Rights and Duties of Partners in a Partnership Firm

FSSAI Registration

FSSAI Registration is the basic license issued to small-scale food businesses by the state food safety authorities. It applies primarily to small food business operators (FBOs) whose turnover falls below a certain threshold and who operate within a single state.

This registration is essential to legally operate a food business and ensures compliance with food safety norms. However, for larger businesses or those operating across multiple states, an upgraded license (State or Central License) is required.

Food Business Operators Who Need FSSAI Registration?

The following food businesses typically require FSSAI Registration:

• Small Manufacturers: Small-scale producers of food items with limited turnover.
  
• Transporters: Entities involved in the transportation of food within the state.
  Retailers: Small shops, grocery stores, or vendors selling food products directly to consumers.
  
• Small Food Businesses: Street food vendors, hawkers, or home-based food businesses.
  
• Medium Food Businesses: Hotels, Restaurants & Bars
  

Types of FSSAI Registration

Beyond legal compliance, filing ITR offers several advantages:

Benefits of Obtaining an FSSAI Food License

Obtaining an FSSAI license offers multiple advantages:

• Consumer Trust: Shows commitment to food safety, increasing customer confidence.
  
• Legal Compliance: Avoids penalties and legal issues by following regulations.
  
• Business Expansion: Facilitates scaling operations across states and international markets.
  
• Brand Credibility: Enhances brand image by adhering to recognised safety standards.
  
• Access to New Markets: Many retailers and e-commerce platforms require FSSAI certification.
  

{{company-reg-cta}}

FSSAI Registration Eligibility

Below is the eligibility criteria for FSSAI registration:

• Annual turnover up to ₹12 lakhs.
  
• Operates only within a single state.
  
• Includes small-scale manufacturers, traders, retailers, hawkers, and temporary stall owners.
  

FSSAI License Eligibility

Businesses requiring State or Central Licenses typically fulfil these conditions:

• Annual turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 Crores (State License).
  
• Annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crores (Central License).
  
• Operations across multiple states or involved in import/export.
  
• Large-scale food processors and manufacturers.
  

Food Capacity Limit Required for Obtaining FSSAI Registration

Note: These limits may vary based on specific food categories and local regulations.

Documents Required for Obtaining the FSSAI Registration/License

Common documents needed include:

• Identity Proof (Aadhar, PAN Card)
  
• Address Proof of Business Premises (Rent Agreement/Utility Bill)
  
• Passport-sized Photographs of the Applicant
  
• Certificate of Incorporation (for companies)
  
• Food Safety Management Plan or Statement of Food Products
  
• NOC from the local municipality or health department
  
• Proof of possession of premises (ownership or lease)
  

How to Apply for FSSAI Registration Online?

Applying for an FSSAI Registration or License online is a straightforward process — and the best part is, you can do it all from the comfort of your home or office.

Step 1: Visit the Official FSSAI Website

Head over to the official Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal: https://foodlicensing.fssai.gov.in

Step 2: Create an Account

Click on “Sign Up” and fill in your details like name, mobile number, email ID, and state of operation. Once registered, you’ll receive login credentials via email or phone.

Step 3: Fill in the Application Form

After logging in, choose the appropriate license type based on your business size and turnover (Basic, State, or Central). Then, fill in the required details such as:

• Business name and address
  
• Type of food business (manufacturer, distributor, caterer, etc.)
  
• Contact information
  
• Business turnover and food handling capacity
  

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Upload scanned copies of all the necessary documents.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

Once the form is complete and documents are uploaded, proceed to pay the applicable fee online. The amount depends on the license type and duration selected (1–5 years).

Step 6: Submit the Application

Double-check all details before clicking “Submit”. Once submitted, you’ll receive an application reference number which you can use to track your status.

Step 7: Track Your Application Status

Use the “Track Application” feature on the dashboard to monitor progress. You’ll receive notifications if additional info or documents are required.

Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by the local food safety officer. They may conduct a physical inspection (for licenses) or approve the application directly (for Basic Registrations). Upon approval, you’ll receive your FSSAI certificate online.

FSSAI License Cost & Validity

Costs may vary based on license duration and type.

FSSAI Registration Status

How to Check Status:

1. Visit the FSSAI portal.
   
2. Log in using registered credentials.
   
3. Navigate to the “Application Status” section.
   
4. Enter your Application/Registration number.
   
5. View the current status (Pending, Approved, Rejected).
   

FSSAI Penalty and Offences

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) takes food safety very seriously — and rightly so. Non-compliance can lead to hefty penalties, legal action, or even imprisonment, depending on the nature and severity of the offense.

Here’s a breakdown of common offences under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and their corresponding penalties:

Renewal of FSSAI License

Renew your license at least 30 days before it expires. The process is similar to applying for a fresh — just log in, fill out renewal forms, upload updated documents, and pay the fees. Missing renewal deadlines can lead to fines or even suspension of your license.

FSSAI License for Cloud Kitchen

Cloud kitchens, operating without a physical dine-in space, are also required to obtain FSSAI licenses. Typically, they fall under:

• Basic Registration: If turnover and scale are small.
  State License: For larger cloud kitchens with higher turnover.
  

The application process is the same, focusing on food safety management specific to cloud kitchens.

Conclusion

FSSAI registration and licensing are essential for any food business in India. They help keep your customers safe, build your brand, and keep you on the right side of the law.

So, if you're running any kind of food business, be it a small catering outfit, a packaged snack brand, or an export-oriented manufacturing unit, FSSAI must be part of your growth strategy. It’s a small step toward compliance, ensuring that you’re meeting the highest standards of food safety and hygiene.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the valuation of a company?

Company valuation is the process of determining a business's financial worth or fair value. It is not just about looking at profits or assets- it’s about considering both financial and non-financial factors that influence the company’s value.

