FSSAI Registration in Pune, Maharashtra

For ensuring all the food products either served in the market to consumers are safe, qualified, and fit to be consumed, the Government of India introduced the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act) and FSS regulations 2008, which is responsible for regulation and monitoring over the food manufacturers or food business operators by eliminating the illegal and dishonest practices of food adulteration.

Other than this, the following are the primary functions of the FSSAI authority-

Creating general awareness about food safety and required food standards in Pune, Maharashtra;
Laying regulations for food safety standards and guidelines about food articles and providing an appropriate system of enforcing various standards;
Framing mechanism and guidelines for accreditation of certification bodies engaged in certification of food safety management system for food business.
Framing procedures and guidelines for the accreditation of laboratories and notification of the accredited laboratories.
Provide scientific advice and technical guidance to the Central/State Government for framing food-related policies and rules for certain areas which have either a direct/indirect bearing on food safety/nutrition.
Collect and organize data for food consumption, the prevalence of biological risk, risk of contaminants and residues in food, and risk identification and introduction of the rapid alert system.
Contributing to the development of the international technical standards for food sanitary and phytosanitary standards.

Maharashtra is the 3^rd biggest state in terms of geographical area, i.e. 9.4% of the total area of the country. The state lies on the West coast and is well connected with in the country by a dense network of roadways stretching around 3,09,000 km and railway linkage of around 6,210 km within the state. It marks a strong presence on the air map with 4 international and 7 domestic airports. The shoreline of the state is nearly 720 km, with 55 ports which facilitate transportation of 22% of the total cargo transport of the country. Jawahar Lal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) is located here and is linked with 46 Inland Container Depots (ICD), 34 Container Freight Stations (CFS). The state supports it’s industries with the installed power generating capacity of 43,000 MW.

The state has the highest GDP, 2^nd highest FDI inflow during 2020-21 at 28% in the country and Ranks No. 1 in Export Preparedness Index in 2020. FDI for the period Oct -2019 – Sept 2020 aggregated over $10.8 Bn and for the period Oct -2019 to March 2021 the state’s contribution for the FDI was nearly $23.43 Bn. Mumbai, the state capital is popularly known as the Financial Capital of India and is home to most headquarters of all major corporate and financial institutions.

Information Technology is one of the key sectors of the state, accounting to more than 20% of the country’s software exports. Pune, Aurangabad, Nashik and Kohlapur are the major export cities from the region. The government has developed 37 IT parks and also approved 472 others and the State’s Industrial Policy offers policies regarding various infrastructural investments like exemption on filing patents and Knowledge Parks etc.

Maharashtra holds 30.5% share in industrial output of ESIDM sector. The state also has 3 Electronic Manufacturing Clusters (EMC) in Pune, Aurangabad and Navi Mumbai, with facilities for testing and R&D. Well established ESDM hubs are located in Khed and Talegaon in Pune. They enjoy locational benefits of being directly connected to JNPT and Mumbai port, the largest ports of the country.

With a robust presence, Maharashtra shares 35% of the total output of Automobiles by value with the assistance of committed manufacturers and a network of component suppliers and vendors. Major centres are located in Pune, Aurangabad, Nashik and Nagpur.

The state is the major producer of Arhar and Jowar, contributing 29.11% and 46.09% respectively to the aggregate yield of the country. Ranks #2 in the production of bananas, cashew, pulses, cotton and sugarcane. This region tops the chart in the production of Grapes and provides stimulation to the grape processing and wine industry with the help of dedicated wine policy and wine parks. 8 Food Parks and 3 Floriculture Parks with superior facilities are established here. Thus, Food Processing industry in the state is worth $158 Mn by way of 173 projects initiated during the years 1992-93.

An ace producer of cotton, bamboo and silk fibers, textile sector generates 2^nd highest employment opportunities in the zone after agriculture. 14 private and 10 government textile parks are set up with plug and play facility. The government has launched Textile Policy to ensure various incentives to the sector by way of tax exemption, interest subsidy and up gradation subsidy, with a mission to generate 1 mn new job prospects by year 2023. Bombay High is the largest producer of offshore oil in India. Bollywood, world’s largest film industry in term of viewership is based out of Mumbai.

With a fairly good sex ratio in the state, 929 females per 1000 males. 66% of the total population of the region falls between the age group of 15-59 years and is the 2th most populous state of the country, with 112.4 million citizens residing i.e. nearly 9% of the country’s population, which is equivalent to the population of Mexico on their 1/6^th of their land area. This state has 1 Central University, 23 State Universities, 21 Deemed Universities, 14 Private Universities, 885 Engineering Colleges, 227 Business Management Institutes, 438 Pharmacy Colleges and 474 Industrial Training Institutes.

