What does the FSSAI certificate contain?
After downloading, the FSSAI certificate is issued as a PDF document. It generally contains the following details:
- A 14-digit FSSAI licence or registration number
- Name and address of the Food Business Operator (FBO)
- Nature of business activity (such as manufacturer, distributor, retailer, or exporter)
- Date of issue and period of validity
- Jurisdiction and details of the licensing authority
- QR code for online verification
- Digital signature or official seal of the licensing officer
- Current status (active, suspended, or expired)
Note: Always download and verify the most recent version of your certificate directly from the FoSCoS portal.
Types of FSSAI certificates
FSSAI certificates come in three primary categories, each designed to accommodate the varying scales of food businesses, from small to large enterprises:
- Basic FSSAI Registration is suited for small-scale food business operators with an annual turnover under Rs. 12 lakh and a daily production capacity not exceeding 100 litres/kg.
- State FSSAI Licence caters to medium-sized FBOs with yearly revenue between Rs. 12 lakh and Rs. 20 crore, and is issued by the state government.
- Central FSSAI Licence is required for large FBOs generating over Rs. 20 crore annually and is provided by the Central Government.
Benefits of having an FSSAI certificate
Holding an FSSAI certificate offers significant advantages for food businesses:
- Ensures legal adherence to food safety laws: For example, a restaurant in New Delhi successfully passes its FSSAI compliance audit, showcasing its commitment to the Food Safety and Standards Act. This not only keeps it free from legal troubles but also establishes a foundation for operational excellence.
- Enhances consumer confidence by assuring product quality and safety: For example, a consumer chooses an FSSAI-certified brand of packaged foods over a non-certified competitor, trusting that the certification indicates higher quality control and safer consumption standards.
- Supports business growth by fulfilling the criteria for various licenses and permits: For example, a startup food processing company applies for a loan to expand its operations and overall business growth The bank gives preference to the company's loan application due to its FSSAI certification, considering it a marker of reliability and long-term viability in the food industry.
The process of issuing an FSSAI certificate
The process of issuing an FSSAI certificate involves several steps:
- Determine eligibility: Identify the type and scale of your food business to determine the appropriate FSSAI license (Basic, State, or Central).
- Registration or licensing: Small businesses need to register, while larger businesses require a license.
- Complete application: Fill out Form A for registration or Form B for licensing, providing details about the business.
- Submit documents: Provide necessary documents, including identity proof, address proof, food safety management plan, and business details.
- Application fee: Pay the applicable fee based on the type of license and business size.
- Inspection (if required): The FSSAI may conduct an inspection of the premises to ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Approval and issuance: Once verified, the FSSAI issues the certificate, which is valid for 1-5 years, depending on the application.
- Renewal: Apply for fssai license renewal before the expiry date to continue operations without interruption.
Importance of downloading an FSSAI certificate
Once approval is granted, downloading your FSSAI registration certificate is essential for several reasons:
- Regulatory Compliance: It serves as official evidence of registration or licensing and may be required during FSSAI inspections, audits, or legal checks.
- Mandatory Display: FSSAI guidelines require all food businesses to prominently display the certificate at their premises for public viewing.
- Packaging and Labelling Compliance: The 14-digit FSSAI licence or registration number printed on food packaging must correspond exactly with the number stated on the certificate.
- Authorisation and Credibility: The certificate enhances consumer confidence and confirms your business’s legitimacy when working with suppliers, aggregators, or e-commerce platforms.
- Easy Renewal and Verification: Having a digital copy allows for quick renewal, reprinting, and online verification through the QR code.
- Business Growth and Tender Participation: Many corporate buyers, food delivery platforms, and government tenders require a valid FSSAI certificate as part of their eligibility criteria.
Steps to download the FSSAI certificate
After receiving the FSSAI license or registration via email, Food Business Operators (FBOs) can download their FSSAI certificate by following these instructions:
- Go to the FoSCos website and click on the ‘Login-Businesses’ section on the main page.
- Input your login details, such as ‘Username’ and ‘Password’, along with the ‘Captcha’ code, then click on the ‘Sign-in’ button to proceed.
- Upon accessing your dashboard, find and click the ‘Issued’ button.
- Choose the ‘Issued-Licence’ option if you are downloading an FSSAI license, or select ‘Issued-Registration Certificate’ for an FSSAI registration.
- The screen will display your FSSAI certificate with all pertinent information. Look for the ‘Reference No./Registration No.’ section and click on the number pertaining to your FSSAI certificate.
- When your FSSAI certificate is displayed, click the download icon or link on the page and choose ‘Save’ to download your FSSAI registration or license certificate successfully.
How to print the FSSAI certificate from the FoSCoS portal?
Here is a clear, step-by-step guide:
- Visit the Portal: Open your web browser and go to the FoSCoS portal at https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/.
- Log In: Click on the “Login–Businesses” option and enter your registered username, password, and captcha code to sign in.
- Open the Dashboard: After logging in, you will be directed to your dashboard. Look for sections such as “Issued” or “My Licences”.
- Choose Certificate Type: Select either “Issued Licence” for a licence or “Issued Registration Certificate” for registration.
- Locate Your Certificate: Your approved certificate will appear on the screen. Find the relevant reference or registration number.
- Download and Print: Click on the reference number or the download icon (usually shown as a PDF symbol) to download the certificate. You can then open the PDF and print it if required.
Tips:
- If you have forgotten your password, use the password reset option before logging in.
- The portal may also provide an option to email the certificate directly to your registered email address.
Steps to download a duplicate FSSAI certificate
- Log In: Go to the FoSCoS website and click on the “Login–Business” option. Enter your User ID, password, and the CAPTCHA code to sign in.
- Open the Dashboard: After logging in, access your dashboard and navigate to the “Issued” section from the menu.
- Select the Licence Type:
- Choose “Issued Licence” if you hold a State or Central licence.
- Choose “Issued Registration Certificate” if you have a basic registration.
- Request a Duplicate (if needed): If the certificate is not immediately available for download, you may need to apply for a duplicate. Look for the “Duplicate Licence” option on the portal.
- Note: You will usually need to enter your 14-digit registration number and may be required to pay a nominal fee online.
- Download the PDF: Once the request is processed or the approved record is visible, click on the “Reference No./Registration No.” link. The certificate will open in a new window—use the Download or Print icon to save it as a PDF.
Importance of the FSSAI certificate
Upon receipt of the FSSAI certificate, Food Business Operators (FBOs) are obligated to prominently display it within their food premises and feature the FSSAI registration number on all packaged food items. Additionally, FBOs have the option to utilise the FSSAI logo on their product packaging. This certification and logo serve as assurances of verified food quality, guaranteeing safety for consumers. The FSSAI certificate enhances the trustworthiness of the food business, attracting potential investors, partners, and customers. Adhering to FSSAI standards is frequently perceived by financial institutions as a sign of dependability and dedication to quality, which can improve the business loan eligibility of a food business. Thus, obtaining FSSAI certification can serve as a strategic step for food businesses aiming to obtain business financing, as it demonstrates a solid basis in regulatory compliance. For further details, you can find out how to check fssai application status.
Conclusion
In conclusion, obtaining an FSSAI certificate is not only mandatory but also beneficial for businesses in the food industry. It ensures compliance with regulatory standards, builds consumer trust, and opens opportunities for business expansion. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in executing your business plans on time, as financial institutions often consider FSSAI certification as a criterion for eligibility when applying for a business loan. Therefore, businesses should prioritise obtaining and maintaining their FSSAI certification to thrive in the competitive market.
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