Differentiating between a ‘Retailer’ and a ‘Direct Seller’, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (“FSSAI”) has introduced a new Kind of Business (“KoB”) in FoSCoS for ‘Direct Sellers’ which has been defined as-

”A person appointed or authorized, directly or indirectly, by a Direct Selling Entity through a legally enforceable written contract to undertake direct selling business on Principal-to-Principal basis [as defined in Consumer Protection Act 2019/ (Direct Selling) Rules 2021 and subsequent amendments thereof].”

The Direct Sellers must have the following specifications:

1. KoB Name- Direct Sellers* [under Group name Trade/Retail]
2. Eligibility-
   1. Registration: Annual Turnover up to Rs. 12 lakhs.
   2. State License: Annual Turnover more than Rs. 12 lakhs and up to Rs. 20 crore.
   3. Central License: Annual Turnover more than Rs. 20 crore.
3. Food Categories (FC) allowed:
   1. 01: Dairy products and analogues, excluding products of food category 2.0
   2. 02: Fats and Oils, and fat emulsions
   3. O6: Cereals and Cereal Products, derived from cereal grains, from roots and tubers, pulses, legumes and pith or soft core of palm tree, excluding bakery wares of food category 7.0
   4. 07: Bakery products
   5. 12: Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads, and protein products
   6. 13: Foodstuffs intended for particular nutritional uses
   7. 14: Beverages, excluding dairy products
   8. 15: Ready-to-eat savouries
   9. 16: Prepared Foods
   10. 18: Indian Sweets and Indian Snacks and savouries products
4. Inspection Checklist: Same as applicable for the ‘Retailer’ category.
5. Documents required for Registration/Licensing:
   1. Registration- 02 documents (photo and Govt ID)
   2. License- 05 documents as per FSSAI order dated 19.03.2021 (embedded in the current order)
6. Annual Fee for License/ Registration:
   1. Registration- Rs. 100 + GST
   2. State License- Rs. 2000 + GST
   3. Central License- Rs. 7500 + GST

This is effective from 10th July, 2024.

The ‘Direct Seller’ KoB has been enabled under ‘Tatkal’ scheme under FoSCoS. Furthermore, the user manual video tutorial will be made available under ‘User Manual’ section of FoSCoS homepage shortly.

A copy of the Order is attached herewith for ease of reference.

Source: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India

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