FSSAI Registration for Exporters: Documents, Fees and Process

Are you planning to import food articles from India? Before you can start, you need to obtain an FSSAI Food License. The FSSAI is short for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. This body guarantees the safety of food offered to customers throughout India. In this article, we will explain how to receive an FSSAI license in case you want to export food products. 

FSSAI License in India — Is it Needed?

Before we discuss how to obtain an FSSAI license let’s look at the reasons why you must have one:

• Safety First: An FSSAI license indicates that you meet all the requirements for the safety of a food product. It is a guarantee to the consumers of the safety of the food.
• Legal Requirement: An FSSAI License must also be obtained for food exports in India. The procedure isn’t simply a prime suggestion – it is a policy.
• Opens Doors: An FSSAI license is required, as several countries will not accept any food originating from India without one. This ensures that you are able to market your food to more nations.

Types of FSSAI Licenses for Export

There are two main categories of FSSAI Food License only for those who wish to export food:

• Manufaturer Exporter License: This is the license for people who are into food production and later export the final product to other nations. In case you have a manufacturing firm and produce different foodstuffs, then this becomes the type of permit that will be required.
• Exporter License: This is for individuals involved in the procurement of cooked food from India and reselling it in other countries. If you are from the channels that deal with food products and do not prepare it, but advertise, this is your permit.

Both these licenses come under the Central FSSAI License. It’s a license that is issued from the central office of the FSSAI.

Steps to Apply for FSSAI License in India

Next, let’s see how to apply for a FSSAI food license:

Step 1: Go to the FSSAI Website: To begin FSSAI Registration in India go to FSSAI official website. It’s similar to all the ‘Head offices’ of food safety in India.

Step 2: Create an Account: A registration is necessary on the website. It is like creating a business profile on a social networking site.

Step 3: Fill Out the Form: There is a form that must be filled. You will need to fill in some details about the type of business for example, what type of food products they would like to import and what region they will target.

Upload Documents There will be a few essential documents that you will have to submit. These may contain:

• Your company registration documents
• Address declaration of the business
• Countries in which it anticipates that food exports should take place
• Information about the food that it wishes to export
• Countries to which it seeks to export food

Step 4: Pay the Fee: An FSSAI License in India has to be purchased for people who want to engage in food businesses. The amount varies according to the scale of the business and the preferred duration of the license. It is between 1,00 and 7,500 Indian Rupees and other service tax.

Step 5: Wait for approval: After you have done all this, you need to wait. The FSSAI will review the application you made and will make a verdict if they can approve your license

Read More FSSAI Renewal Fee, Documents & Process

Important Things to Remember 

There are a lot of benefits to having an FSSAI food license. These are some key considerations you must remember:

• Stick to the Rules: Even if you obtain your license, you are under an obligation to adhere to all the policies of the FSSAI.
• Do Not Let Your License Expire: There is no license offered by FSSAI which is valid for all time. It has time periods (1 to 5 years generally) within which it has to be renewed.
• Be Prepared for Inspections: This will usually include measures such as an audit of the equipment and records of the FSSAI. The FSSAI may want to check up on your business in order to see whether you have been fulfilling all the demands. 
• Correct Labelling of Products: It is important that when foodstuffs are being exported, they are appropriately labelled. This represents your number on the FSSAI license and the necessary details associated with it.

How to Make the FSSAI License Process Easier

Even though obtaining an FSSAI License in India is tedious, there are a number of simple procedures that you can do:

• Do not Procrastinate: Do not apply for an FSSAI Food License at the last minute. Allow for ample time.
• Make Sure Things are in Place: Complete your application and make sure that you have submitted the prescribed documents for your application on electronic filing.
• Get Help: In case you are unsure of something, seek out a professional consultant who understands these FSSAI licenses and can provide guidance as necessary.
• Assess Yourself: Make sure that you read more about food safety regulations and any updates on the rules relevant to export.

Conclusion

Getting an FSSAI License in India to export food from India is a real commitment. It confirms that there is an intention to provide safe and quality food to people all over the world. In the beginning, the procedure may appear hard, but understand that it is there to care for people and help you in business. As long as you are patient and follow the steps, you will be able to obtain your FSSAI food license and commence your export journey. Just like you do not treat an FSSAI license as a mere document, it is your opportunity to trade foreign products. If you need any help with FSSAI Registration in India, get in touch with Agile Regulatory. We will make the registration process easier for you.