is based on the scale of the food business and the turnover of the business. Generally it determines which type of FSSAI License is applicable to your business based on the turnover of your business.
- Gather the necessary documents:
Meanwhile collect all the necessary documents required for the FSSAI License application. Documents including business registration certificate, list of food products included, the food safety management plan, and the premises’ layout plan.
- Create an account on the FSSAI website:
Create an account on the FSSAI website and fill in the details of the business name, address and contact details.
- Fill in the FSSAI License application form:
Afterwards filling in the FSSAI License application and creation of website provide the necessary details. This contains details of the food products, the food safety management plan and the premises’ layout plan in the form.
- Submit the application form and documents:
Once you have completed the application form, submit it online along with the necessary documents and the required fees.
- Inspection by FSSAI officials:
Lastly, after submitting the application form, officials will inspect the premises and verify the compliance with the prescribed standards for food safety and quality.
- Issuance of FSSAI License:
If the compliance satisfies the FSSAI officials, they will issue the FSSAI License. But the FSSAI License remains valid for a period of one to five years. Which is based on the type of FSSAI License from its issue date.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Businesses involved in global shipping of food products to or from India certainly obtain the FSSAI License. It ensures compliance with Indian food safety regulations and enhances credibility and trust among customers and partners. Moreover, it also helps in avoiding legal and regulatory issues and opens up new business opportunities. The process of obtaining the license involves determining the appropriate type of license, gathering necessary documents, filling the online application form, submitting the application, and undergoing an inspection by FSSAI officials. Overall, obtaining the FSSAI License is a strategic move for businesses to gain a competitive edge. In the global shipping industry by demonstrating their commitment to food safety and quality.
