FSSAI Lately Clarifies Documents Needed for Licensing Applications

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently addressed concerns regarding the documents required as proof of premises for licensing applications made through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS). Referring to Annexure-2 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulation, 2011, and FSSAI order number 15(31)2020/FoSCoSTRCD/FSSAI dated 19.03.2021, the FSSAI outlines the mandatory documents necessary for new license applications to the State/Central Licensing Authority. Various queries have been received by the FSSAI regarding the acceptable documents as proof of premises for license applications. In response, the FSSAI has provided a clarified list of documents that can be considered for this purpose:

• Sale deed or Rent/lease agreement (validity of at least six months on the date of application)
• Proof of address issued by Government Authority (e.g., Voter ID, AADHAAR) for self-owned premises
• Documents related to Premise Registration by Land Authority
• Property Tax Receipt (within one year) or valid Insurance of the premise or Fire Safety Certificate
• Utility Bills from Government Authorized/licensed utility service providers (not older than 3 months)
• Any other document issued by a Government/Government-nominated agency for the premise

It is emphasized that while scrutinizing license applications, Designated Officers may consider any other document not listed above that establishes possession of premises by the Food Business Operator (FBO). The purpose of these documents is to validate the FBO’s possession of the premises and not to confirm ownership. Enclosed documents must reflect the name of the Food Business Operator or its Authorized representative. Additionally, once the license is granted, the FBO is required to upload updated Agreements/NOG through Non-Form C modifications whenever there is a change in the information based on which the license was granted. FBOs are reminded of their responsibility to acquire Permissions/No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from other government bodies when necessary. This responsibility is to be acknowledged through a self-declaration during the application for a license/registration. This clarification has been issued with the approval of the CEO, of FSSAI, to ensure transparency and compliance in the licensing process. View and Download the Document