Food businesses in India attract myriad compliances and strict regulations from several authorities. One authority that comprehensively governs these entities is known as FSSAI. This apex regulator operates under the FSS Act 2006 and advocates utmost food safety and hygiene. FSSAI also makes the public aware of deceitful practices such as adulteration and excessive use of preservatives. It compels the food business operators, be it a hotel owner or milk processing unit, to abide by the FSS Act 2006 norms. Securing food licenses, maintaining utmost hygiene, and documenting processes are among a few compulsory compliances for FBOs in India. With that being said, let’s delve into how to apply for a food license in Punjab and its legalities.
Types of Food License in Punjab for FBOs
Based on the business nature, operational footprint, and turnover, FBOs must apply for one of the following licenses:
FSSAI Basic registration
It is required by small businesses whose annual turnover is yet to cross the recommended threshold i.e. Rs 12 lacs.
FSSAI State License
FBOs with an annual income ranging from Rs 12 lacs – 20 crores must apply for FSSAI state license.
FSSAI Central License
FBOs with an annual income exceeding the maximum threshold i.e. Rs 20 crores are mandatorily required to secure this permit.
Online Process to Secure Food License In Punjab
- Visit the online portal viz. FoSCoS[1] and login if required
- Head to the top menu and select “New Application”.
- Select the business type from the options: trader, manufacturer, and service provider
- Select the area of operation that follows turnover criteria. This action will lead you to an e-form.
- Fill out the e-form with information relating to the business such as CIN, GST, etc.
- Enter the food types, and standards being followed, if required.
- Upload the documents as cited in the next section.
- Head to the payment page for fee submission.
The document and e-form will redirected to the FSSAI’s concerned department for inspection. Based on the assessment, the authority will decide whether or not to grant the license to the applicant.
List of Documents for Securing the Food License in Punjab
The table below shows the document requirement license-wise.
| Document Type | Basic Registration | State License | Central License |
| Passport-sized photographs | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Identity Proof | Aadhar Card/ Voter ID/ PAN Card | Aadhar Card/ Voter ID/ PAN Card | Aadhar Card/ Voter ID/ PAN Card |
| Address Proof | Utility Bill/ Rent Agreement | Utility Bill/ Rent Agreement | Utility Bill/ Rent Agreement |
| Business Address Proof | Utility Bill/ Rent Agreement | Utility Bill/ Rent Agreement | Utility Bill/ Rent Agreement |
| Form-B signed by Proprietor/ Partner | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| List of Food Products to be handled | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Blueprint/layout of the processing unit | NA | Required | Required |
| Name and list of equipment and machinery | NA | Required | Required |
| List of Directors with full address and contact details | NA | Required | Required |
| Proof of possession of premises | Utility Bill/ Rent Agreement | Utility Bill/ Rent Agreement | Utility Bill/ Rent Agreement |
| Partnership Deed/ Affidavit of Proprietorship | NA | Required | Required |
| NOC from Municipality or local body | NA | Required | Required |
| FSSAI Declaration Form | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Certificate of Incorporation | NA | Required (for companies) | Required (for companies) |
| MOA and AOA (for companies) | NA | Required (for companies) | Required (for companies) |
| Water Test Report from ISI approved facility | NA | Required (if applicable) | Required (if applicable) |
| Import Export Code (IEC) | NA | NA | Required (for importers) |
| Analysis Report (Chemical & Bacteriological) of water to be used in process | NA | Required (if applicable) | Required (if applicable) |
| Recall plan (if applicable) | NA | NA | Required (for manufacturers) |
| Proof of Annual Turnover | NA | Required | Required |
A Sneak Peak Into Operational Norms For Food License Holders
The holder of a food License in Punjab must comply with norms as shown in the table below:
| Compliance Requirement | Basic Registration | State License | Central License |
| Annual Return | NA | Compulsory | Compulsory |
| Half-Yearly Return | NA | NA | Compulsory (for manufacturers of milk and milk products) |
| Food Safety Audit | NA | Compulsory (for certain high-risk businesses) | Compulsory |
| Maintaining Sanitary and Hygienic Conditions | Compulsory | Compulsory | Compulsory |
| Annual Renewal of License | Compulsory | Compulsory | Compulsory |
| Updating Changes in Business Details | Within 30 days | Within 30 days | Within 30 days |
| Display of FSSAI License Number | Compulsory | Compulsory | Compulsory |
| Periodic Training of Food Safety Supervisor | NA | Compulsory | Compulsory |
| Submission of Food Testing Reports | NA | Compulsory (if applicable) | Compulsory (if applicable) |
| Record Keeping and Documentation | Basic level | Detailed records | Detailed records |
| Implementation of Food Recall Plan | NA | Compulsory (if applicable) | Compulsory (if applicable) |
| Display of Food Safety Display Board | Compulsory | Compulsory | Compulsory |
| Periodic Medical Check-up of Employees | NA | Compulsory | Compulsory |
| Implementation of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) | Basic adherence | Detailed adherence | Detailed adherence |
| Implementation of GHP (Good Hygiene Practices) | Basic adherence | Detailed adherence | Detailed adherence |
| Licensing and Registration of all vendors/suppliers | NA | Required | Required |
Conclusion
Securing a Food License In Punjab is a matter of complying with various compliances, such as ensuring food testing, maintaining required hygiene, applying online on the authority’s portal, paying required fees, etc. Adhering to these steps can be taxing if you are new to the food business. That’s why Advisou is here to help you out. Connect with us, if you want to secure the FSSAI approval in one go with zero legal hassle.
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