Instant Licensing for Food Businesses: New Digital Verification Process

FSSAI Introduces Digital Verification Process for Instant Licenses/Registrations for Specific Food Business Categories

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched a provision for the instant issuance of licenses and registrations for certain categories of food businesses to streamline and facilitate ease of doing business.

Key Information:

• Regulatory Timeframe:
  • As per the FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, licenses must be issued within 60 days, and registrations within 7 days.
• Digital Verification Process:
  • The instant issuance of licenses/registrations will be subject to digital verification through GST, CIN, PAN, AADHAAR, and other relevant identifiers.
• Scheme Specifics:
  • The instant issuance scheme will include certain changes and conditions, such as:
    • Select categories of food businesses.
    • Specific methods for digital verification.
  • Validity and Renewal:
    • The instant license/registration will be valid for one year and can be renewed following the existing procedures.
  • Applicant Declarations:
    • Applicants must declare that:
      • They do not have a valid license/registration at the same premises.
      • Their previous license/registration has not been suspended or cancelled within the last three months.
    • Conditions and Disclaimers:
      • The instant issuance is subject to specific conditions and disclaimers, including penalties for false declarations.
    • Initial Rollout:
      • This service will initially be rolled out in Assam, Delhi, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, and Kerala starting from 28th June 2024.
    • Exclusions:
      • Certain food categories, particularly meat and fish, are excluded from the instant issuance process for most businesses, with some exceptions for petty retailers and hawkers.

This initiative by FSSAI aims to enhance the efficiency of the licensing and registration process, thereby supporting the growth of food businesses in India while ensuring compliance with safety standards.”

Source: https://fssai.gov.in/upload/advisories/2024/07/668531ea91cb7Ease%20of%20doing%20Business-%20Launch%20of%20provision%20for%20instant_Tatkal_issuance%20of%20lic%20and%20reg.pdf##~https://fssai.gov.in/advisories.php

Region: India