Cost, Process, and Timeline: Everything You Need to Know About FSSAI Licensing for Home Cloud Kitchens

Introduction

Cloud kitchens are a growing trend in India, and food delivery is changing rapidly. After the pandemic there was an increase of home kitchens and cloud kitchens that serve food online only, not in-person. Cloud Kitchen is a business that is gaining popularity because it’s the most efficient and cost-effective business.

Steps for securing an FSSAI license for home cloud kitchens

A home-based kitchen is considered the ideal investment for young or novice entrepreneurs. Even though the cloud kitchen is different than a traditional restaurant, it still needs to meet food safety requirements.
If you are interested in running a kitchen at home but do not know how to obtain an FSSAI licence, here is what you should be aware of.

What is FSSAI license?

The most important thing to do when you want to open a cloud kitchen is get an license. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is the governing body for all food businesses, including cloud kitchen. To operate legally in the food industry and be successful, cloud kitchens must hold an FSSAI licence.

A FSSAI licence is also the main criterion that entrepreneurs must meet to be able to prepare food in a kitchen at home. The customers are assured that food prepared in the kitchen of the business is safe and hygienic. If you want to register your food business with popular food delivery services such as Zomato or Swiggy you’ll need a FSSAI registration.

Types Of Home Kitchen Or Cloud Kitchen FSSAI License

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is an independent organisation that works under the Ministry of Health. Every cloud kitchen owner needs a license in order to open their own home kitchen. The FSSAI also issues licenses to home kitchens in three different types.
The three categories are determined by the size of an operation and its annual revenue. The types of FSSAI licences also vary.

1. Basic FSSAI license

The FSSAI licence is designed for home kitchens with a small scale that are starting out. A basic FSSAI licence is also applicable to home kitchens with an annual turnover exceeding
Less than Rs 12 lakhs The FSSAI basic license is required to ensure that the kitchen meets basic safety standards. The basic FSSAI online registration is easy and accessible for new entrepreneurs or beginners.

2. State FSSAI license

The FSSAI license applies to a kitchen in a house that is just starting out. This state FSSAI licence is also applicable when the annual revenue of your home kitchen falls between Rs 12 lakhs to Rs 20 crore. To apply for a FSSAI state license, you will need to provide a list of documents and a complete application to the food safety department in the respective state. The state FSSAI is also for businesses that operate cloud kitchens within certain states. It ensures that food regulations are more stringent.

3. Central FSSAI License

The FSSAI license for large home kitchens is designed to be highly profitable. A central FSSAI licence is needed when the annual business turnover of a company exceeds Rs 20 crore. If you plan to operate your business in multiple states, or if you already do, you will need this FSSAI central registration.
To get the license you will also need to submit a detailed application and a list of documents to the central licensing authority. The central FSSAI licence is also for businesses with a wider reach, as long as they adhere to the rules and regulations set by the authority.

Home Kitchen Criteria for Eligibility

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is India’s highest authority for regulating and supervising food quality and safety. A FSSAI licence is required for any business that deals with food. There are some eligibility requirements for a home kitchen in order to obtain the FSSAI licence. This includes:

Criteria for Turnover Based on

A FSSAI licence is essential if you run a home-based kitchen, or plan to do so. There are also different FSSAI licences you can register for depending on your turnover for home kitchens. This includes:

• You need to obtain a central FSSAI licence if your annual cloud kitchen turnover exceeds Rs 20 crore.
• You can get a State FSSAI License if your turnover ranges between Rs 12 Lakh and Rs 20 Crore.
• You should register with the FSSAI for a license if your turnover per year is less than Rs 12 lakh.

Nature Of Business

The type of company will determine whether you register with FSSAI. There are also different FSSAI licences available for various types of business. This includes:

• The State FSSAI is for restaurant marketers, small to medium manufacturers, retailers and transporters.
• The Central FSSAI License is available to importers, central government agencies, railways and airports as well as many other types of businesses.
• The FSSAI basic license is required for anyone who runs a mess, canteen or manufacturing process, as well as those involved in packing and distribution.

Required Documents for FSSAI License

We all know that obtaining a FSSAI licence is a crucial part of starting a home-based kitchen. To get an FSSAI home kitchen license, you will need to submit a number of documents. It is also important that you submit your documents in order to confirm your business. This will give your authority to begin your own business. There are also different FSSAI licences depending on the type of business and turnover rate. There are therefore different documents required for each FSSAI licence type. This includes:

1. Register for Basic FSSAI

Documents required for FSSAI Basic Registration:

• Rental agreement or sales deed as proof of the location. Registration will require a proof of home address.
• Certificate of business constitution that certifies the proprietorship and includes other information.
• The municipality or Panchayat must give the NOC for any new business in their locality.
• Owners must provide a photo ID proof.
• Plan for food safety management
• Name and Address of the Business
• Menu in detail
• Details of the nature of your business
• FSSAI declaration form
• Photo passport size
• Kitchen outlet plan
• Report on water test
• Equipment list

