2018年2月出台的FSSAI准则规定，电子商务食品经营平台必须展示所列商家的FSSAI许可证或注册号。食品经营者与电子商务平台之间必须签署法律协议，以遵守《食品安全与标准条例》。
1. 什么是FSSAI许可证/注册？
FSSAI（印度食品安全与标准局）负责检查食品的状况和标准。因此，印度的食品经营者（FBO）必须获得FSSAI颁发的注册和许可证。
根据《2006年食品安全与标准法》的规定，所有在印度从事食品业务的制造商、食品供应商、贸易商和餐馆，必须在食品包装上印有14位数的注册号或许可证号。
FSSAI许可证号是一个14位数的号码，其中包含生产者的许可或注册详细信息以及生产地信息。品牌所有者必须在食品包装标签上展示FSSAI标志和许可证号。
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2. FSSAI如何定义印度电子商务食品经营者的模式？
为了推进先进的提案并确保在线食品买卖的规范化，监管机构近期在中央类别中引入了“电子商务”营业执照。目前，通过电子商务媒介开展任何食品相关业务，必须强制持有此许可证。
库存模式 营销模式 库存模式指库存和食品服务由电子商务食品经营者（FBO）拥有并直接销售给消费者；营销模式指电子商务FBO作为信息技术平台，为买家和卖家/营销商/制造商提供便利。
提供第三方服务（即仓储、分销或最后一公里配送）的实体也将被纳入电子商务食品经营者（FBO）类别。
3. 获得FSSAI电子商务许可证的标准是什么？
从事任何类型食品交易的电子商务食品经营者，都必须申请FSSAI中央许可证，且对其产品产能没有限制。
4. 电子商务食品经营者和餐馆的FSSAI注册流程是什么？
以下是获取电子商务FSSAI许可证的简单步骤：
a. 选择所需的许可证类型
b. 选择您的业务类型
- 下一步是确定需要FSSAI注册/许可证的业务类型。
- FSSAI为食品经营者设定了多种业务类别，以便申请许可证或注册。
c. 在FSSAI网站创建登录账户
- 确定业务类型后，下一步是登录FSSAI网站。
- 申请人需要在FSSAI网站上创建用户ID，并生成用户名和密码。
d. Filling the FSSAI application form
- Next after creating a login, it is required to fill out the form.
- There would be two forms to select.
- Form-A for registration & Form-B for license.
- After selecting the form accordingly, filling out all the required fields, it is to be chosen that which food code are we applying.
- FSSAI has categorized the food and has specified Food code for many many food products.
e. Attaching the required documents
- After filling up the form, the applicant needs to attach the required documents like applicant’s id and address proof, business address proof, Simple declaration, and many others as per the type of license and the requirements as asked for.
f. Making payment for the license/registration
- After filling up the form and attaching the application, the documents will move onto the payment page where the payment has to be made for the application which will be as per the fees that is set per year.
5. Validity that the FSSAI registration holds
FSSAI registration is a legal approval that can operate the food business which increases the credibility of the business and makes sure the set standards are maintained. Following are some points which mark the validity of the FSSAI registration/license:
- FSSAI licenses issued to food businesses are valid for a period of 1 to 5 years as chosen by the Food Business Operator.
- It is mandatory to apply for license renewal 30 days before the expiry of the existing license.
- Non-renewal of licenses can fetch a fine of Rs.100 per day until the renewal is done .
- Any lapse in renewal within the stipulated date can result in the old license becoming deactivated and businesses will have to apply for a fresh license.
- Besides, If an entity is operating without applying for the Food Safety certificate, this is punishable under the Act. The FBO may face custody and/or a penalty of up to Rs. 5 lakhs.
6. Key responsibilities/requirements e-commerce food operators needs to have in order to acquire a license
In respect to ensuring the safety of food for its consumers, FSSAI has enlisted a few responsibilities of e-commerce as a licensing requirement for them, which are given below:
- To display licenses for all the food business entities that are listed on the platform.
- To have an agreement with the brand owner or seller to ensure compliance with Food Safety and Standards Regulations. The liability shall remain with these FBO.
- To ensure the display of a clear and vivid image of the display panel of the product.
- Any food article delivered to the consumer by e-commerce FBO shall have a shelf-life of at least 30 percent or 45 days before expiry at the time of delivery to the consumer. In the case of caterers or restaurants which sell their products online, they need to ensure that only fresh food items are delivered to the consumer.
FSSAI enforcement activities and guidelines ensure harmonious and efficient implementation of new rules and regulations. The committed e-commerce platforms have appreciated the steps taken by the higher authority. Various aspiring and existing e-commerce food businesses are seeking the help from experts to ensure 100% compliance with the FSSAI laid Rules and Regulations.
