Key Laws & Regulations for Fish Processing Units in India

 

🐟 Key Laws & Regulations for Fish Processing Units in India

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1️⃣ Food Safety Laws

✅ Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act)

• You must register or obtain a license from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

• Ensure hygiene, sanitation, cold chain management, quality testing, packaging, and labeling standards are met.

• Follow the FSSAI guidelines for fish and fishery products (specific microbial, chemical, and contaminant limits).

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2️⃣ Factory & Labor Laws

✅ Factories Act, 1948

• Applies if employing 10+ workers with power or 20+ without power.

• Requires:

  • Factory license from the Chief Inspector of Factories (State-level).

  • Compliance with health, safety, welfare, and working hour rules.

✅ Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, Minimum Wages Act, 1948, Employees’ Provident Fund Act, ESI Act

• Apply depending on number of workers.

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3️⃣ Environmental Laws

✅ Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 & Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

• Obtain Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate from the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB).

✅ Environmental Protection Act, 1986

• Ensure compliance with environmental standards, including waste disposal, effluent treatment, noise, and emissions.

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4️⃣ Export Regulations (if applicable)

✅ Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)

• Mandatory registration for exporters.

• Compliance with EU, USFDA, and other international food safety standards if exporting.

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5️⃣ Cold Storage & Packaging

✅ Cold Storage Order, 1980 (under Essential Commodities Act)

• Licensing requirements for cold storage facilities.

✅ Legal Metrology Act, 2009

• Proper labeling, weight declarations on packaged fish products.

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📄 Licenses & Registrations Checklist

✔ FSSAI food business license
✔ Factory license (if applicable)
✔ Pollution Control Board clearances
✔ Trade license (from local municipal authority)
✔ Fire department NOC
✔ Cold storage license (if cold storage is maintained)
✔ MPEDA registration (for exporters)

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🏗 Construction & Setup

You also need:

• Layout approval (may need clearance from local food authority, health department, or town planning authority)

• Designated areas for raw, processed, and waste zones to prevent cross-contamination

• Adequate drainage, effluent treatment system, and cold chain infrastructure

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⚠ Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Under FSSAI: Penalties or shutdown for unsafe food practices.

• Under Factories Act: Fines/imprisonment for unsafe working conditions.

• Under Environmental Acts: Heavy fines or closure for pollution violations.

• Under Export Laws: Blacklisting or cancellation of export license.