For anyone involved in the food business in India, the terms FSSAI License and FSSAI License Renewal are essential. Obtaining an FSSAI License is mandatory for starting any food business in India. Every Food Business Operator (FBO) must secure an FSSAI license to legally operate. Equally important is the renewal of the FSSAI License, which must be done within the validity period. This article will outline the step-by-step procedure for renewing the FSSAI License in India.

FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, which is responsible for overseeing and regulating food businesses in India. The FSSAI conducts quality checks on food products to reduce adulteration and the sale of substandard goods. It governs the operation of food businesses across the country and manages the licensing and registration process for Food Business Operators (FBOs).

The Process of FSSAI License Renewal in India

The FSSAI License Renewal process in India can be completed through two methods:

1. Online Renewal

The steps for renewing an FSSAI License online are as follows:

• Visit the Food Licensing Authority portal.
• Log in using your provided Username and Password.
• Select the option to apply for FSSAI License Renewal by clicking on the relevant link.
• A warning message will pop up, asking if you are sure you want to continue with the renewal. Click "OK" to proceed.
• Upload the necessary documents as requested by the portal.
• Review and submit all required documents.
• After submission, you will receive a reference number, which can be used to track the status of your FSSAI License Renewal application.

2. Offline Renewal

The offline procedure for FSSAI License Renewal is as follows:

• Fill the Form:
  Begin by filling out Form A for Basic Registration or Form B for Central or State Registration. These forms contain the business details of the Food Business Operator (FBO), which must be completed along with any self-attested declarations as required by the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act). You must also attach photo ID proofs such as a Passport, Driving License, Aadhar Card, or Voter ID.

• Verification of Application:
  After submission, food authorities will review the application. They may conduct an inspection of the FBO’s premises to ensure that all details provided are accurate. The inspection will result in a report for further processing.

• Completion:
  Once the authorities are satisfied with the inspection, they can issue the FSSAI License to the FBO.

• Receiving the License:
  The FSSAI License Renewal should be issued within 60 days. If no response is received from the authorities within this time frame, FBOs are allowed to continue their business without delay, and no further communication is required from the authorities.

Consequences of Non-Renewal of FSSAI License

To avoid fines, FSSAI License Renewal in India must be done in accordance with the guidelines before the license expires. It is advisable for FBOs to apply for renewal when they receive official notifications.

If the FSSAI License is not renewed within the specified period, a penalty of ₹100 per day will be charged. If the renewal application is not submitted on time, the license will expire, and the FBO will need to apply for a new FSSAI License.

FSSAI Licenses remain valid until the renewal decision is passed, but this grace period should not exceed 30 days after the license expiration date.

Important Documents Required for FSSAI License Renewal in India

The following are the essential documents required for applying for FSSAI License Renewal in India:

For Basic Registration:

• Applicant's recent passport-sized photograph.
• Identity proof such as Driving License, Aadhar Card, or Voter ID.
• PAN Card of the applicant.
• Address proof like Gas Bill, Electricity Bill, or Phone Bill.
• Property documents (if the property is owned).
• Rent agreement (if the property is rented).
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord (for rented property).

For Central or State Registration:

• Applicant's recent passport-sized photograph.
• Identity proof such as Driving License, Aadhar Card, or Voter ID.
• PAN Card of the applicant.
• Address proof like Gas Bill, Electricity Bill, or Phone Bill.
• Property documents (if the property is owned).
• Rent agreement (if the property is rented).
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord (for rented property).
• A list of Proprietors/Directors/Partners/Executive Members of the Society, including their addresses and contact details.
• The layout plan of the food processing unit.
• List of food categories (for manufacturers).
• No Objection Certificate from the Municipal Body or Local Body.
• A copy of the partnership deed.
• A copy of the Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA) of the firm.
• A canceled cheque.
• E-Code document issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) for Central FSSAI License.
• Nomination of persons by the company, along with a passed board resolution in Form IX.
• Proof of the firm’s turnover (for Central FSSAI License).
• Certificate from the Ministry of Commerce for 100% Export Oriented Units (EOU) (for Central FSSAI License).
• An analysis report of water from a recognized manufacturer’s lab (for Central FSSAI License).

For Manufacturing and Processing Units:

• Layout plan of the unit, showing dimensions and operational areas.
• A list of machinery and equipment, including their number, horsepower, and installed capacity.
• A list of food categories intended to be manufactured by the unit.
• An analysis report of the water used in food from a recognized public health laboratory.
• A Letter of Authority with the name and address of the responsible person nominated by the manufacturer.