For example:

• Financial factors include revenue, profit margins, debt levels, and cash flows.
• Non-financial factors include brand reputation, customer base, intellectual property, and market potential.

A valuation helps stakeholders, founders, investors, lenders, or acquirers understand the true worth of a company for purposes like fundraising, mergers & acquisitions, taxation, or stock market investing.

How to calculate company valuation?

There is no single method to calculate company valuation. Instead, there are three primary approaches commonly used:

1. Income Approach

• Focuses on the company’s future earnings potential.
• The most common method here is the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model.
• DCF estimates the present value of future cash flows, adjusted using the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC).
• Useful for startups and growing companies where future cash flows are expected to be significant.

2. Asset Approach

• Focuses on the net value of the company’s assets after deducting liabilities.
• Often called the Net Asset Value (NAV) method.
• Formula: NAV = (Fair Value of Total Assets – Total Liabilities).
• Suitable for asset-heavy businesses like real estate, manufacturing, or holding companies.

3. Market Approach

• Values a company by comparing it with similar businesses in the market.
• Uses multiples such as:
  
  
  • Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio
  • Price-to-Sales (P/S) Ratio
  • Price-to-Book Value (PBV) Ratio
    
    
• Helps determine whether a company’s stock is undervalued or overvalued compared to peers.

Key metric: EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, and Amortisation) is often used in valuation since it reflects a company’s operating performance without non-cash and non-operating costs.

Company Valuation Formula

There is no one universal formula for valuation- different methods use different formulas. Here are some of the most widely used:

1. Asset Approach (Net Asset Value)

NAV = Fair Value of Assets - Total Liabilities

Example: If a company has assets worth ₹100 crore and liabilities worth ₹40 crore, its NAV = ₹60 crore.

2. Income Approach (Discounted Cash Flow)

Where, 

CFt = Cash flow in year t

W ACC = Weighted Average Cost of Capital

t = Time period

‍

This gives the present value of all future cash flows.

3. Market Approach Ratios

• P/E Ratio

• P/S Ratio

‍

• PBV Ratio

‍

These ratios are compared with industry averages to determine valuation.

Company Valuation Examples

Example 1: Discounted Cash Flow (DCF)

Suppose a company is expected to generate free cash flows of ₹10 crore annually for the next 5 years. The discount rate (WACC) is 10%.

= ₹37.9 crore (approx).

If the market cap of the company is ₹30 crore, the stock may be undervalued.

Example 2: Relative Valuation (P/E Ratio)

• Company A’s P/E ratio = 18x
• Company B’s P/E ratio = 12x
• Industry average P/E ratio = 15x

Here, Company A is trading above the industry average (possibly overvalued), while Company B is trading below (perhaps undervalued).

Importance of Calculating a Company’s Valuation

• For Investors: Helps identify whether a stock is overpriced or a good buying opportunity.
• For Founders: Essential during fundraising, mergers, acquisitions, or strategic exits.
• For Lenders: Determines the borrowing capacity and creditworthiness of a business.
• For Markets: Provides transparency and helps maintain fair pricing of securities.
• For Business Growth: Guides decision-making on expansions, investments, and restructuring.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

‍

Key Differences Between Joint Venture and Partnership

Although both models involve collaboration, they serve different business purposes. Here's a quick breakdown:

A Joint Venture is typically a temporary arrangement between two or more parties coming together for a specific project or objective. It can involve businesses from different industries or countries working together to achieve a strategic goal, such as entering new markets or launching a new product.

Conversely, a partnership is a long-term business relationship where two or more individuals or entities agree to share profits, responsibilities, and liabilities of a business. The Indian Partnership Act governs partnerships, 1932 and are often used for ongoing business operations.

Here is a comparative table:

What is a Joint Venture?

A Joint Venture (JV) is a business agreement where two or more parties collaborate to achieve a specific goal, such as entering a new market, launching a new product, or conducting joint research. The parties share resources, risks, and rewards, often forming a new business entity to execute the venture.

Key Features of a Joint Venture:

• Defined Purpose: Focused on a specific project or venture.
• Temporary Arrangement: Ends upon project completion.
• Shared Control: Governed by a contract outlining contributions and roles.
• Strategic Collaboration: Often used by companies entering foreign markets.

What is Partnership?

A Partnership is a business structure where two or more individuals or entities come together to manage and run a business to share profits. Governed by the Indian Partnership Act, 1932, partnerships can be registered or unregistered, although registration offers additional legal benefits.

Key Features of a Partnership firm:

• Mutual Agency: Each partner acts on behalf of the firm.
• Unlimited Liability: Partners are personally liable for business debts.
• Profit Sharing: Defined in the partnership deed.
• No Separate Legal Entity: The firm and partners are legally one.

Advantages of a Joint Venture

Joint ventures are powerful tools for strategic expansion and innovation.

• Access to New Markets
• Shared Resources and Costs
• Risk Sharing
• Faster Innovation
• Flexibility

Benefits of Partnership

Partnerships offer several business-friendly advantages, especially for small to medium-sized businesses.

• Shared Responsibilities
• Pooled Resources
• Diverse Expertise
• Lower Compliance Costs
• Tax Pass-Through

Drawbacks of Joint Venture

While joint ventures offer flexibility and opportunity, they come with risks:

• Conflicts Between Parties
• Legal Complexity
• Limited Autonomy

Disadvantages of Partnership

Though partnerships are easy to form, they also have potential downsides:

• Unlimited Liability
• Disputes and Conflict
• Unequal Contribution
• Limited Lifespan

Still deciding your ideal business structure? Get expert guidance and register your Partnership company with ease.

Similarities Between Joint Venture and Partnership

Despite their differences, JVs and partnerships share several traits:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

‍