The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India Central Licensing Authority (FOSCOS) plays a pivotal role in regulating food safety across India. Developed as an upgraded version of the Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS), FOSCOS ensures that food businesses comply with stringent safety standards. For food manufacturers, importers, exporters, and retailers, obtaining a FOSCOS license is essential to operate legally, access markets, and build consumer trust. This blog will delve into everything you need to know about FOSCOS, from its purpose and registration process to compliance requirements and penalties.

What is FOSCOS?

FOSCOS stands for the Food Safety Compliance System, the central licensing authority under the FSSAI Act, 2006. It aims to streamline the licensing process and enhance compliance monitoring for food businesses across India. FOSCOS grants central licenses to food businesses and ensures adherence to food safety regulations to protect public health.

History of FOSCOS: Upgrading from FLRS

  • FLRS (Food Licensing and Registration System) was the earlier food business registration and licensing platform.
  • FOSCOS was introduced in 2020 as an upgrade to FLRS, bringing in new features like user-friendly interfaces, improved application tracking, and more efficient compliance monitoring.
  • The shift from FLRS to FOSCOS has enhanced the regulatory framework, making the licensing process more streamlined and transparent.

What Are the Objectives of FOSCOS?

  • Streamline Licensing: To provide a seamless and efficient process for issuing food business licenses.
  • Enhance Compliance: Ensure food businesses adhere to safety standards through inspections, audits, and reporting.
  • Digital Transparency: Use digital tools to maintain transparency and accountability in licensing.
  • Support Food Safety Standards: Align food safety practices with global standards like HACCP and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Why FOSCOS is Important?

FOSCOS plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of food products in India. Here’s why it is essential:

  • Legal Requirement: Food businesses must obtain a FOSCOS license to operate legally in India. Without this license, businesses face penalties and possible suspension of operations.
  • Market Access: With a FOSCOS registration, food businesses can access domestic and international markets, offering a competitive edge.
  • Consumer Trust: The FOSCOS compliance ensures that food products meet safety standards, which helps build trust among consumers and enhances brand reputation

Difference Between FSSAI and FOSCOS

Aspect

FSSAI

FOSCOS

Nature

Regulatory body for food safety in India

Digital system for FSSAI licensing and compliance

Scope

Encompasses all food safety laws

Focuses on streamlining licensing and registration

Objective

Regulate food safety and standard practices

Simplify the license process, enhance compliance

Licensing

Issues licenses through regional offices

Issues licenses through a centralized digital platform

Features

Includes regulations, enforcement, and standards

User-friendly interface, real-time application tracking

Functions of FOSCOS

FOSCOS (Food Safety Compliance System) is a digital platform under FSSAI that manages licensing, inspections, and compliance for food businesses in India. Here are its key functions:

  1. Issuance of Central Licenses:
    • Provides licenses for manufacturing, import/export, storage, and retail of food products.
    • Depending on turnover and operational scope, different licenses cater to various business types, such as large manufacturers or importers.
  1. Inspections and Audits:
    • Facilitates routine inspections and third-party audits to ensure adherence to food safety standards.
    • Offers self-inspection tools to help businesses prepare for compliance checks.
  1. Enforcement Powers:
    • Issues notice and fines for non-compliance, with penalties ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
    • Can suspend or cancel licenses and initiate legal action in severe cases.
    • Manages product recalls to remove unsafe food products from the market quickly.

These functions ensure that food businesses maintain high safety standards, protect consumer health, and comply with FSSAI regulations. The section below provides some more functions and services of FOSCOS.

Services provide by FOSCOS

Function

Description

Licensing and Registration

Issuing central, state, and basic licenses; modifying licenses as needed.

Compliance Monitoring

Facilitating annual return filing, inspections, and self-inspections.

Enforcement of Standards

Implementing GMP, HACCP, GHP standards; managing food recalls.

Food Product Approval

Approving proprietary, novel foods, and supplements.

Digitalization of Processes

Online application processing, real-time tracking, and digital documentation.

Training and Certification

Supporting FoSTaC programs and issuing hygiene ratings for food businesses.

Grievance Redressal

Handling complaints and ensuring transparency for businesses and consumers.

Data Collection and Analysis

Using data from returns and inspections for policy-making and market monitoring.

Food Recall Management

Initiating recalls, monitoring recall status

Hygiene Rating

Application for hygiene certification

FoSTaC Training

Registration for food safety training programs for staff

Payment Services

Online payment of licensing fees, digital receipt management

Profile Management

Update business details, manage user dashboard

License Status and Verification

Real-time tracking of applications, license verification for third parties

Types of FOSCOS Licenses

FOSCOS offers various types of licenses, each catering to specific types of food businesses:

  • Basic FOSCOS License: Suitable for small-scale food businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh, such as petty retailers, hawkers, and home-based vendors. Registration requires Form A and minimal documentation, ensuring adherence to basic food safety standards.
  • State FOSCOS License: Designed for medium-sized businesses with annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore operating within a single state. Applicable to food processors, storage units, and restaurants. The process involves submitting Form B, proof of business premises, and a food safety plan.
  • Central FOSCOS License: This license is required for large businesses with turnover above ₹20 crore or those involved in import/export. It applies to large manufacturers, exporters, and businesses operating across multiple states or central institutions like railways. The application requires Form B and comprehensive documentation, including turnover proof and safety plans.

