How to transfer a Food License in India?

FSSAI stands for Food Standards and Safety Authority of India. It is an autonomous body responsible for food safety and promoting and protecting public health by appointing food safety authorities for implementation and supervision. The FSSAI is established under Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. An individual/entity who wish to commence food business in India or sell food items to the consumers need to mandatorily obtain Food License from FSSAI. In this article, we are going to discuss about how you can transfer your Food License, but before that let’s get a glimpse of background of FSSAI License.

Role of FSSAI in managing food business in India

• The role of FSSAI is to set standard norms and standards with respect to Food articles.
• It also laid down guidelines for accreditation of certification bodies and laboratories.
• It also provides guidelines, support or advice to the Central and State Government for framing policies and regulations with respect to food safety and nutrition.
• FSSAI is also responsible for collecting data regarding risk associated, food consumption, contaminants in food, etc.
• It is also responsible for providing Training programs to the people who wish to initiate Food Business in India.
• It also promotes awareness about food safety and standards.

What is Food License and its types?

Food License is a 14-digit unique license number which is issued to all the manufacturers, traders or outlets carrying on any food business in India. The food license is obtained by the individual or entities manufacturing or trading in food products and online sellers of food products. There are different types of Food License depending upon the parameters such as Turnover, Scale of Business and Type of activity.

There are three different classes of Food License such as:

• FSSAI basic registration- The business having annual turnover below Rs. 12 Lakhs can apply for basic registration.
• FSSAI State License- The business having annual turnover in between Rs. 12 Lakhs and 20 Crore can apply for State level License.
• FSSAI Central License- The business having annual turnover above Rs. 20 Crore can apply for Central Level License.

Procedure to avail FSSAI License and its validity and renewal

Following are the steps involved in availing FSSAI License such as:

• Before applying for FSSAI License, an individual or entity must check an eligibility criterion that whether they are eligible for Basic License, State License or Central License. After that, visit the online website, http://foodlicensing.fssai.gov.in.
• On the website, click on ‘Sign-up’ option to proceed further and fill all the required information including phone number and mail id.
• Login into a FSSAI account by creating username and password and such account shall be valid for 30 days only.
• After login into an account, an individual shall proceed with the registration and complete the process. Such form shall be submitted online. After completion, a reference number shall be noted down for future reference and for tracking purpose.
• Take the print out of the registration form and submit the same to the reginal or state authority along with supportive documents within 15 days of online submission of form.
• Food License shall be valid for a period of 1-5 years depending upon the amount of fees paid. If the License has expired then such food business shall get terminated.
• The Food License shall be renewed in Form A or Form B at-least 30 days before the date of expiry of registration.

Documents required for availing FSSAI License

Following documents are required for availing FSSAI License such as:

• Identity Proof such as Aadhar Card, Voter Id, Driving License of the owner.
• Address proof of location of business or restaurant.
• Identity Proof of director or partner if business or company has a director or partner.
• E-mail Id or phone number of the owner is required and compulsory.
• Plan form of the food safety management need to attach after downloading the document online.
• NOC from municipal cooperation or local bodies.
• Partnership deed is required if such business is owned by partners.
• List of food category and various types of kitchen equipment shall be submitted.
• To ensure hygiene and quality check, medical certificate of all employees and partners shall be submitted.

Transfer of Food License

The Food License can be transferred only in case of death of FSSAI License holder and such License shall be transferred to a legal representative or any family member of a deceased licensed holder upon request of transfer of License Certificate to the concerned authority in their behalf. The concerned authority shall verify such request and may accept or reject application. Before rejection, an opportunity of being heard shall be given.

Procedure to apply for Transfer of Food License

Following are the steps involved in Transferring Food License such as:

• Login to the online portal http://foscos.fssai.gov.in/public/login.
• From the drop-down menu select ‘Apply for duplicate/transfer/surrender of license’
• Select the ‘Transfer’ option in the Action column against License Number.
• Fill the required information such as Address of premises, Contact info., Registered office detail, detail of death of license holder, date of death of license holder, etc.
• The application of transfer of food license shall be processed by designated officer.

Death certificate and legal heir certificate shall be attached with the application of transfer of License.

Conclusion

The procedure of transfer of Food License is not a cumbersome process and this online procedure saves lot of time of the applicant and it is user-friendly. FSSAI portal can be accessible 24*7 by the license holder or stakeholder by using login credentials. FSSAI’s plays an important role in bridging the gap between safe food and adulterated food.\

Reach out to Legal Window for the assistance in transferring food license by calling at 7240751000 or drop an email at admin@legalwindow.in