FSSAI Online Registration Process for E-commerce Sellers

E-commerce refers to the online sale and purchase of products and services. It is also known as online or electronic commerce because it allows commodities, including food products, to be sold and purchased via the internet. Food products, including fresh fruits and vegetables and packaged foods, are now available on all major e-commerce platforms.

E-commerce enterprises are prohibited from dealing in any form of food product without an FSSAI License under the Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006 (FSS Act). Therefore, regardless of their capacity or revenue threshold restriction, e-commerce enterprises must apply for an FSSAI Central License.

E-Commerce Business Models

In India, the FSSAI establishes food standards and oversees e-commerce food firms. E-commerce Food Business Operators (FBOs) are individuals who do business using an internet platform or media, according to the FSSAI.

The FSSAI has defined the following e-commerce business models:

Inventory-Based Model:

The e-commerce business/company owns this model's inventory and food services. They sell meals to customers directly.

Market-based Model:

In this strategy, an e-commerce business acts as a facilitator of an IT platform for customers, sellers, marketers, and producers of food goods. Sellers, producers, and marketers offer food to customers using platforms supplied by e-commerce corporations.

Hybrid Model:

In this arrangement, e-commerce enterprises act as both a platform, retailers, or wholesalers. They earn money via service fees and from the sale of commodities.

FSSAI Online Registration Procedure

• The FSSAI online registration procedure involves:
• Navigate to the FoSCoS webpage.
• Click the 'Apply/License Registration' link on the website's homepage.
• Select the state where the e-commerce firm has registered its office from the drop-down menu.
• On the screen below, select the 'Trade/Retail' option.
• Choose 'e-Commerce' from the list, then 'E-Commerce covered by Center License,' and then click the 'Proceed' button.

• On the following page, click the 'Click here to apply for Central License for all firms' button.
• Fill out the premises, product selection, and communication information, then click the Save & Next button.
• Upload the necessary documentation, pay the registration costs, and complete the FSSAI form.
• The FSSAI will review the application form and, if necessary, investigate the office premises.
• After determining that the e-commerce firm satisfies all of the essential requirements, the FSSAI authorities will issue the FSSAI License Registration Certificate. The FSSAI License registration certificate may be downloaded from the FoSCoS portal by the e-commerce company.

Requirements for FSSAI Online Registration

The basic requirements that are required to be met for FSSAI Online Registration are:

• Ensure that the main display screen of the food product displays a readable and clear picture.
• Display the display panel clearly, including the lot or batch number, expiration date, and maximum retail price of the food product.
• Give an example of a food product that is available for purchase through their e-commerce platform.

• Display their FSSAI License number issued under the FSS Act and the FSSAI hygiene rating of the FBO.
• Show the FSSAI online registration/ license for each food business entity featured on their e-commerce platform.
• Other information on the food product available on the e-commerce website should be provided.

• To preserve the fundamental cleanliness and quality of food goods & services, all e-commerce FBOs must comply with the Food Safety & Standards Licensing & Registration of Food Businesses, Regulations 2011.
• E-commerce-related concerns like product quality, efficacy, or other issues must be immediately communicated to retailers, importers, brand owners, or manufacturing businesses for prompt and immediate redress.

Documents Required

• The e-commerce FBO's identification.
• Proof of ownership of premises (registered office of the e-commerce firm), such as a sale deed, an electricity bill, a rent agreement, and so on.
• List of corporate directors, with addresses and phone numbers.
• The partnership agreement, proprietorship self-declaration, or certificate of incorporation
• Code for Import/Export (IEC).
• Plan or certificate for a food safety management system

• Food products list
• Licenses for businesses, panchayats, corporations, and municipalities are all available.

Conclusion

All e-commerce sellers must receive an FSSAI License from the Central Licensing Authority, according to the Food Safety & Standards Licensing & Registration of Food Businesses Regulation, 2011. In addition, they must get an FSSAI online registration for the entire supply chain, which includes producers, registered offices, storage facilities, transporters, distributors, and so forth.