Every Food Business Owner needs to take an FSSAI License to run the food business in India. FSSAI License is of 3 types namely -Basic food license, State food license and Central Food License. The main objective of this license is to control the adulteration of food in the market. Procedure and requirement of State Food License are governed by the Food Safety and Standards (licensing and registration of food business regulation, 2011). In this write-up, State Food License and documents required for its registration will be discussed in detail.

What is State Food License?

State Food License is for the small Business owners whose annual turnover is Rs. 12 Lakhs to Rs. 20 Crores. There are certain exceptions to the turnover limit, for instance, wholesale business.  Food Business Owners, whose business is manufacturing, processing, distribution, and sale of food products within the territory of a particular state, need State Food License or FSSAI State License to run such business. It must be renewed every five years because it is not a one-time license. It can be canceled at any time if any activity against the norms of government is found. After the registration or licensing, a 14-digit number has been given which needs to be printed on all the food packages. This number will provide all the details of the producer’s permit.

Who can take State Food License?

∙       Restaurant, Club, and Dhaba business owners.

∙       Distributors, Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Hawkers.

∙       Retailers, Suppliers, and Marketers.

∙       Food Processors.

∙       Canteen Owners.

∙       Transporters of the food.

Eligibility criteria for Different businesses

The table given below is showing the eligibility criteria for State Food License for different types of the food business-

The procedure of getting a State Food License

Step-1 You can consult the FSSAI website for requisite documents as per your requirement. 

Step-2 Apply at the website of the FSSAI^[1]

Step-3 Attach the requisite documents.

Step-4 Upon verification post-approval you will get the license.

Documents required for the State Food License

∙       Duly completed and signed Form B.

∙       If one has a partnership firm, and then a partnership deed is required.

∙       If one has a proprietorship firm, and then an affidavit will be required.

∙       If one has an LLP firm, and then an LLP agreement is needed.  

∙       List of Directors, Partners, and proprietors.

∙       Address proof, Contact details, and Photo ID of the Directors, Partners, and Proprietors.

∙       Name of the equipment and machinery used by the business owner.

∙       List of the food category.

∙        Authority letter from the manufacturer.

∙       Rent or Lease agreement as proof of the possession of the premises.

∙       No Objection Certificate from the manufacturer.

∙       Plan or Certificate of food safety and management.

∙       Certificate from the Ministry of Tourism.

∙       No Objection Certificate, which is also known as NOC from the Municipal Corporation or local bodies. 

∙       Certificate of the registration of the company.

∙       Documents regarding the annual turnover and transportation.

∙       Report of how much water to be used in the manufacturing process.

∙       Declaration Form.

∙       If one is involved in manufacturing then a photo of the manufacturing unit will be required.

∙       Details of the food product.

∙       Copy of certificate obtained under COOP Act, 1861 or Multistate COOP Act, 2002.

Benefits of the License

1.     State Food License ensures food safety and standard.

2.     It helps in keeping food adulteration free.

3.     It has many legal benefits.

4.     It creates goodwill in the market.

5.     Makes you better among the competitors.

6.     One, who has this license, can use FSSAI Logo in the advertisement as well as on the product.

7.     FSSAI State License helps in the expansion of the business.

Conclusion

State Food License gives permission of food business within the premises of only one state. For large businesses that are interstate this license will not work. Differentiation of FSSAI Registration and License is done on the basis of size and nature of business. There are chances of cancellation of license if anything is found against the government norms. Therefore it will be better to take help from the experts like BizAdvisors so that there is no chance of mistake and your business will be secure. 

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