FSSAI License Renewal- Overview

It is crucial to renew the FSSAI license in order to avoid any form of penalties. All food business operators (FBOs) require to renew this license within the stipulated period of time in order to avoid any penalties. Previously FSSAI License Renewal was carried out through the Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS). This system was an online platform which was launched by the FSSAI in 2012.

However, on 01 November 2020 this system has been replaced by the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) which is an enhanced version of the previous software for food safety compliance requirements. This system uses high end technology which allows compliances to be filed on time. There were major drawbacks in utilising the system related to FLRS. Hence the Food Safety Standards Authority of India brought out the new system which has new features.

The FSSAI License Renewal procedure is completely online like the previous system. However, it has specific form of integrated umbrella features which were present in the previous FSSAI system. The renewal procedure for this form of license is simpler when compared to the previous system.

If a FBO does not carry out the renewal within the stipulated time frame, then the application is charged Rs. 100/- per day as a penalty. Depending on the type of food business operator, the license would remain valid for a period which varies between 1 to 5 years. FSSAI license renewal is as important as securing a new license for registration.

Types of FSSAI License Renewal

The following are the types of FSSAI License Renewal:

Basic FSSAI License
This license is required for all FBO who have the turnover of less than 12 lakhs.
State FSSAI License
This license is required for all FBOs who have an annual turnover of more than 12 Lakhs and less than 20 crores. The FSSAI License renewal fee would depend on the requirements of the FBO.
Central FSSAI License
This license is required for all FBOs who have an annual turnover of more than 20 crores per annum. All applicants have to ensure to fulfil the requirements related FSSAI license renewal under the respective authority.

Benefits of FSSAI License Renewal

The following are the benefits of FSSAI License Renewal:

Confidence of Consumers will improve
All FBOs following proper standards would ensure on time renewal of the license. This will improve overall consumer confidence when buying products of the FBO.
Ensure Compliance
By renewing the FSSAI license in time, compliance can be met effectively. The FBOs would not be liable to pay penalties for non-compliance.
Increases the Value of the Brand
By securing this license the reputation of the brand would improve. Consumers would know that the FBO has renewed this license.
Provides Opportunities for Diversification
The business can diversify into other areas after compliance is met through FSSAI license renewal. New food products can be produced by the FBO.
International Standards
By complying with the law related to the above system, international standards can be maintained.

How to Renew the FSSAI License Online (FSSAI License Renewal) under FoSCoS?

Previously all FBOs utilised the Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) which was the designated online system for registering and carrying out renewals of licensing requirements for food business operators. However, for FSSAI License renewal all food business operators require to utilise the system under the FoSCoS which was introduced in 01 November 2020.

The following procedure has to be considered for FSSAI License Renewal under the FoSCoS system:

Go Online
First and Foremost the applicant who is an existing user should go online to the FoSCoS website. This process of renewal is carried out through login method.
Logging In
After logging into the FoSCoS system, the applicant would have to navigate to the heading renewal and go to apply for the renewal of new license or registration.
List of Licenses
After this step, the applicant would be provided with a list of licenses for which FBO approval is provided. After clicking on the license for renewal the applicant has to go to proceed.

• Note: The FoSCoS system would only have applications for renewal which have to be renewed for a period of 120 days before the expiry of the certificate.

• If the application for renewal is not listed in the list of licenses which require renewal, then the applicant would have to apply for a fresh certificate of registration.
Fill in Details in Form B
After clicking on the above, the applicant would be redirected to fill up a form. In the application form, there would be information in an editable and non-editable mode. The following information would be present:

• Premises: Such Information would be present in already. This information would not be able to edited by the applicant.

• Information on Products: Such information would be non amendable.

• Documents: Information on the documents would also be present.

• Payment: This would include the form of payment which is utilised by the applicant. Such information can be amended by the applicant. Payment plan can be changed for either one year or 5 years.

• Note: If the FSSAI License Renewal is filed 90 days before the expiry of the certificate, then in that case only a renewal for the fees would be charged for the applicant. Post 90 days a fine of Rs.100 per day would be charged in addition to the renewal fees.
Reference Number
After the applicant makes the payment for FSSAI License Renewal, a reference number would be generated. This reference number is a 17 digit number which has to be utilised by the applicant for future reference. The receipt would provide information on the renewal of the FSSAI license.

FSSAI License Renewal through FoSCoS Home Page

The FSSAI License Renewal can be carried out through the homepage method of the FoSCoS website also:

Go Online
First and Foremost the applicant who is an existing user should go online to the FoSCoS website. This method of renewal is through the FoSCoS Home Page. After going to the homepage of FSSAI renewal, the applicant has to click on Renewal of License and Registration in the bottom right corner of the homepage.
Enter Information
In the next step, the applicant has to enter information which will include the license/registration number, the date of validity and the captcha code and click on submitting the information.
Click on Proceed
After providing all the information the applicant has to click on proceed.
Form B
The applicant would be redirected to the next page which is Form B. Here the user would have to upload information such as the documents, select the years for renewal of the license and choose the payment method. Once this is complete, the application would be ready to be processed for FSSAI License Renewal.
Unique Reference Number
After completing the above steps, a receipt would be generated for the applicant along with a unique reference number. This unique reference number is a 17 digit number which can be utilised by the applicant in future.
Track Status
The status of the application can be checked and tracked on the home page through the following link. Here the applicant would have to enter the application reference number along with the Captcha Code.

Additional Requirements for FSSAI License Renewal

Apart from the above, the FSSAI license must require additional form of documents in the form of audit reports, plan, certificates and other documents which state that compliance with the requirements related to the above system is adhered to

A declaration made by the Authorized signatory stating that the food business conducted conforms to the Food Safety and Standards Act, Hygiene, and Sanitary Practices.

Documents Required for FSSAI License Renewal

The following documents are required for FSSAI License Renewal:

Application form – Form A or Form B which is signed by the applicant
Two Photographs of the Applicant- recent
PAN Card of Executives of the Business
Rent Agreement
Utility Bills if the premises is owned by the applicant
In case the firm is a partnership, then the copy of the partnership deed must be taken
Food Products and Category List
‘AOA and MOA in case the entity is a company
Board Resolution- Form X for the purposes of appointment
Aadhaar and Voted ID- Identification Documents.

State Registration

Layout of Premises with Machine Plan
NOC
Permit from manufacture if required
Food Products Details
Copies of Relevant Food Safety Management Systems.

Central Registration

Layout of Premises with Machine Plan
NOC
Permit from manufacture if required
Food Products Details
Copies of Relevant Food Safety Management Systems
Water Analysis and Report from Laboratory
Information on Annual Turnover
Details of Supply and Procurement of Milk and Meat
IEC Certificate
NOC from FSSAI
Pesticide Residual Report- If business is engaged in Mineral Water Production.

Documents as per the requirements of the FOSCOS FSSAI License Renewal

The following documents have to be provided as per the requirements of the FOSCOS FSSAI License Renewal:

If there is any change of documents during the grant of such license then such change of documents must be provided
Plan of Food Safety Management System being adopted (For Central Registration it has to be a certificate from accredited agencies)
Medical Fitness Certificates and List of Workers
In case there is a change of workers, then the same must be provided
Apart from this if there is any change of documents from the previous registration, then the same must be provided.