Are you willing to open a vending machine business? Have no idea how to obtain a license for it? Owning a business is not that easy, and is equally difficult to manage it. It requires a hard long process. Irrespective of other things, one of the most important things is obtaining a license to run a business. No, you cannot start earning from any business without permission. License gives a sense of accountability to run business smoothly. It acts as an authoritative agent that permits business in the country. It comes with rules and regulations that a company starting a business has to abide by. Because no business can run without a license. A license provides you a standing in the market. 

Let’s look at the list of things you would require for obtaining license for vending machine business:

• FSSAI License

FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is an authoritative body that makes it mandatory for every food vending business to obtain this license. It is a 14-digit registration number required at every level. In order to start your vending business, having registered your business with FSSAI is compulsory. 

This FSSAI License can be obtained on three levels depending on the nature of business.

1.Basic FSSAI Registration

If the annual turnover of a food business is below Rs. 12 lacs, in that case basic FSSAI registration is required. Maximum tenure of the license is 5 years and minimum 1 year.

Documents required

1.Address proof of Business 

2.Passport size photo.

3.Business name and address

4.Aadhaar card / Identity proof of Business owner.

5.Details of Business activity.

2. State FSSAI Registration

If the turnover of the business exceeds Rs 12 lacs but less than Rs 20 crores, then State FSSAI registration is required. Maximum tenure of the license is 5 years and minimum 1 year.

Documents required

1.Rental Agreement of Business Premises.

2.ID Proof of the Concerned Person.

• Aadhaar Card
• Driving License 
• Passport
• Voter ID

3.If any Government Registration Certificates.

• Company Incorporation Certificate
• Firm Registration
• Partnership Deed
• Pan card
• GST Registration Number
• Shop and Establishment Registration
• Trade License

4.If the applicant is private limited company or partnership firm then they should provide MOA & AOA or Partnership deed copy.

5.For applying State License any One of the following certificate is compulsory.

• Trade license
• Shop and Establishment Registration,
• Panchayat License
• Corporation License
• Municipality License

6.Nature of Business

7.Fssai declaration form

3. Central FSSAI Registration

If the annual turnover of the business is more than Rs. 20 crores. In that case Central FSSAI registration is required. Maximum tenure of the license is 5 years and minimum 1 year.

Documents required

1.Rental Agreement of Business Premises.

2.ID Proof of the Concerned Person.

• Aadhaar Card
• Driving License
• Passport
• Voter ID

3.If any Government Registration Certificates.

• Company Incorporation Certificate
• Firm Registration
• Partnership Deed 
• Pan card 
• GST Registration Number 
• Shop and Establishment Registration
• Trade License

4.If the applicant is a private limited company or partnership firm then they should provide MOA & AOA or Partnership deed copy.

5.IE Code (Import Export Code) Certificate. (for the category of export and import IE code is compulsory)

6.Authority letter from the company letterhead to the person stating that he can file an FSSAI application.

7.List of food categories. (In the case of manufacturers).

• GST Number

Every business in India, has to have a GST number. This is because every commodity is chargeable with tax. Tax registration for the business carrying out goods and services is mandatory. A GST registration is an important requirement for the business to make business legal. Only then you are able to to issue taxable invoices. GST has replaced indirect taxes. This has made the process of collecting tax quite simpler. 

• Trade License

In order to function in the food business, you require to obtain a trade license. It is a certificate that permits the business owner to carry on business in a particular area/location. Having a trade license makes it an easy and hassle free business.

In order to effectively run a business, having a license is necessary. In vending machines business, the business includes snacks and other perishable items. This makes it necessary to obtain a FSSAI license. FSSAI license is mandatory according to the following terms stated above. 

Conclusion

Having a license to operate a business is necessary. License enables you to develop a sense of accountability towards your business. It is a sure shot solution to run your business effectively. License provides a smooth way to function and scale up business. It is a long term solution for your business that provides standing in the market.