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The Government of India is actively promoting new startups and business plans. The government's focus is not solely on increasing production but also on boosting processing capabilities. If you are considering setting up a food processing plant, there are certain essential factors you must keep in mind beforehand. If you are operating a business involving the manufacture of any food-related products, you must be aware of four specific points; failure to do so could result not only in punitive action being taken against you but also in the entire unit being sealed.

**Keep These Four Points in Mind**
Businesses involving food products directly impact public health; therefore, absolutely no laxity should be tolerated. Whether you are setting up and operating a food processing unit on a large or small scale, you must strictly adhere to the four essential points outlined below.

**Registration of the Food Processing Plant**
It is mandatory to register your plant before commencing operations. To register, you must submit an online application via the *Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises* (PMFME) portal. Let's understand the application process step-by-step.

First, visit the official PMFME website.
You will see a 'Login' option on the right-hand side; click on 'Applicant Registration'.
Here, you will find the 'NEW USER REGISTRATION' section; fill out the form.
Once you have entered all the required details, click on the 'Registration' option at the bottom to complete the form submission.

**An FSSAI License is Mandatory**
Do not commence operations without obtaining a license from the *Food Safety and Standards Authority of India* (FSSAI). It is important to note that there are three categories of registration available: Basic Registration, State License, and Central Registration. The specific category applicable to you depends on your annual business turnover. To apply for a license, visit foscos.fssai.gov.in. Upon visiting the website, click on "Apply for New License."
Subsequently, you will see four options; click on "General."
Proceeding further, you will find an option to select your state; fill in the details.
Next, based on the nature of your business, you will be presented with several options; click on "Manufacturing."

Here, you will find options specifying the type of food you intend to process; make your selection.
Afterward, select the estimated amount of your annual turnover and click "Apply."
Upon successful application, you will receive a 14-digit code, which is mandatory to print on the packaging of your products at the time of sale.

**GST Registration is Also Mandatory**
To conduct business—specifically after establishing a food processing unit under the PMFME scheme—it is mandatory for you to obtain GST registration. This ensures complete transparency regarding your earnings and costs, thereby enabling you to avoid legal complications such as financial irregularities.

**Ensure License Renewal**
Once you have obtained an FSSAI license, you are authorized to manufacture products such as pickles, papads, savory snacks (Namkeen), Bhujia, snack mixes, dairy-based products, sweets, and non-vegetarian food items. Additionally, you may manufacture and sell bakery and confectionery products, dairy items, and various types of beverages. However, an FSSAI license is valid only for a specific duration. Typically, these licenses are issued for a period ranging from 1 to 5 years, though the exact validity period may vary. If your license is nearing its expiration date, you may apply for its renewal as early as 180 days in advance.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Dainik Jagran. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.