Requirement for FSSAI Licensing for Tea Business in India

In India, tea is one of the traditional drinks. India consumes a significant amount of tea, making it one of the most lucrative industries there. The huge Indian population has also allowed a number of new brands to enter the tea market. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is taking action to make sure that only high-quality and secure Tea is sold and produced in light of the increasing number of Tea brand names. In contrast, the FSSAI has published certain guidelines explaining the laws and rules that govern India's tea business. We'll talk about more FSSAI licences for the Indian tea industry later in this article.

What does FSSAI stand for?
 

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India is home to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), a governmental body. It is a significant government organisation that establishes guidelines for the marketing, shipping, and storage of food in India. The FSSAI was established by the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, a comprehensive section of Indian law governing food safety and regulation. In order to protect and advance the public's health, it is in charge of regulating and monitoring food safety. As a result, a food licence is required for all food businesses.

The FSSAI must also get approval if you wish to start a tea business in India. All tea businesses, whether they are for export or domestic consumption, require a food licence.

Is FSSAI License necessary for running a tea business in India?
 

Consumers are much more selective about the foods and supplements they consume. They are more conscious of food safety compliance and seek to ensure the quality of the items. They, therefore, choose to purchase food that has been approved by the FSSAI Department.

All permissions pertaining to food are governed in India by the Food Safety and Standards Authority. In India, tea is a preferred beverage that is consumed practically everywhere. The FSSAI will therefore need to develop rules to guarantee that the tea offered is suitable for human consumption. As a result, a tea company licence gives clients peace of mind that the tea they are drinking complies with all relevant food safety requirements. Additionally, it helps to show that the product isn't tainted or corrupted. The tea also contains flavouring, and as required by law, it must bear a label with the proper disclosure.

What are the various types of tea as per the FSSAI?
 

According to FSSAI standards, tea is classified as a beverage and mostly falls into one of the following three subcategories:

• Tea

Any tea manufactured from the Camellia sinensis plant's leaves, fragile stems, and buds that isn't Kangra tea. All Black and Oolong tea varietals fall under this subcategory.

• Kangra tea

Special tea is produced from the renowned Kangra and Mandi valleys' Camellia sinensis buds, stems, or leaves. These superb teas are from the Himachal Pradesh foothills and have a distinct flavour.

• Green tea

The buds or leaves of some species of Camellia Sinensis are subjected to procedures including rolling, drying, and inactivation in order to produce tea.

All teas must have a distinct flavour and be free of any unpleasant odours, taints, or mustiness. Additionally, it cannot contain any impurities like insects, mould, or other dangerous chemicals. Additionally, the product ought to be devoid of superfluous material, including food colouring and other chemicals. Natural flavourings made from plants that are suitable for human consumption are the only ones that are permitted. According to the guidelines, the manufacturer must make clear mention of any additional flavours on the labels and declarations if the tea has them. Additionally, the company must register with the Indian Tea Board before marketing flavour-infused tea.

Regulation that governs tea business in India
 

1. Regulation 7.3.11: In India, there are a number of limitations on the promotion, distribution, and sale of Kangra tea. All of these procedures should only be carried out after the tea has been marked and graded in compliance with the Agricultural Produce Act of 1937's regulations.
    
2. Regulation 7.3.12: Flavored tea cannot be sold in India unless the manufacturer is registered with and certified by the Tea Board. Additionally, the ingredients that have been added as flavouring agents must be listed on the label of such products. The label must also include the manufacturer's registration number and adhere to the regulations' labelling requirements.
    
3. Additionally, all tea producers must package and label their products in accordance with the FSS (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011. According to these rules, the package needs to have the following information:
   1. Product’s common name
   2. Manufacturer’s name and address
   3. Date of Manufacturing
   4. Expiration Date
   5. Net Weight
   6. Ingredients details
   7. Additives
   8. Packaging Codes or Batch Numbers
   9. Country of origin if imported

Necessary regulations for entrepreneurs in the tea business
 

1. The FSSAI forbids adding any colourants to tea, although it permits adding 0.2 per cent pectinase enzyme to enhance flavour.
2. Including all other food enterprises in India, tea businesses are required to get FSSAI Registration for activities like production, marketing, and retail.
3. Tea may contain organic materials and natural food colouring additives.

Mandatory labelling of products in the tea business
 

You must adhere to the product labelling criteria established by the FSSAI department before requesting an FSSAI licence for the tea business. Since the labelling contains all necessary components and information before it can be sold in the market, this is the most crucial step to take.

The following details must be included on the package, per these regulations:

• Name and address of the manufacturer
• Name of the product
• Weight (Net)
• Date of Expiration
• Manufacturing date
• If imported, the origin of the country
• Details of the ingredients
• Packaging Codes or Batch Numbers

Tea products testing and approval standards

• NABL labs

Numerous restrictions, rules, guidelines, and other aspects relating to food safety must be examined before a food product is introduced to the market. In India, tea has to go through a number of certifications and examinations. All of the tea produced in the nation must undergo testing in NABL labs to guarantee compliance with the FSSAI guidelines.

• Approval Standards of Product

The FSSAI must also approve the goods. Tea producers must stay up to date on the law as it frequently changes because the FSSAI updates its rules and processes. In order to achieve all compliance criteria and receive the required licence or registration, it is a good concept to work with a qualified FSSAI consultant.

How Online Legal India can help?

Our group of legal professionals will determine the permits and registrations you require to launch a tea business in India. You can get assistance from our attorneys with any required paperwork. In addition, we offer the incorporation, FSSAI registration, and tax registration services required to bring your business into compliance.

Conclusion

Because there are more tea aficionados in India, the tea industry is flourishing there. But adhering to FSSAI rules is necessary in order to keep one's firm operating. Every operator of the tea business in India must have an FSSAI licence in order to manufacture, repackage, trade, retail, distribute, wholesale, and provide tea. Depending on the kind and scale of the tea business, one needs a valid FSSAI registration.