FSSAI License for E-commerce- Types, Requirement, Process, Documents

E-commerce is an online buying and selling product service. As per the 2022 report, India is ranked in 7th position in e-commerce globally as it is the leading business. Nowadays, all food business operators have websites and apps to sell their products, including fresh fruit and vegetables and packed food items. As per the Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006 (FSSAI Act), e-commerce food businesses can only start by obtaining a food license in India. So, all the e-commerce food businesses must apply for FSSAI Registration for e-commerce according to their business capacity.

What is FSSAI for E-Commerce Business

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is an autonomous body which comes under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. FSSAI Registration is a 14-digit unique number that must be displayed on the food products. It ensures the safety and hygiene of all food products in India. Under the Food Safety and Standards Authority Act 2006. E-commerce food business operators cannot start their business without having an FSSAI license. It’s mandatory for all food service providers whether online or offline to obtain a FSSAI Certificate.

E-commerce means buying and selling goods and services over digital and electronic networks. The FSSAI regulates the quality standards and safety of the food product in India. All e-commerce businesses must obtain an FSSAI license.

FSSAI has defined online business in three models, which are given below:-

• Inventory-based model: It is a business model that manages the inventory itself, where the inventory of the food product is owned by the e-commerce food business operators and is directly online sold to the customer.
• Marketplace-based model: It is an e-commerce marketplace where the big food brands act as a link between the buyers and sellers in a digital platform for networking. It connects the brand's owner and the consumer via electronic means.
• Hybrid model: In this model, the food business operators can sell their food products through their website without using third-party platforms like Amazon or Flipkart. This allows the FBO to control the pricing of the food product and strategy of the market by which the FBO can also make their brand in the market.

FSSAI for E-commerce Food Business Operator

E-commerce Food Business Operators can sell or buy food products through digital platforms such as Swiggy or Zomato. Following food business must get an FSSAI certificate, which is mentioned below:-

• It provides the facility to store food products for selling, this business requires an FSSAI license as per the government guidelines.
• E-commerce businesses such as Swiggy and Zomato provide the facility of listing restaurant owners, hotels, or any such online food manufacturers that are required to apply under the FSSAI registration for e-commerce.
• If any food manufacturers sell their food products on their online website or portal. Such businesses also need to require an FSSAI license.
• E-commerce businesses that provide transportation to the seller, vendor, brand owner, or manufacturer who lists their food product online to customers directly.

Requirement of FSSAI License for E-commerce

As per the Food Safety and Standard Regulation, 2011, all food business operators must obtain an FSSAI license. The FSSAI license is mandatory for every segment of the food supply chain, including manufacturing, storage places, registered offices, distributors, transporters, etc. All food items delivered to the consumer by e-commerce must have a shelf life of up to 30% or 45 days before the expiry of the food products. In the case of restaurants and caterers selling food online, they must only deliver fresh food items to the consumers.

The E-commerce food business must comply with these guidelines:

• If any consumer registers complaints regarding their food service, the e-commerce FBO needs to address the queries of their customers on an urgent basis.
• All the food products must have an FSSAI license number.

E-commerce Food Business Operators such as sellers, vendors, brand owners, distributors, manufacturers, etc., involved in selling pre-packed food must comply with these guidelines:

• Maintain hygiene and quality standards of the food products as per the FSSAI guidelines.
• Display the panel including the batch number, expiry date, and maximum retail price of the food products.
• The E-commerce business needs to delist food products that do not comply with the FSSAI Act.
• Provide all the information regarding food items available on your E-commerce website.
• E-commerce businesses must make mandatory declarations as per Rule 10 of the legal metrology rules.

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration for E-commerce

The following are the essential documents to obtain an FSSAI license for E-commerce:

• ID proof of the e-commerce FBO.
• Proof of possession of premises (registered office of the e-commerce business) such as sale deed, electricity bill, rent agreement, etc.
• List of company directors with address and contact details.
• Partnership deed, self-declaration for proprietorship or certificate of incorporation.
• Import/Export Code (IEC).
• Food safety management system plan or certificate.
• List of food products.
• Trade license Certificate.

Process of Obtaining FSSAI License for E-commerce

The FSSAI Certificate for E-commerce is an essential document to start a food business in India. Its main aim is to regulate the food hygiene and quality standards of food products. Every e-commerce food business operator must follow these steps to obtain an FSSAI license:

Step 1: Visit the official website

Go to the FoSCoS website to obtain an FSSAI License for E-commerce.

• Click on the Registration option.
• Choose the state.
• Select the kind of business under the retail trade option.
• Fill out the FORM-B.
• Upload all the necessary documents.
• Submit the applicable fees and complete the process.

Step 2: Verification by the FSSAI authority

According to the FSSAI Act, the authority will check the application form and either accept or reject it within 7 working days.

Step 3: Approval from FSSAI

Once the FSSAI authority verifies all the documents and information, they will give clearance for further processing.

Step 4: Issuance of FSSAI License

At last, the FSSAI license for e-commerce will be issued within 30-60 days after being verified by the food safety officer.

FSSAI License for E-commerce Fees and Validity

It is mandatory for all online food service providers must have FSSAI Registration for E-commerce. You must know all the validity and applicable fees for FSSAI registration as per your business type. The FSSAI license for e-commerce is valid for a minimum of 1 year to a maximum of 5 years. The following are the costs of an FSSAI license:

Time taken for FSSAI License for E-commerce

If the applicant is applying for FSSAI basic registration for e-commerce then it takes 7-10 days for approval, subject to authority approval.

If the applicant applying FSSAI State and Central license for e-commerce has yet to have a fixed timeline for approval. It depends on queries raised by the department and its submission.

In case no revert is given by the department within 60 days on the application, it is auto-approved.

Why BizFoc

Every E-commerce food business must obtain an FSSAI license as per the guidelines. The applicant needs to contact a certified professional who can guide you throughout the Registration Process. Bizfoc is the leading provider of FSSAI Registration for your e-commerce business with professional team members.

Conclusion

In conclusion, E-commerce is the leading business that contributes to the highest economy of India. With the popularity of E-commerce food business operators, the FSSAI makes the FSSAI license for all online business operators in India. Enhance your food product quality and safety with an FSSAI certificate for E-commerce. You can contact Bizfoc to obtain the FSSAI license for e-commerce at an affordable price.

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