Key Steps to Secure an FSSAI License for Home Cloud Kitchens
Thus, a home kitchen business is said to be the best investment for beginners or young entrepreneurs. However, even if the home kitchen business is different from the traditional restaurant business, there are still requirements of food safety regulations for your cloud kitchen.
So, if you want to run a home kitchen, and do not have any idea on how to get an FSSAI license for a home kitchen, then here are a few steps you need to know.
What Is FSSAI License?
If you plan to start a home kitchen, getting an FSSAI license is the most important part of starting your business. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a governing body that regulates all the rules for the food business including cloud kitchen. The home kitchen must have an FSSAI license to operate legally and succeed in the competitive food business.
Moreover, an FSSAI license is the most important criterion for business entrepreneurs to deal with food preparation from a home kitchen. It assures the customers that the food from the home kitchen is hygienic and safe. In addition, if you are registering your business on famous food delivery platforms such as Zomato, Swiggy, and others, you will need an FSSAI food safety license or registration.
Types Of Home Kitchen Or Cloud Kitchen FSSAI License
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an independent organization working under the Ministry of Health. So, every cloud kitchen business owner must get a license to start their home kitchen. Moreover, the FSSAI issues three types of FSSAI licenses for home kitchens.
These three types are based on the scale of operations and the annual turnover of the business. In addition, the types of these FSSAI licenses are
1. Basic FSSAI License
This FSSAI license is for small-scale home kitchens that are just starting. Moreover, a basic FSSAI license is applicable if your home kitchen has an annual turnover of
less than Rs 12 lakhs. This basic FSSAI license is essential so that your kitchen meets all the basic safety regulations. In addition, the basic FSSAI registration process is very simple and is accessible online making it easy for beginners or young entrepreneurs.
2. State FSSAI License
This FSSAI license is for a home kitchen that has little more business than the startup. Moreover, this state FSSAI license is applied when your home kitchen makes the business of annual turnover between Rs 12 lakhs and Rs 20 crore. However, to apply for a state FSSAI license, there is a need to submit a detailed application and the list of required documents to the state government food safety department. In addition, the state FSSAI license is for cloud kitchen businesses operating within specific states and ensures that there are stronger food safety regulations.
3. Central FSSAI License
This FSSAI license is for larger home kitchens with highly profitable businesses. Thus a central FSSAI license is required to apply when the business’s annual turnover exceeds more than Rs 20 crore. In addition, if you are operating your business across multiple states or planning to do so, then you need to get this central FSSAI registration.
Moreover, to get the license, there is a need to apply for a comprehensive application with a long list of documentation under the central licensing authority. Additionally, the central FSSAI license is for those with wider business reach keeping in record that they follow the rules and regulations of the food safety authority.
Eligibility Criteria For Home Kitchen
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the highest authority that regulates and supervises food safety and quality. Moreover, any food business needs to have an FSSAI license. However, there are certain eligibility criteria for the home kitchen to get the FSSAI license. It includes:
Turnover Based Criteria
If you are running a home kitchen or planning to run one, it’s clear that an FSSAI license is an essential thing. Moreover, there are different types of FSSAI licenses that you need to register for as per your turnover criteria for home kitchens. It includes:
- If your cloud kitchen business’s annual turnover is more than Rs 20 crore, then you need to apply for the central FSSAI license.
- If your annual turnover is between Rs 12 lakh to Rs 20 crore, then you can apply for a State FSSAI license.
- If your annual turnover is below Rs 12 lakh- It’s important that you register for a basic FSSAI license.
Nature Of Business
Registering on FSSAI depends on the type of business. Moreover, there are different types of FSSAI licenses for different types of businesses. It includes:
- State FSSAI license is for those who are restaurant marketers, medium size manufacturers, retailers, transporters, and distributors.
- Central FSSAI license is for those who are importers, central government operators, railways, airports, and many others.
- A basic FSSAI license is for those who are running mess, canteen, manufacturing processes, and packing distribution.
Documents Required For FSSAI License
By now we understand that FSSAI license is an important aspect of starting your home kitchen business. However, to get the FSSAI license for a home kitchen, there is a need for a series of documentation. Moreover, it’s important to submit the documents to verify your business and give you the authority to start your business. In addition, there are different types of FSSAI licenses based on different turnover rates and the nature of business. So, there are different sets of documents for each type of FSSAI license. It includes:
1. Basic FSSAI Registration
The are following documents needed to obtain FSSAI basic registration:
- Evidence of home kitchen location that includes rental agreement or sale deed. An authorized home address proof will be appropriate for registration.
- Business constitution certificate that includes certification of proprietorship, and other.
- NOC from the municipality or Panchayat for opening in that locality.
- Photo identity proof of the owner
- Food safety management plans
- Business name and address
- Detailed copy of the menu
- Nature of business details
- FSSAI declaration form
- Passport size photo
- Kitchen outlet plan
- Water test report
- Equipment list
2. State FSSAI License
To register for a state FSSAI license you need a proper setup of documentation. It includes:
- To get a State FSSAI license, there is a need for any one of these certificates including trade license, shop and establishment registration, corporation license, or panchayat license.
