What is FPO Mark Certification?
The FPO (Fruit Products Order) Mark is a mandatory certification for all processed fruit products sold in India. Following the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, the FPO mark is now integrated under the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) regulations.
This mark assures consumers that the product is manufactured in a hygienic environment and meets specific quality standards regarding food safety.
Products Requiring FPO Mark
The FPO mark is mandatory for a wide range of fruit and vegetable products, including:
- Fruit Juices & Pulps: Mango pulp, apple juice, etc.
- Jams, Jellies & Marmalades: All fruit-based spreads.
- Pickles & Chutneys: Fruit and vegetable pickles.
- Squashes & Cordials: Concentrated fruit drinks.
- Canned Fruits & Vegetables: Tinned pineapple, corn, etc.
- Dehydrated Fruits & Vegetables: Dried chips, flakes.
- Tomato Products: Ketchup, sauces, puree.
- Vinegar: Brewed or synthetic.
Benefits of FPO Certification
- Legal Compliance: Avoid penalties and legal action by complying with FSSAI regulations.
- Consumer Trust: The mark is a symbol of quality and safety, building customer confidence.
- Market Expansion: Essential for selling in retail chains, supermarkets, and e-commerce platforms.
- Export Opportunities: Mandatory for exporting processed fruit products to international markets.
Documents Required
To obtain FPO certification (via FSSAI), you need the following:
- Identity Proof: PAN Card and Aadhaar of Proprietor/Partners/Directors.
- Address Proof: Rent agreement/Electricity bill of the manufacturing unit.
- FSSAI License: A valid FSSAI license is the primary requirement.
- Layout Plan: Blueprint of the processing unit showing machinery and dimensions.
- Process Flow: Flowchart of the manufacturing process.
- Water Test Report: Report from a NABL accredited lab confirming water potability.
- List of Machinery: Details of equipment used.
- Product Details: List of products to be manufactured with ingredients.
Registration Process
- Application Filing: Submit the application for FSSAI license (State or Central) on the FoSCoS portal.
- Document Scrutiny: The Designated Officer reviews the application and documents.
- Inspection: A Food Safety Officer (FSO) inspects the manufacturing unit to check hygiene and compliance with FPO standards.
- Lab Testing: Samples of the product may be sent to a lab for quality testing.
- Grant of License: Upon successful inspection and testing, the license is granted, allowing you to use the FPO mark.
Fees and Timeline
Timeline: The entire process typically takes 30 to 60 days, depending on the responsiveness of the department and the time taken for inspection.
Fees: The government fee varies based on the production capacity and type of license (State or Central). Lab testing charges are additional and depend on the product type.
