How to Register Online for Food License in UP?

Are you planning to set up your food business in Uttar Pradesh? If yes, there are a lot of formalities and documentation required to get your business up and running. One of the major documentation required is a food license in UP from FSSAI, or the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India. This agency works under the purview of The Government of India’s Ministry of Family Health & Welfare. This license is issued by the agency to ensure the standardization of food products and the safety of the food products manufactured and sold in the country. It is important to obtain this license as in the absence of the same, no legitimate retailer or wholesaler will stock your products. These days, one can apply for FSSAI registration online as well.

Before understanding the process of acquiring this license online, let us understand its significance.

FSSAI License

The role of FSSAI or the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India is to set scientific standards for a variety of food products. This helps in the regulation of the process of manufacture, storage, sales, distribution and import of food products. Any company planning to start a food business in Uttar Pradesh need to acquire this license following the proper procedure.

The Government of India aims to ensure adherence to high standards of quality of food being produced, imported and distributed in the country. This way, the problems like the inferior or substandard quality of food and adulteration is reduced to a minimum.

There are three categories of FSSAI License

Single state businesses- An FSSAI license for food businesses with an annual turnover that is less than Rs. 12 Lakh.

Single state restaurants, hotels, and food manufacturers- An FSSAI license for food businesses with an annual turnover that is more than Rs. 12 Lakh but less than Rs. 20 Crore.

Central License- An FSSAI license for food enterprises or businesses with an annual turnover more than Rs. 20 crore.

The business enterprises planning to run their food businesses in more than one state need to acquire a Central FSSAI License but if they are planning to keep their operations restricted to Uttar Pradesh, they can apply for a State FSSAI license.

FSSAI Registration – Who needs to Apply?

Any business entity that is involved in the manufacturing, procuring, packaging, processing, storing and distributing food items need to apply for FSSAI License. Today, the process has become simple and straightforward as one can apply for this license online. The process is very easy to understand and follow. Once you have applied online to register for an FSSAI license, a 14-digit registration number is generated for the business. This registration number is mandatory to be used for any food products that are being manufactured and distributed by this business.

Step by step guide to applying for an Online Registration for Food License in UP

Here, we bring you the process of applying for an online registration for food license in UP in a step by step manner.

In the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses), Regulations 2011, there is a Form B or an application form available that needs to be duly filled. Check the category of FSSAI License that your business is going to require before starting to fill the application form. If you are filling the form just to obtain a license for UP, you need to fill up for a state license. After the form has been correctly and accurately filled, you need to mail the application form the concerned state authority. The form needs to be sent along with supporting documents that include document copies as provided in Annexure 2 of the Regulations, a self-attested declaration and fees depending on the food category you have chosen as prescribed in Schedule 3. Some other documents that you need to share with the authorities are addressing proof, photo ID of the directors, proprietor or partners in case of a proprietorship. These proofs must Government of India issued proofs. You need to clearly mention the categories of food wherein you would like to procure, manufacture, store, or package. The layout or a blueprint of storage, manufacturing or distribution facility needs to be attached. Other things required are a food analysis report, business name, the source of raw material and No Objection Certificate from the local municipality.

There may be some cases wherein some additional information may be demanded by the licensing authority related to your application. Sometimes, your application may be incomplete and you may get revert to the same within 15 days of applying online. In both the cases, you may be required to furnish remaining information within a month of intimation. If you are unable to do so, your application for food license in UP may get rejected.

Issuance of Application Number

After your duly filled application form along with the supporting documents is received, the Authority issues an Application ID number. This number is to be used as a reference for any future correspondence with the Authority. After the issuance of this Application ID number, your license will be issued within 60 days.

Inspection of the Premises

After Application ID number issuance, an officer may be directed by the Licensing Authority to carry out the inspection of your premises where you are setting up your business. This is done as per the regulations prescribed by FSSAI.

If there are any discrepancies, the Inspecting Officer may guide you regarding the necessary steps to be taken. He may issue a notice where he can ask for changes to be made on the premises so as to ensure hygienic and sanitary conditions. These steps need to be taken within 30 days of notice issuance.

Approval of License

The Licensing Authority approves your license within a month of receiving the inspection report. This time excludes the time that was taken by you in the compliance of the feedback shared in the inspection report.

The license that is issued by the licensing authority is issued in Format C under Schedule 2 of the regulations. You will be required to display its true copy at all times in a prominent place on your business premises.