The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has expanded its Instant (Tatkal) program for obtaining food licenses and registrations across India. This initiative simplifies the process for certain food businesses. This notice was issued on September 11, 2024.
What is Tatkal?
Inspired by the “Tatkal” system for faster passport issuance, this program allows instant licenses or registrations for specific food businesses. It operates through FSSAI’s online Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS).
Launched in July 1, 2024, the Tatkal program initially offered instant licenses/ registrations for specific food businesses in five states: Assam, Delhi, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, and Kerala.
As of August 31, 2024, the Tatkal program has been rolled out nationwide, excluding Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya. These three states/ UTs will be included once their specific requirements are integrated into the system.
The program continues to benefit the following categories of food businesses:
- Wholesalers
- Distributors
- Retailers
- Transporters
- Storage without Atmospheric Control facilities
- Importers
- Food Vending Agencies
- Direct Sellers
- Merchant Exporters
- Petty Retailers (snacks/ tea shops)
- Hawkers (Itinerant/ Mobile food vendors)
FSSAI’s website offers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Instant License and Registration program.
The tatkal facility uses digital verification for renewal of licences or registration through specified identity documents.
Applicants must declare that they have no existing licences or registrations at the same location. They shall also declare that there has been no suspensions or cancellations of their licences or registrations in the past three months.
The applicant will also be required to upload photographs of the unit, specifically including images of the entrance/front facing of the unit, which shall help in identifying their food business unit for which license/registration has been obtained instantly.
Moreover, the applicant will be required to pay the entire annual fee for license/registration during filing of application.
This expansion aims to streamline the food licensing process for eligible businesses, promoting ease of doing business for the food industry. Faster licensing encourages entrepreneurship and fosters a more vibrant food ecosystem across the country.