The aggregate value of investment opportunities in Maharashtra is nearly $815.58 bn, comprising of a total of 1195 projects out of which 45 are private and 1150 are Government owned projects, with 242 promoters involved, spread across 39 districts of the state, which makes Maharashtra a perfect breeding ground for developmental projects in the commercial segment. Prestigious Government schemes are also running here like Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana Gramin which values about $59.38 bn, Pradhan Mantri gram Sadak Yojana Project costs a whooping amount of $50.24 bn, Wind Power Project worth $56.47 bn and Solar Power Project with aggregate value of $63.57 bn.

Therefore, in pursuance of the powers and authority conferred upon FSSAI by the Ministry of Health & Family, the FSSAI authority is the chief authority for the grant/renewal of the FSSAI registration or license for the food business operations in Pune, Maharashtra. Not only this, but FSSAI also oversees their functioning and compliances with the applicable rules and regulations and may cancel/suspend registration on failure to meet the prescribed conditions /criteria.

Hence, every food business manufacturer or a food business operator in Pune, Maharashtra having a food business of his own irrespective of the annual turnover or scale of business operations is required to obtain an FSSAI Registration. If you are someone considering to start a food-related business of your own, you must understand certain necessary aspects for FSSAI registration in Pune, Maharashtra-

What are the Eligibility Criteria for FSSAI in Pune, Maharashtra?

Any food manufacturer or food business operator (FBO) in Pune, Maharashtra who are either functioning in the food business or intend to start a food business in Pune, Maharashtra must necessarily apply for and obtain FSSAI registration/license depending upon the scale of the operations in one or more states, annual turnover and size of such food business. Thus, it may include food business operators such as-

Businesses selling food through temporary or fixed stalls and are involved in the preparation, distribution, storage, and sale of food products;
A person who prepares and sells food articles all by himself;
Hawkers who offer and sell food products;
Pretty retailers sell food through shops such as snacks & savories, confectionaries, bakery items, etc.
Individuals/businesses who prepare and distribute in any religious or social gathering except as a caterer.
Food Businesses function as Dairy Units including Milk Chilling Units, Petty milkmen, and Milk Vendors.
Food Businesses functioning as Vegetable Oil Processing Units.
Food Businesses functioning as Slaughtering houses or Meat Processing units;
Food Businesses function as Cold/refrigerated storage facilities.
Food Transporters function through specialized vehicles such as insulated refrigerated vans/wagons, milk tankers, etc.
Wholesalers/ Suppliers/ Distributors and Marketing of food products.
Food Businesses working as Hotels, Restaurants, and Bars.
Canteens and Cafeteria businesses including mid-day meal canteens.
Food Vending Agencies and Catering services;
Importers and Exporters of food items;
E-Commerce food suppliers;

Types of FSSAI Registration in Pune, Maharashtra

Primarily, there are three types of FSSAI registration for Food business operator/s which will be dependent upon the size, annual turnover, and the presence of your business in Pune, Maharashtra.

There are three types of FSSAI Registration/Licenses in Pune, Maharashtra are as follows-

FSSAI Basic Registration in Pune, Maharashtra:

Generally, petty business retailers, hawkers, temporary/fixed stalls need to make an application and obtain FSSAI registration in Pune, Maharashtra. The eligibility of Food business manufacturers and Food Business Operators (FBO) including annual turnover up to Rs. 12 Lacs and holding-

Production capacity up to 100kgs/liters per day or;
Operating milk collection up to Rs. 500 liters of milk per day;
Animal slaughtering capacity up to (2 large animals/ 10 small animals / 50 poultry birds per day) or lesser in a day.

Shall be required to obtain FSSAI Basic registration by making their application for registration in Form A and shall be required to obtain a Registration Certificate (RC) that will include complete details of such Food manufacturer/Business operator along with a QR Code along with an allotted 14-digit unique registration number.

FSSAI State License:

Food business operators/businesses/start-ups or entities in Pune, Maharashtra holding an annual turnover between Rs. 12 Lakhs to Rs. 20 Crores, but having a presence limited within one state need to apply for a State License by making an application in Form B along with attached documents in the prescribed format.

FSSAI Central License:

Food Business manufacturers in Pune, Maharashtra functioning on a large scale along with an annual turnover above Rs. 20 crores need a central license. Food businesses serve the needs of larger corporations such as Indian Railways and similar corporations. Such food businesses have a presence in more than two states.

However, food manufacturers and businesses either importing or exporting food products shall be required to obtain FSSAI compulsorily by submitting an application in Form B along with all prescribed documents.