- If Cloud Kitchen is a private limited company or partnership, then it’s important to submit an MOA and AOA or partnership deed copy.
- Government registration certificates such as company incorporation certificate firm registration partnership Deed or PAN card.
- Photo identity proof that includes either an Aadhar card, driving license, passport, or voter ID.
- Rental agreement of home kitchen premises
- FSSAI declaration form
- Nature of business
3. Central FSSAI License
You need to have a central FSSAI license when your business is all over multiple states. Moreover, you need to submit the following documents to get the central FSSAI license for your home kitchen.
- Authority letter from the company letterhead to the concerned owner stating that he is the authorized person to file the FSSAI license application.
- If Cloud Kitchen is a private limited company or partnership, then it’s important to submit an MOA and AOA or partnership deed copy.
- Government registration certificates such as company incorporation certificate firm registration partnership Deed or PAN card.
- Photo identity proof that includes either an Aadhar card, driving license, passport, or voter ID.
- Rental agreement of your home kitchen business premises
- List of food categories you are serving in your home kitchen
- IE code (Import Export Code) certificate is compulsory
How To Apply FSSAI License For A Home Kitchen
Once you get all the documentation ready to apply for the FSSAI license, the next step is to apply for the FSSAI license officially. Moreover, the registration process is completely online offering easy accessibility for the applicants to apply and submit the application without wasting their time and energy in visiting the office. In addition, there is a process you need to follow to apply for an FSSAI license for the home kitchen.
1. Visit Official Website
Go to the official FSSAI portal under the name Food Safety and Standards Authority of India or the Food Safety and Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal. It is the official website to process the FSSAI application.
2. Fill Out The Online Application Form
After visiting the official portal, you will find an application form to obtain a new FSSAI license. You need to fill out the online form filling in all the details of your home kitchen including name, address, menu type, and many more. In addition, you must fill in all the details correctly to get the license without any delays or problems while issuing the license.
3. Upload The Documents
Once you fill out the details, now you need to upload the documents. Your documents should be legal and as per the FSSAI format.
4. Review And Submit
Once you complete the process, it’s important to review everything ensuring that details are correct and complete. Then, submit the application form.
5. Pay The Required Application Fee
Once you submit your application form, you will be asked to pay the application fee. However, there will be different fees for the basic, state, or Central FSSAI license. Moreover, if you need to know about the updated fee structure, then you can check the official FSSAI website FoSCoS portal.
6. FSSAI Inspection Visit
After paying the application fee, you need to wait till your business gets verified by the FSSAI inspector. Moreover, the inspector will visit your home kitchen and verify the details as per the application form as well as ensure the food safety Standards are followed on the premises.
7. Get Your FSSAI License Certificate
If the inspection is successful and the inspector confirms that your home kitchen follows all the rules and regulations as well as is eligible for the license, then you will receive the FSSAI license certificate. The certificate holds your 14 digital FSSAI registration numbers which you must display on your food products, packaging, and marketing materials. Moreover, getting an FSSAI license is an achievement for any home kitchen owner and a green signal to start their business smoothly.
8. Renewal Of License
There is always an expiration of every certificate. However, you need to renew your registration after a specific period. Moreover, you need to renew the license after every one to five years depending on the type of license.
Benefits Of Getting Fssai License For Home Kitchen
There are multiple benefits to getting an FSSAI license for home kitchens. It includes:
- The license offers legal compliance as it makes sure the food business works within the protocol. In addition, it also protects the business owner from any legal consequences or fines.
- It will protect the business from any adulterations or pollutants charges during the inspection of food hygiene.
- It enhances customer trust as it makes sure the home kitchen offers authentic and reliable food services.
- It will open new market opportunities and platforms for the FSSAI license holders.
Common Challenges And Solutions During Getting An FSSAI License For Home Kitchen
FSSAI license offers multiple benefits to both customers and business owners. However, getting FSSAI certification might not be an easy task. You may face some challenges or hurdles on the way to getting the license. It includes:
- Problem In Document Verification: The documentation process may sometimes be stressful as there are minute details you need to focus on to submit the documents. And, if there is any issue, you might not get the license. However, ensure that your documents are correct and complete to rule out the issues.
- Inspections: Handling inspections might be stressful and time-consuming. But, if you are fully prepared beforehand then you will easily pass the inspection.
Conclusion
If you are planning to run your home kitchen in India, then it’s important to obtain an FSSAI license to operate smoothly. Moreover, an FSSAI license is important to start a business whether it’s a home kitchen or traditional dine-in restaurant. The FSSAI registration either basic, state, or Central, ensures that your business meets the safety and standards of the food in your home kitchen.
In addition, getting the license not only helps to operate the business following the rules but also ensures your business reaches success in the competitive market. However, if you want to run a business, but don’t know how to get an FSSAI license for a home kitchen, then here is a detailed discussion regarding the FSSAI license and steps to apply for the certification.