FOSCOS Registration Process

Online Registration

  1. Visit the FOSCOS Portal: Access the FoSCoS portal.
  2. Create an Account: Register using your business details, such as the company name, PAN, and contact information.
  3. Fill out the Application Form: Select the relevant license type and enter details such as business type, address, and food products.
  4. Upload Required Documents: Attach scanned copies of documents such as the PAN card, GST registration certificate, company registration certificate, and food safety plan.
  5. Pay the Registration Fees: The fees vary based on the license type, ranging from ₹100 to ₹7500 annually.
  6. Submit the Application: After reviewing the information, submit the application and track its status online.

Offline Registration

  1. Visit the Nearest FOSCOS Office: Find the closest FSSAI regional office.
  2. Collect the Application Form: Obtain the required form based on your business type.
  3. Complete the Form: Fill in all the required details manually.
  4. Submit Documents: Provide physical copies of the necessary documents.
  5. Pay the Fees: Payment can be made via cheque, demand draft, or cash at the office.
  6. Submit and Track: Submit the form and follow up with the office for updates.

FOSCOS Food Safety Standards

FOSCOS enforces several safety standards that food businesses must follow:

Food Labeling Standards

  • Mandatory Information: All labels must include product name, nutritional information, ingredients, net weight, manufacturer’s address, and FSSAI license number.
  • Allergen Information: Mention any allergens in the product to ensure consumer safety.

Food Testing Standards

  • Accredited Laboratories: Food businesses must ensure their products are tested in FSSAI-accredited labs to verify safety and quality.
  • Regular Testing: Periodic testing is required to ensure that the food products meet safety standards, such as limits on contaminants, preservatives, and heavy metals.

FOSCOS Penalties

FOSCOS has the authority to impose various penalties on food businesses that fail to comply with regulations:

  • Fines: Businesses may face fines starting from ₹1 lakh for minor violations and up to ₹10 lakh for severe breaches.
  • License Suspension or Cancellation: Repeated non-compliance can result in the suspension or cancellation of the FOSCOS license.
  • Legal Action: Serious violations, such as those that endanger public health, can lead to legal action and possible imprisonment of the responsible parties.

Recent Updates, Changes, and Features in FOSCOS

FOSCOS has implemented several updates to streamline food safety compliance for businesses. Key changes include:

  • Standardized Product Categories: This update makes it easier for businesses to select the right product categories during licensing, reducing application errors.
  • Digital Compliance Reporting: The introduction of online filing for annual returns and self-inspection tools speeds up the compliance process, allowing businesses to avoid delays and penalties.
  • User-Friendly Interface: An improved portal interface with real-time tracking helps businesses monitor their application status more efficiently.
  • Integration with Customs: This integration simplifies the import process, ensuring that imported food products meet FSSAI standards more smoothly.
  • Hygiene Ratings and FoSTaC Training: Businesses can now apply for hygiene ratings and access training programs through the portal, improving safety practices and building consumer trust.

These updates simplify licensing, enhance compliance processes, and improve overall user experience, making it easier for food businesses to meet regulatory standards.

Conclusion

FOSCOS is an essential platform for food businesses in India, simplifying the licensing process and ensuring strict compliance with food safety regulations. Whether you’re a food manufacturer, retailer, or importer, understanding and following FOSCOS compliance is crucial to operating legally and maintaining consumer trust. By adhering to the FOSCOS standards, businesses can ensure a safer food supply chain and contribute to the overall health and well-being of the public.

FAQs

1. What is FOSCOS?

FOSCOS is the Food Safety Compliance System, a digital platform for obtaining FSSAI licenses and monitoring compliance.

2. What are the functions of FOSCOS?

FOSCOS issues central licenses conducts compliance audits and enforces food safety standards across India.

3. Why is FOSCOS important?

It ensures that food businesses operate legally, meet safety standards, and build consumer trust.

4. What are the FOSCOS food safety regulations?

These include food labelling, testing, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and HACCP compliance standards.

5. How can I get FOSCOS registration?

Register online through the FoSCoS portal or visit a local FSSAI office to complete the process.

6. What are the penalties for FOSCOS violations?

Penalties include fines, license suspension, or legal action for serious breaches of food safety regulations.

7. Has FoSCoS replaced the existing FLRS?

FoSCoS is the upgraded system, replacing the FLRS with improved features.

8. In which states has FoSCoS been launched?

FoSCoS is operational across all states in India, ensuring uniform compliance standards.

9. Will the existing FSSAI credentials be valid in the new FoSCoS portal?

Yes, existing credentials from the FLRS system are valid on the FoSCoS portal.

10. How can I recover my FoSCoS user ID credentials?

You can use the “Forgot User ID” feature on the portal or contact the FSSAI helpline for assistance.

11. How can I log in to the FoSCoS portal in the absence of my FoSCoS User ID?

If you’ve lost your FoSCoS User ID, you can easily retrieve it by visiting the FoSCoS portal.

Click on “Forgot User ID”, and enter your FSSAI license/registration number, registered email, or mobile number.

After completing the OTP verification sent to your registered contact details, your User ID will be sent to your email or displayed on the screen.

You can then use the retrieved User ID to log in to the portal.