2. State FSSAI license

You will need the proper documentation to register for an FSSAI state license. This includes:

• For a state FSSAI licence, you will need any of the following certificates: a trade license or establishment license; a corporation license or a panchayat permit.
• It is important that you submit a copy of the AOA and MOA if Cloud Kitchen is an S-Corporation or a partnership.
• Certificates of registration with the government, such as the certificate of incorporation or firm registration partnership Deed.
• A photo ID is a driving licence, Aadhar Card, voter ID, or passport.
• Renting a kitchen for a home
• FSSAI declaration form
• Business Type

3. Central FSSAI License

If your company is spread across multiple states, you will need a central FSSAI licence. You will also need to provide the following documentation to obtain the FSSAI central license for your kitchen.

• Authorization letter on the letterhead of the company to the owner concerned stating that the person is authorized to submit the FSSAI licence application.
• It is important that you submit a copy of the AOA and MOA if Cloud Kitchen is an S-Corporation or a partnership.
• Certificates of registration with the government, such as firm registration certificate or partnership Deed.
• A photo ID is a driving licence, Aadhar Card, voter ID, or passport.
• Renting your kitchen for business purposes
• You can list the food you serve in your kitchen
• The IE code certificate (Import Export Code Certificate) is mandatory

Application for FSSAI license in a Home Kitchen

The next step after completing all documentation to obtain the FSSAI licence is to submit the application. The registration is done online, so applicants can submit their application and apply without having to waste time or energy visiting an office. There is also a procedure you must follow in order to obtain an FSSAI kitchen license.

1. Visit Official Website

Visit the FSSAI official portal by searching for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) or Food Safety and Compliance System(FoSCoS). This is the official FSSAI website for processing the application.

2. Use the Online Application Form

You will be able to find an application for a FSSAI new license after visiting the portal. Fill out all details about your kitchen, including the name, the address, the menu type and more. You must also fill out all details accurately to receive the license quickly and without delays.

3. Download the Documents

Upload the document after you have filled out all the information. You should ensure that your documents are legal and in the FSSAI format.

4. Review and Submit

It’s vital to check everything once you have completed the application process. Submit the application.

5. You must pay the required application fee

You will then be required to pay an application fee. There will however be different charges for the FSSAI Central, State, and Basic licenses. If you want to find out the latest fee structure you can also check the FSSAI portal FoSCoS.

6. FSSAI Inspection Visit

You will need to wait until the FSSAI inspector verifies your business after you have paid the application fee. The inspector will also visit your kitchen to verify all the information on the application and ensure that the Food Safety Standards are being followed.

7. You can get your FSSAI License Certificate

The FSSAI certificate will be issued if the inspection goes well and the inspector certifies that the home kitchen is compliant with all rules and regulations and is also eligible to receive a license. This certificate contains your digital FSSAI registration number, which must be displayed on all food items, packaging and marketing material. A FSSAI licence is a great achievement and signal for anyone who wants to launch a business.

8. Renewal of License

Every certificate has an expiration date. You will need to renew registrations after a certain period. You must also renew your license every 1-5 years, depending on what type you have.

Benefits Of Getting Fssai License For Home Kitchen

Getting an FSSAI licence for your home kitchen has many benefits. The following are some of the benefits:

• It ensures that the business is operating within protocol. It also shields the owner of the business from legal penalties or any fines.
• This will help protect your business against any charges of adulterations, pollutants or other violations during an inspection.
• This increases customer confidence as the kitchen is authentic and provides reliable services.
• The FSSAI licence holders will have new opportunities to expand their business.

Challenges and Solutions for Obtaining An FSSAI Licence For Your Home Kitchen

FSSAI licensing offers many benefits for both business and customers. Getting FSSAI certified might not be easy. There may be some obstacles or challenges on your way to obtaining the license. You will need to:

• Document Verification Problem:The document submission process can be stressful, as you have to pay attention to minute details. If there are any issues, it is possible that you will not be granted a license. To rule out any issues, make sure that all of your documentation is correct.
• Inspecting:Handling an inspection can be time consuming and stressful. If you prepare well in advance, you can easily pass an inspection.

Conclusion

It is important that you obtain an FSSAI licence to ensure your kitchen runs smoothly. A FSSAI licence is also required to open a restaurant or a traditional home-based kitchen. FSSAI registration, whether basic, central or state-level, will ensure that the business you run meets all safety standards and food quality requirements.
The license will not only help you to run your business according to the law, but it will also make sure that your business is successful in a competitive market. If you are interested in running a small business but do not know the steps for applying for an FSSAI certification for your home kitchen, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to obtain the license.