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration in Pune, Maharashtra-

FSSAI Basic Registration in Pune, Maharashtra

Following documents shall be compulsorily prepared, collected, and submitted along with the prescribed form for FSSAI basic registration in Pune, Maharashtra-

Scanned copy of the passport-size photo of the proprietor/authorized officer of the business entity;
Scanned copy of the Aadhaar proprietor/authorized officer of the business entity;
Scanned Copy of the proof of the registered address of the food business(rent agreement/ electricity bills)
Copy of NOC from the owner of business premises(if rented)
Declaration duly self-attested and signed by the proprietor or responsible person for the business entity;

For FSSAI State & Central Licence in Pune, Maharashtra

Following documents shall be compulsorily prepared, collected, and submitted along with the prescribed form for FSSAI basic registration in Pune, Maharashtra-

Scanned copy of the passport-size photo of the proprietor/authorized officer (directors/partners/proprietor) of the business entity;
Scanned Copy of the proof of the registered address of the food business (rent agreement/ electricity bills)
Copy of proof of identification of the proprietor/authorized officer (directors/partners/proprietor) of the business entity;
Blueprint & Photograph of the business premises( including warehouse)
List of food products intended to be prepared, distributed, and offered for sale on letterhead;
List of machinery & equipment’s (if any) on the company’s letterhead;
Food Safety Management Plan(FSMS plan)
Copy of water test report;
A-List of all food categories being offered;

Process of registration in Pune, Maharashtra

Once all the documents are collected, the applicant shall be required to log on to the FLRS portal by accessing the website https://foodlicensing.fssai.gov.in/about_flrs.aspx online and create a user id and password using the mobile number and email Id of the authorized person.
Next, select the required type of license/ registration and fill the form (form A for basic registration, form B for state and central license) by providing details of the business entity;
Now, attach required documents with the form in pdf format and submit them for approval by the FSSAI authority.
On submission of the form, the applications shall be duly verified by the authority, and on approval, a registration certificate may be granted online and the notification shall be sent to the email id of the authorized officer;
if the application is rejected, the same shall be notified to the applicant/ business entity within 7 days from the date of submission of the application and such rejection shall be notified in writing.

Benefits of FSSAI Registration in Pune, Maharashtra

Apart from being compulsory to be obtained before commencement of food business, the FSSAI registration comes with the following benefits-

Creation of a sense of trust & Credibility among buyers/consumers;
Increases Business profitability & business goodwill due to the recognition of FSSAI logo;
Assures standardized process of preparation of food articles with a deep emphasis on hygiene and cleaning;
Protection against baseless and false claims for businesses;
Mandatory for starting e-commerce food-related business;
Mandatory to be obtained where the individual proprietor or business entity intends to export or import food articles;
Provides access to amended rules regarding food preparation and safety guidelines which will help the FBO to improve their services;
Helps to get business sponsors and investors due to higher profitability aspects and better goodwill in the market.

Period for Approval & Validity Period in Pune, Maharashtra

Once the application is submitted on the FLRS portal, the licensing authority will assess the application and on being satisfied with the authenticity of the application and inspection of the business premises and other requirements such as the source of water supply, standard practices followed for preparation of food articles, safety procedures, etc. it may approve the application and issue registration certificate which could be printed from the FLRS portal.

Generally, the time involved in approval for FSSAI basic registration in Pune, Maharashtra is between 7-30 days, whereas, in the case of State/Central license, it could take anywhere between 40-60 days.

The FSSAI registration in Pune, Maharashtra shall be valid for a period between 1-5 years depending upon the fee paid and further shall be eligible for renewal after the end of such validity period.

FSSAI Registration Fee Charges in Pune, Maharashtra

Provided below is the list of the fee required to be paid with the registration application which varies with the type of registration in Pune, Maharashtra-

S.No	Registration/License	Amount
i.	Basic Registration	Rs. 100 per year
ii.	State License	Between 2000-5000 per year
iii.	Central License	Rs. 7500 per year

Conclusion

Therefore, it is mandatory for every food manufacturer and/or food business operator to obtain FSSAI registration in Pune, Maharashtra irrespective of the size or scale of his/her business operations, as provided under section 32 of the FSSAI Act 2006, every person who is engaged in the business of manufacture, storage, sale, import or export, or any other similar activity must obtain FSSAI registration, and any failure to obtain may invite civil action including penalty under the Act.

On the other hand, FSSAI registration in Pune, Maharashtra could be obtained easily at minimal fees and offers multiple benefits of higher profitability, business growth, and reputation in the relevant market. So, Get your FSSAI registration today!

FSSAI Registration in Pune, Maharashtra – Process, Eligibility, Documents Required, Benefits