Getting an fssai licence is a legal requirement for anyone operating a food business in india including manufacturers traders restaurants grocery stores and even small food vendors the food safety and standards authority of india fssai is the apex body responsible for ensuring food safety and it mandates that all food businesses obtain the appropriate fssai registration or licence while the process has been made more accessible through the online foscos portal many applicants still face rejections or delays due to avoidable mistakes.
Understanding and avoiding these common errors during the fssai registration process can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience whether you are applying for a new fssai licence or renewing an existing one being prepared and informed is key to saving time and avoiding legal trouble
1 Choosing the wrong type of license
Fssai offers three types of licences
- Basic registration for small businesses with a turnover of up to 12 lakh per annum
- State license for businesses with a turnover between 12 lakh and 20 crore
- Central license for large-scale operations or businesses involved in importsexports or operating in multiple states
One of the most common mistakes in fssai registration is selecting the wrong licence category for instance a business earning 15 lakh annually may wrongly apply for basic registration instead of a state license this mismatch can result in delays or rejection of your fssai licence application
2 Incomplete or incorrect documentation
Another frequent error is submitting incomplete or incorrect documents depending on the type of fssai licence you may be required to provide
- Identity and address proof of the applicant
- Proof of business address
- Layout or blueprint of the processing unit for manufacturers
- Noc from the municipality or local body
- Food safety management plan
Submitting unclear or irrelevant documents can cause your fssai registration to be put on hold or worse rejected entirely it is crucial to double-check every document before uploading it to the portal
3 Incorrect business details
Applicants often make errors while entering basic information like the business name contact details or address these inaccuracies in your fssai licence application can create confusion and may even raise questions about the legitimacy of your business
Fssai registration requires the details you submit to match official records such as your gst or business incorporation documents any mismatch can lead to prolonged verification or license denial
4 Not updating the business activity
Properly when applying for fssai registration you must clearly specify your business activitywhether you are engaged in manufacturing storage distribution transport or retail choosing the wrong business activity can result in a licence that does not legally cover your operations
If you expand your business or change the nature of operations later failing to update your fssai licence can lead to penalties or problems during inspections
5 Neglecting to renew the license on time
Fssai licences are valid for 1 to 5 years depending on what you select during registration many businesses forget to renew their fssai licence before it expires operating with an expired licence is illegal and can lead to fines or shutdowns
It is recommended to renew your fssai registration at least 30 days before expiry delays in renewal can attract penalties and may require fresh application submission from scratch
6 Not following up after application submission
Once your fssai registration is submitted officials may request additional clarification or documents failing to check emails or messages regularly or providing incorrect contact details often leads to delays or rejection
To ensure a successful fssai licence approval its essential to respond promptly to any queries raised by the authority through the foscos portal or your registered contact details
7 Skipping the inspection process
Certain types of fssai licences especially those for manufacturers require a mandatory inspection by fssai officials some businesses try to postpone or avoid the inspection which only slows down the approval process
Preparing your facility to meet food safety standards and cooperating during inspections is crucial to complete your fssai registration without unnecessary delays
Conclusion
Fssai registration is a crucial step in running a food business legally and building consumer trust though the process is more streamlined today many businesses still face avoidable hurdles due to incorrect submissions poor documentation or missing deadlines by taking the time to understand the fssai licence requirements and avoiding these common mistakes you can ensure faster processing and maintain your businesss compliance with food safety laws
