How to Apply for FPO Mark Certification in India?
The process to apply for FPO mark certification in India follows various steps that businesses must follow to ensure compliance with regulations and food safety norms. Following a step-by-step procedure facilitates a quick turnaround time in getting the approvals for FPO certification. It includes the following:
1. Determine Eligibility
The first step in the process of FPO certification is to meet the eligibility criteria, such as business registration, FSSAI license and fulfilling hygiene and safety norms.
2. Prepare Required Documents
The next step involves collecting the necessary paperwork to proceed further. Documents include application forms, business registration certificates, FSSAI licenses, manufacturing unit details – blueprints and layouts, product details, and quality control reports.
3. Online Registration
Once documents are collected, the next step comprises visiting the official website of FSSAI to commence the online FPO products certification application process. You can also contact FPO certification consultants to help you with the application process.
4. Fill Application Form
Next, you must fill out the application form and ensure it contains no mistakes. Filling accurate details saves time and helps you manage quick approvals. You must verify your business details before submitting the online form and fix any discrepancies.
5. Submit Documents
Once you have filled out the application form, you must also upload the relevant documents for submission along with the form and ensure that all the details are filled in as per the FSSAI guidelines.
6. Pay the Fee
You must pay the prescribed fee along with the online application or as per the instructions mentioned by the certification authority. You must save the payment receipt for future use and reference.
7. Facility Inspection
Once the application is submitted and the fee is paid, FSSAI officially schedules the inspection of your manufacturing unit to validate its compliance with the required hygiene and safety norms and production criteria.
8. Product Testing
You must submit some product samples for testing at the labs approved by FSSAI. This is necessary to ensure hygiene compliance and that the products are safe for consumption.
9. Verification and Approval
Once the above steps are complete, FSSAI reviews the application, inspection reports and test results to determine if your manufacturing unit is fit to produce food items as per regulatory and safety compliance. If satisfied, FSSAI grants you the FPO certification, enabling you to launch your food processing business in India legally.
10. Receive Certification
Once your application is approved, FSSAI issues an FPO certification, making it eligible for you to officially use the FPO mark on your fruit products.
11. Renew Certification
You need to ensure the validity of your FPO certification. You must renew the application per the renewal guidelines to stay compliant and use the FPO mark without legal issues or hassles.
Timeline for FPO Certification in India
It takes around 30 to 45 days to complete the end-to-end FPO certification process in India and get the fruit products order certificate. However, the timeline may be extended due to regulatory delays or slow paperwork.
Thus, we recommend Canjain consultants for a timely application filing and submission process for FPO certification in India.