How to Download FSSAI License Certificate?

Why do FBOs need to obtain an FSSAI license certificate?

There are several reasons why obtaining an FSSAI license certificate is mandatory for FBOs operating in India:

• Public Health: The primary reason is to protect public health by ensuring food safety. The FSSAI sets several food safety standards and regulations that FBOs must comply with. These standards cover hygiene, sanitation, food handling practices, ingredients, and labeling. By enforcing these standards, the FSSAI aims to prevent foodborne illnesses and other health risks associated with unsafe food.
• Consumer Protection: The FSSAI certification also acts as a safeguard for consumers. Consumers deserve assurance that the food they consume is safe and meets the required standards. The FSSAI certification offers consumers confidence that the food business has conducted an inspection and has the necessary authorization to operate.
• Fair Trade: The licensing framework ensures fair trade procedures by creating a level playing field for all FBOs. Every enterprise, irrespective of its size or nature, is required to comply with identical food safety criteria. The licensing system helps to prevent unfair competition and protect consumers from unethical actions.
• Regulation and Traceability: The FSSAI license acts as a regulatory tool for the government to monitor and oversee the food industry. It allows the FSSAI to track food products from farm to fork, making it easier to identify and address any food safety issues.

Benefits for FBOs:

While obtaining the FSSAI license is mandatory, it also offers several benefits for FBOs:

• Increased credibility and trust: An FSSAI license enhances an FBO's brand image and builds trust among consumers.
• Market access: Certain retailers and distributors may only purchase food products from FSSAI-licensed FBOs.
• Legal compliance: Having a valid license ensures legal compliance and protects FBOs from potential penalties and legal action.
• Financial benefits: Access to government subsidies and loans may be easier for FSSAI-licensed FBOs.

Overall, obtaining an FSSAI license is essential for any FBO operating in India. It not only ensures food safety but also provides legal protection, market access, and other benefits for the business.

What are the types of FSSAI licenses and the eligibility criteria for each type?

In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandates different types of registrations and licenses depending on the scale and nature of the food business.

FSSAI Basic Registration:

Eligibility: Annual turnover up to 12 lakh rupees and production capacity limited (e.g., 100 liters/kg per day for food products, 500 liters for milk, 2 large animals/10 small animals/50 poultry birds for slaughter).
Examples: Petty food businesses like hawkers, small retailers, temporary stalls, juice stalls, tea stalls, etc.
Fee: Fixed at Rs. 100 per year.
Duration: Valid for a period of 1 year.

FSSAI State License:

Eligibility: Annual turnover between 12 lakh and 20 crore rupees or exceeding production capacity limitations for FSSAI Basic Registration.
Examples: Medium-sized food manufacturers, bakeries, restaurants, catering services, cold storage, etc.
Fee: Varies from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 7,500 per year depending on the category of the business.
Duration: Valid for a period of 1 year to 5 years.

FSSAI Central License:

Eligibility: Annual turnover exceeding 20 crore rupees or engaged in inter-state or import/export activities of food products.
Examples: Large food manufacturing units, national/international food chains, food processing units with high production capacity, etc.
Fee: Vary based on the category of the business and can be up to Rs. 10,000 per year.
Duration: Valid for a period of 1 year to 5 years.

Note: There are specific licenses for meat processing units, milk processing units, and slaughterhouses, with their own eligibility criteria and fees.

How to download FSSAI license certificate

• Step 1: Go to the FoSCos website and select ‘Login-Businesses’ from the homepage.
• Step 2: Input your ‘Username’, ‘Password’, and ‘Captcha’, then hit ‘Sign-in’.
• Step 3: Once logged in, your dashboard will appear. Choose the ‘Issued’ tab.
• Step 4: If you've applied for an FSSAI License, select ‘Issued-License’. For FSSAI Registration, choose ‘Issued-Registration Certificate’.
• Step 5: Your FSSAI certificate details will show up. Locate the ‘Reference no/Registration no’ section and click on your registration number.
• Step 6: The FSSAI certificate will open. Press the download button/image and select ‘Save’. Your FSSAI Registration/License certificate will then be saved to your device.

The FSSAI License Number Decoded: The Five Sections and What They Represent

• The first digit represents whether the food business owns an FSSAI registration or an FSSAI license. If it is FSSAI registration, the first digit will be 1. And if the business has an FSSAI license, the first digit would be 2.
• The second and third digits represent the code of the state in which the food business operates. A central license is denoted by 00 while any state license is denoted by successive digits.
• The fourth and fifth digits represent the year in which the food business received the license or registration from the FSSAI.
• The sixth, seventh, and eighth digits represent the number of the registering authority under whose jurisdiction the FSSAI license or registration falls. Each state assigns a registering authority to these digits from 001 to 999.
• The last six digits (from ninth to fourteenth) indicate the unique license number for the FBO.

For example, if the FSSAI license number is 100182021001000, it means that:

• The food establishment is registered with FSSAI (first digit is 1).
• It is located in Rajasthan, indicated by the state code 01.
• The registration was obtained in the year 2021, represented as '21'.
• The authority responsible for the registration is coded as 001 (with the enrollment master also being 001).
• The distinctive license identifier is 000100.