RUCO Registration Online: FSSAI Used Cooking Oil Compliance & Process

Used cooking oil (UCO) can become a food-safety and environmental concern when it is repeatedly reused or disposed of improperly. To address this issue, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) launched RUCO (Repurpose Used Cooking Oil) to divert used cooking oil from the food chain and promote its collection for conversion into non-food products, particularly biodiesel.  

For restaurants, hotels, food manufacturers and other Food Business Operators (FBOs), understanding RUCO Registration in India is important. However, RUCO should not be confused with a separate FSSAI food licence. The applicable RUCO requirement depends on whether the business is an FBO generating UCO or a non-food production unit involved in its collection and utilisation.

Quick Summary

What Is RUCO Registration in India?

RUCO Registration in India broadly refers to the compliance and enrolment associated with the FSSAI's Repurpose Used Cooking Oil initiative. RUCO creates an ecosystem through which used cooking oil generated by FBOs can be collected and diverted away from the food chain. FSSAI's framework provides for the purpose of collection through appropriate agencies and transfer to non-food production units, including biodiesel manufacturers.

The important point is that not every restaurant needs a separate "RUCO licence." FBOs primarily have obligations relating to the safe use, monitoring, storage and disposal of used cooking oil, while eligible Non-Food Production (NFP) units have an enrolment mechanism for collecting UCO from FBOs.

Why Is RUCO Compliance Important for Restaurants?

Repeated frying alters the properties of cooking oil and leads to the formation of Total Polar Compounds (TPC). FSSAI has fixed the maximum TPC limit at 25%, beyond which vegetable oil should not be used. FSSAI states that FBOs are required to monitor the quality of oil during frying.

FSSAI has also prescribed record-keeping requirements for FBOs consuming more than 50 litres of cooking oil per day, requiring them to maintain records relating to UCO disposal.

RUCO Compliance at a Glance

RUCO Registration Process: What Businesses Need to Know

The RUCO registration process depends on the role of the business. The process should therefore be divided into FBO compliance and NFP-unit enrolment.

For Restaurants and Other FBOs

Step 1: Identify Your UCO Requirement

Determine that how much cooking oil your business consumes and whether the 50-litre-per-day record-keeping threshold applies.

Step 2: Monitor Cooking Oil Quality

Monitor cooking oil quality during the process of frying and ensure you do not use oil that exceeds the permitted TPC limit for food preparation.

Step 3: Segregate Used Cooking Oil

Once oil is no longer suitable for food preparation, keep it separately and prevent it from being mixed with fresh cooking oil or reintroduced into the food chain.

Step 4: Arrange Appropriate Collection

Hand over UCO through the appropriate RUCO collection ecosystem rather than the informal channels. FSSAI's framework is intended to connect the FBOs with the collection agencies and non-food production units.

Step 5: Maintain Disposal Records

Maintain the required records relating to the quantity and disposal of UCO. FSSAI has also introduced a traceability application under RUCO to help track the UCO collection and movement.

For Non-Food Production Units

Eligible NFP units involved in collecting the UCO for non-food uses are subject to a separate enrolment mechanism. FSSAI's records specifically recognise enrolment of NFP units for collection of UCOS from FBOs. FSSAI also issued a direction in August 2024 on the disposal of UCO and an extension regarding enrolment of NFP units.

Therefore, a business intending to operate as a UCO collector or use UCO as a feedstock should verify the current applicable enrolment and regulatory requirements rather than treating RUCO as a generic restaurant licence.

Is There a RUCO Registration Certificate?

There is an important distinction between an FSSAI licence/registration and RUCO-related enrolment.

Restaurants and other food businesses must obtain the appropriate FSSAI licence or registration applicable to their food activity. RUCO compliance deals with the responsible handling and disposal of used cooking oil.  

For eligible NFP units, FSSAI has established an enrolment mechanism for collection of UCO from FBOs. Therefore, businesses should not assume that every restaurant receives or needs a separate RUCO registration certificate.

The applicable requirement depends on the business's role in the UCO ecosystem.

Can You Repurpose Used Cooking Oil?

Yes. Used cooking oil can be repurposed for non-food applications. RUCO was specifically launched to facilitate the collection and conversion of UCO into biodiesel. FSSAI's RUCO ecosystem also identifies other non-food uses, including soap manufacturing.

The key requirement is that oil that is no longer suitable for food preparation should not be returned to the food chain.

How to Sell Used Cooking Oil in India?

Restaurants and other FBOs should dispose of UCO through the appropriate collection ecosystem rather than selling it through informal channels.

The general approach is: -

• Separate used cooking oil from fresh oil.
• Store it safely until collection.
• Identify an appropriate collection agency or aggregator.
• Hand over the UCO through the recognised collection channel.
• Maintain applicable collection and disposal records.

This helps reduce the risk of UCO being diverted back into food use and supports its conversion into non-food products.

Can You Import Used Cooking Oil into India?

Importing used cooking oil is not authorised merely because a business has RUCO-related enrolment. Import requirements depend on the product's classification, intended use and applicable laws.

Businesses considering commercial import of UCO should independently verify the applicable DGFT, Customs, environmental and other regulatory requirements before importing. Where the material is treated as a food product, applicable FSSAI import requirements may also arise.

How CRSPL Can Help with RUCO Compliance

Compliance & Registration Services (CRSPL) can help businesses understand the applicable FSSAI and RUCO requirements based on their role, including FBO compliance, UCO documentation and the applicable process for eligible non-food production units.

The right compliance route depends on whether you are a restaurant or other FBO generating UCO, a collection agency, an aggregator or a non-food production unit.

Conclusion

RUCO Registration in India is part of FSSAI's initiative to prevent used cooking oil from re-entering the food chain and encourage its responsible collection and repurposing. FBOs should monitor cooking oil quality, comply with the 25% TPC limit, maintain applicable UCO disposal records and use the appropriate collection ecosystem.

At the same time, businesses should distinguish between an FSSAI food licence and RUCO-related compliance or NFP-unit enrolment. The exact requirements depend on the nature and role of the business.

Need help determining the applicable RUCO and FSSAI compliance requirements for your business? CRSPL can help you identify the appropriate process and documentation.