Sr. No.

Compliance Requirement

Applicability / Action

Frequency / Timeline

1

Obtain food business licence

Ensure that no person commences or carries on a food business without a valid licence, unless specifically exempted under Section 31(2).

Before commencement and throughout business

2

Registration of petty food businesses

Petty manufacturers, petty retailers, hawkers, itinerant vendors, temporary stall holders, small/cottage/tiny food business operators and other specified small operators must obtain registration with the prescribed authority.

Before commencement / as prescribed

3

Apply for licence

Submit an application to the Designated Officer in the prescribed form, containing the required particulars and applicable fees.

Before commencing business

4

Monitor licence application

Track the application and ensure that the licence is granted or the application is rejected within the prescribed statutory period.

Within 2 months from application

5

Deemed permission after 2 months

If the licence is neither issued nor rejected within 2 months, the applicant may commence the food business after expiry of the period. The Designated Officer cannot subsequently refuse the licence, but may issue an improvement notice where considered necessary.

After expiry of 2 months

6

Opportunity before rejection

Where the Designated Officer proposes to reject the licence, ensure that the applicant is given an opportunity of being heard and that reasons for rejection are recorded in writing.

At the time of proposed rejection

7

Maintain licence conditions

Ensure compliance with the prescribed conditions attached to the food licence.

Continuous

8

Coverage of licence

Verify whether a single licence covers one or more articles of food and different establishments/premises situated within the same area.

At commencement / whenever operations change

9

Separate licences for different areas

Where food is manufactured, stored, sold or exhibited for sale at premises situated in different areas, obtain separate applications/licences for premises not falling within the same area.

Before operations at additional premises

10

Appeal against rejection

If the licence application is rejected, an appeal may be filed before the Commissioner of Food Safety.

Within applicable appellate period

11

Monitor licence validity

Track the validity period of every licence and ensure timely renewal.

Before expiry

12

Renewal of licence

Apply for renewal before expiry of the existing licence.

Before expiry

13

Continuity during renewal

Where renewal is applied for before expiry, monitor the renewal application; the existing licence continues until orders are passed on the renewal application.

Until renewal order

14

Change in business/premises

Review whether changes in food articles, establishments or premises require modification, fresh application or additional licence under the applicable regulations.

Whenever changes occur

15

Death of licence holder

Where the licence holder dies, ensure that the licence is treated as subsisting for the benefit of the deceased's personal representative or family member for the prescribed period.

Up to 3 months from death or longer period allowed by Designated Officer

16

Retain licence records

Maintain copies of licence/registration, applications, renewals, amendments, correspondence and related regulatory records.

Continuous / as per record-retention requirements

17

Display/produce licence

Ensure the licence/registration is maintained and displayed or produced wherever required under the applicable regulations.

Continuous

18

Regulatory compliance

Ensure that licensing/registration requirements do not compromise the statutory requirement to maintain safe and wholesome food and protect consumer interests.

Continuous