FSSAI FoSCos Registration & Licensing Made Easy

Setting up a dairy enterprise in India requires compliance with various regulations to ensure food safety and quality. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandates the registration and licensing of food businesses through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS). Here’s a crash course on the registration and licensing process for aspiring dairy entrepreneurs.

Understanding FSSAI and FoSCoS

FSSAI is the apex body responsible for regulating and supervising food safety in India. FoSCoS is the online platform for FSSAI registration and licensing. Dairy enterprises, categorized under food businesses, must register or obtain a license based on their scale and turnover.

Registration vs. Licensing

Registration: Applicable to small-scale dairy businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh. This includes small dairy farms, milk vendors, and local milk product sellers.

State License: Required for medium-scale enterprises with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore, including medium-sized dairy farms and processors.

Central License: Necessary for large-scale operations with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore, or those engaged in inter-state operations and exports. This category covers large dairy farms, processing units, and major milk product manufacturers.

Steps for FSSAI Registration and Licensing

1. Determine Eligibility: Based on the scale and turnover, determine whether your dairy enterprise needs registration, a state license, or a central license.

2. Prepare Documents: Common documents include the identity proof of the proprietor, business address proof, a detailed list of dairy products, a dairy layout plan, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local municipality or panchayat.

3. Online Application:
– Visit the [FoSCoS website](https://foscos.fssai.gov.in).
– Create an account and log in.
– Fill out the application form corresponding to your category (Registration/State License/Central License).
– Upload the required documents.

4. Fee Payment: Pay the applicable fee online. The fee structure varies based on the type of registration or license.

5. Inspection: For state and central licenses, the FSSAI may conduct an inspection of the premises to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

6. Approval and License Issuance: Upon successful verification, FSSAI will issue the registration certificate or license, which must be prominently displayed at the business premises.

Renewal and Compliance

FSSAI registration and licenses are typically valid for 1-5 years. Renewal applications should be filed at least 30 days before expiration. Adhering to FSSAI guidelines and maintaining food safety standards is crucial for continuous compliance and to avoid penalties.

By following these steps, dairy entrepreneurs can ensure their business operates legally and meets the necessary food safety standards, contributing to consumer trust and business growth.