The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an order permitting Food Business Operators (FBOs) to select the validity period for their licenses. This order was issued on 8th November, 2023.
It may be recalled that on 11th January, 2023, FSSAI had introduced a mechanism for instant renewal of licences and registration. This was intended to promote ease of doing business and eliminate delays in issuance of renewals. However, the FSSAI had permitted instant renewals for licences only for one year. Hence, such FBOs would have to get their licences renewed every year.
In a move to further streamline the licensing/ registration process, the FSSAI has now issued the present order to further simplify the instant renewal mechanism.
Effective from November 8, 2023, Food Business Operators (FBOs) applying for new licenses/registrations or seeking renewal will now have the flexibility to choose the validity period for their licenses. The revised guidelines empower FBOs to select a validity period ranging from 1 to 5 years in their applications.
These revisions provide a greater autonomy to FBOs. These modifications are anticipated to contribute to a more efficient and user-friendly regulatory framework for Food Business Operators across the country.
