This country of India is among the various countries that consume the tea in a large scale worldwide, which makes the sector of Indian tea the most lucrative one. The large population of India has also made it possible for a variety of new brands to enter the domain of tea industry. The Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is highly looking at the quality of it and taking action to guarantee as well as safeguard that only the tea that has high-quality is produced as well as it is supplied or distributed to the public in light of the increasing number of tea brands.
On the other hand, the FSSAI has released a set of guidelines describing the rules and legislation that govern the tea sector in India. We'll talk more about FSSAI Licensing for Tea Businesses later in this article.
FSSAI Licensing Requirement for Tea Business: Why it is Required?
- The FSSAI regulates all the businesses in India that specifically deals with food. Since tea is one of the most popular beverages in India, it has to be governed and regulated by this regulatory organization.
- As a result, the FSSAI is highly accountable for setting up any sufficient safeguards as well as any guidelines to guarantee that the tea is safe and has high quality.
- As a result, the FSSAI is crucial in assuring the public that the tea they drink has been carefully inspected for quality and food safety standards. It also helps in finding out that the product is pure as well as unadulterated.
- Therefore, getting FSSAI approval is essential if one wants to launch a new tea company. This is true whether the proprietor wants to export the tea and market the brand domestically or abroad.
FSSAI Licensing Requirement for Tea Business: Types
- Tea:This is a kind of tea that mostly contains Camellia sinensis tea leaves, stems, as well its buds. This variety offers every kind of oolong and black tea.
- Kangra Tea:This unique tea kind is made from Camellia sinensis buds, stems, or leaves. The Kangra Mandi valleys are home to the majority of this type. The tea has the most unique taste and flavour as well as it is widely grown in the foothill region of the state of Himachal Pradesh.
- Green Tea:The technique of processing this type involves rolling, drying, and deactivating the buds or leaves of specific Camellia sinensis varieties.
FSSAI Licensing Requirement for Tea Business: Required Documents
- Verification of the authorized person's address
- Passport-size photographs
- Name and address of the business
- Details including the nature of the business on the disclosure form of FSSAI
Regulations Set by FSSAI for Tea Products
- Regulation 7.3.11:Only when the Kangra tea has been graded and marked in compliance with the guidelines established by the Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1937 (1 of 1937), may Kangra tea be offered for sale or sold.
- Regulation 7.3.12:Only producers who have registered as Tea Board members may sell or offer to sell flavoured tea. The label of the packaging needs to have the registration number. According to the legislation, flavoured tea can only be sold in packed circumstances with a label indication.
- In addition, all producers of tea ought to package and label their products in accordance with the 2011 FSSAI (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations. The package has to have all specified information in accordance with such regulations.
Labelling of the Product: Essentials
You must strongly follow the labelling guidelines of the FSSAI department before submitting the application to obtain an FSSAI license. Since the label comprises all required components and information before it can be sold in the market, this is the most crucial step to conduct.
These guidelines stipulate that the package needs to contain the following data:
- The manufacturer's name and address
- The product name and weight (net)
- Date of Manufacturing Expiration
- If imported, the nation of origin
- Specifics of the components
- Codes for packaging or batch numbers
Approvals and Testing: Tea Products
- NABL Laboratories: A number of food safety requirements, rules, standards, and the like need to be assessed before a food product is being introduced to the market. The tea has to undergo an array of certifications as well as examinations in India. All the tea that is produced in the nation has to undergo testing in NABL laboratories to guarantee and protect the adherence to the FSSAI's regulations.
- Product Approval Requirements: The FSSAI has to also provide certification for the product. As the FSSAI modifies as well as changes most of its guidelines more often, the producers of tea have to stay informed as well as updated about the new law in daily basis in order to comply with such guidelines. Therefore, it's a good idea to get involved with an experienced FSSAI consultant who can help and assist you to achieve all compliance standards as well as acquire the required license or registration.
Essentials Regulations for Tea Business
- The FSSAI has made it illegal to add any kind of colouring to tea, however, it has permitted the addition of 0.2% pectinase enzyme to improve the flavour of the tea.
- In tea, the use of natural flavours and natural flavouring ingredients is allowed;
- All tea businesses need to have an FSSAI license in order to engage in operations such as production, marketing, retailing, and so forth, just like any other kind of food business operator.
Obtaining Permanent License for Tea Business: Conditions to be Fulfilled
- The producer needs to be a tea product exporter.
- No laws or regulations according to the Tea Act (1953), the Tea Rules (1954), the Tea Board Bye-Laws (1955), or any kind of order according to the Tea Act (1953) has to get been violated by such licensee.
- The amount of tea exported each year is not more than one million kilograms.
- Registration or establishment of a business, such as a public or private limited company
- GST Enrolments for tax objectives
- Register for Provident Funds if you employ more than twenty people
- State Insurance for Employees Signing up if there are more than ten workers
- State Pollution Control Board Environment Clearance Certificate, or NOC, Approval from the Health Department to guarantee adherence to food safety regulations
- In order to import and export tea goods, one must register with the Tea Board Exporter's License under the Tea Control Order and obtain an IEC code from the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
- If necessary, a tea distribution license; if not, a tea waste license to prevent the improper use of tea waste and to ensure that it is disposed of properly
- The Tea Warehouse License in accordance with the Tea Warehouse Order 1989 by submitting Form A.
Hiring a professional consultant is a great decision if you need help obtaining a license, registration, or product approval through the FSSAI. They make the process easier and simpler.
Conclusion
India has a thriving tea business since there are more people who enjoy tea there. Nonetheless, keeping up with corporate operations depends on compliance with FSSAI laws. For the purpose of manufacturing, repackaging, selling, retailing, distributing, wholesaling, or delivering tea, an FSSAI license is a requirement for all operators of tea businesses in India. The necessary FSSAI registration is determined by the particular kind and scale of the tea business.
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