FSSAI Annual Return Filing

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) requires food business operators (FBOs) to comply with several measures, including annual return filing. This is a crucial step meant to guarantee transparency, adherence to food safety standards and non-penalization for non-compliance. If you run a food business, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the procedure, timelines, and consequences for defaulting on FSSAI annual return filing.

What is FSSAI Annual Return Filing?

FSSAI annual return filing is a procedural obligation for certain types of food business operators (FBOs) who are required to provide some information on the food products that they manufacture, process, import, or distribute. This return is necessary to monitor the operations of a food business and the compliance with the food safety laws.  

Who Needs to File FSSAI Annual Return?

Not all food business is obligated to submit an annual return. The following categories of FBOs are required to submit their returns:

• Food Manufacturers – Enterprises engaged in the manufacturing or processing of food products. 
• Importers & Exporters – Persons and companies that deal with the cross border trade of food products.
• Wholesale Distributors & Retailers – Businesses that deal with the distribution and sale of food stuff.
• Repackers & Relabellers – Those who sell food stuffs after changing their primary containers or original labels.

💡Exemptions: Restaurants, caterers or small grocery shops are not required to file Annual Returns under their respective categories as stated in the FSSAI laws.

Types of FSSAI Returns

1. Form D1 – Annual Return

All FBOs engaged in the business of manufacture, import, or distribution of foodstuff (any other than of dairy/ milk business) is required to fill in the form that captures: 

• The name and volume of food items handled.
• Imports and exports details.
• The Manufacturing capacity.

📅Deadline: Must be filed on or before May 31th of the following financial year. 

2. Form D2 – Semiannual Return

This return must be filled by those businesses that deal with **milk and milk products**. The returns include:

• Range and volume of Milk and or Milk products processed.
• Purchases and sale of the products.

📅 Deadline:

• April to September: Due by October 31th
• October to March: Due by April 30th

How to File FSSAI Annual Return?

The filling of the FSSAI returns has now been made easier on the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal. Here is how you do it: 

• Go to the FoSCoS Portal – Navigate to https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/
• Login – Enter your FSSAI license number and your password.
• Click on ‘Annual Return Filing’– Pick the relevant return form (D1 or D2).
• Complete the Form – Provide all information pertaining to the production of the food, sales, and any import or export activities.
• Review and Submit -Ensure everything is correct before completing the return.
• Download Acknowledgement -Download the receipt for future saves or prints.

Penalties for Late or Non-Filing

Not filing the FSSAI annual return within the timeline leads to:  

• ₹100 daily fine for every day until the return is submitted.
• Legal action if the noncompliance continues to happen.

In order to comply, businesses should make sure to file returns in time. 

Why FSSAI Annual Return Filing is Important?

• Legal Compliance- Makes sure the business remains operational.
• Avoiding Penalties- Saves the business from incurring additional costs.
• Building Business Reputation- Illustrates the initiative towards ensuring food quality and safety.
• Transparency and Tracking- Useful for government monitoring the food distribution and production.

Conclusion

Annual Returns is another form of documentation that Indian food businesses need to keep tabs on. FBOs can make sure their business runs smoothly, keeps a good reputation, and stays out of the courtroom by meeting the FSSAI annual return filing requirements. Be it a food manufacturer, importer or a distributor, every person needs to make sure the returns are done on time to be compliant with FSSAI regulations.

And to make the filing straight ford, use the FoScos portal or speak to an FSSAI compliance specialist to make sure there are no mistakes that lead to fines.

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