The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (“FSSAI”) through an Order dated 15th April, 2019 has issued certain clarifications regarding requirement of FSSAI License at State / City wise sub-offices of e-commerce Food Business Operators (“FBOs”) as per the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Amendment Regulations, 2018 (“Amendment Regulations”), which were re-operationalised effective 17th February, 2019.
As per the Amendment Regulations, all e-commerce FBOs are required to obtain central license from the concerned Central Licensing Authority. However, FSSAI received various representations from Stakeholders with regard to issuance of clarification regarding requirement of FSSAI Licenses at State / City wise sub offices of e-commerce FBOs.
Based on the representations received from stakeholders, FSSAI has examined the matter in detail and has clarified the following:
- The State / city wise sub offices of e-commerce FBOs, where no food business activities are being carried out as defined under Section 3(n)* of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, do not require FSSAI License.
- All e-commerce FBOs must maintain the records of their State / city wise sub offices and a copy of the FSSAI License issued to the e-commerce FBOs have to be displayed at a prominent place in the premises of such sub-offices.
* Section 3(n) of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 –
“Food business” means any undertaking, whether for profit or not and whether public or private, carrying out any of the activities related to any stage of manufacture, processing, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution of food, import and includes food services, catering services, sale of food or food ingredients
Source: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (Attached)
