An Overview on FSSAI License for Transporter

Ashish M. Shaji

13 Jan, 2021

FSSAI License is now mandatory for all type of transport Business operator, even if you are using third-party transport services to move the food products from one location to another location. FSSAI License for transporter has been made mandatory who is carrying food products from one location to other location whether directly or indirectly. In this article we will have an overview on that.

What is Market size of the Indian Food industry?

The Indian food industry is one of the fastest-growing industries currently with increasing demand for food products domestically and internationally. In 2017, the Indian Food Industry is estimated at US$ 30 billion and CAGR is expected to grow at a staggering rate of 12%. The Indian Government has played an important role in the growth and development of the food industry.

The Ministry of Health & Family welfare places immense faith on public nutrition and ensures that quality food products to reach out and are available to every person in India. This is where the transport industry comes into the picture as it ensures that these food items need to be carried from one place to another usually from the place of manufacture/processing to the final consumer. It is the one most important link as it is the only mode of connectivity between the Manufacturers and consumers. Non- Existence or Breakdown can result in malnutrition or famine like conditions.

What is FSSAI License?

This license applies to all Food Business Operator’s involved in storage, Manufacturing, Distribution, and Packaging, Re-Labelling, Import or Export. It also applies to street vendors and restaurants irrespective of their size. The different types of FSSAI License/Registration depend on the annual turnover of the food business operator.

The transporters have also been brought under the purview of Food License requirement so that it is well regulated and managed.

A Transporter not only includes vehicles but also Infrastructures like airports, ports, and rail transport including the Technology used for food handling, storage, and warehouses.

FSSAI License for Transporter

In order to operate in the country and transport various products across the length and breadth of the country, the transporters have to acquire FSSAI Food License.

FSSAI License is of three types: Basic, State & Central. Usually, the Basic license is based on turnover but every transporter having up to 100 vehicles or a turnover up to Rs. 30 crores are required to go for State License. However, if the number of vehicles increase over 100 or the turnover exceeds Rs.30 crores, the transporter has to avail a Central License.

The Crux of making it mandatory for the food transporters is to ensure that the required safety guidelines and practices of food transportation are followed along with the necessary certifications.

This not only helps in developing good hygienic practices but also ensures that the quality of the product is maintained as it was during the manufacturing process.

The Transporter can remove the product from the manufacturer’s storage or warehouse only after the GAP audit has been conducted and a standardized transporting level is followed. This helps the FBO to comply with FSSAI standards requirements and retain evidence of their due diligence in this regard.

Procedure for availing FSSAI License for Transporter

Following procedure has to be followed in case you are applying FSSAI License for your transport business –

• To begin with, it is important to understand that if a person is a transporter, you need only one license to operate and the license would be used for all the vehicles that are being used for a single business.
• After this, choose to apply for Registration/license.
• Appropriate details are required to be filled and along with the location of business premises i.e. whether it is located at the airport or seaport of specified cities and also the states in which it is located. Also, if a business is operating from multiple locations a separate license is required for every location. In case, the business operates in more than one states, the central license is a must and a license for every state from where the operations are being carried out.
• One has to select the category of business engaged in and eligibility criteria i.e. the turnover or capacity used for determining the eligibility for that category.
• The Transporter is required to select the type of business undertaken for State or Central FSSAI license.

• Post this, a form shall appear wherein relevant business details are required to be filled. This form needs to be filled very carefully and only the generic names need to be filled. Also, the food products mentioned must be approved as per FSSAI Act 2006^[1].
• In the end, one has to make the payment on the payment page and FSSAI officers may ask for further clarification or documents to ensure that you have adequate infrastructure to meet the FSSAI requirement.
• This procedure may be long but includes all relevant details about the business and ensures the quick acquisition of a Food License. Once this license is obtained, the operators can freely work and ensure that the product reaches out to the final consumer, thereby completing the chain.

Conclusion

FSSAI license for transporter should be availed without any delay as you would be able to operate freely. It is more preferable to seek the assistance of a professional to apply for FSSAI License. For any additional information on the same, contact Enterslice.

Read our article: An Overview on FSSAI License for Transporter