The Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act 2006 was enacted to govern the Indian food sector. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the organization in charge of enforcing the FSS Act. The FSSAI registration/license is a requirement for Food Business Operators (FBOs). The FSSAI certificate guarantees that the food is nutritious and safe for consumption by people. The FBOs are required to submit the FSSAI yearly return and follow all FSSAI annual returns after getting the FSSAI registration or license. The FBOs are penalised if they fail to submit their annual returns by the deadline.
Every year, the food industry must file two different types of returns. They are as follows:
Note: A separate return must be submitted for each license issued under the Regulations, regardless of whether the same Food Manufacturing Operator has more than one license.
There are many advantages to filing FSSAI returns in India, some of which are listed below:-
The FSSAI released a notification of exemption for excluding some entities from filing the FSSAI annual return, which is as follows:
The FSSAI annual return must include the information listed below:
The FSSAI half-yearly return must include the information listed below:
Every company that sells, manufactures, imports, or exports food items is required to submit an annual FSSAI returns in India. All of these FBOs that engage in manufacturing must submit FSSAI Form D1, whereas those that distribute milk and milk-related goods must submit FSSAI Form D2. In accordance with the regulations, FBOs that fail to submit their FSSAI returns by the deadline would be subject to a daily penalty of Rs. 100, starting on the day after the deadline.
FSSAI License Registration Process
Benefits of FSSAI Registration
Penalty for Not Having FSSAI License
How to Renew FSSAI License
Types of FSSAI License in India
The FSSAI annual return is a mandatory report that licensed food businesses must file every year. It contains details of food products manufactured, handled, or sold during the financial year.
All food manufacturers, importers, and labelers with a Central FSSAI License must file it. Retailers and distributors are generally exempt unless specified otherwise.
The FSSAI annual return must be filed by 31st May for the preceding financial year. Late filing can attract penalties.
You can log in to the FoSCoS portal (https://foscos.fssai.gov.in), select ‘Annual Return’, and submit Form D1. Make sure to fill in accurate product and quantity details.
Form D1 is the prescribed format for filing annual returns under FSSAI regulations. It includes product-wise details like quantity, sale value, import/export info, and more.
Yes, importers are also required to file Form D1 and mention country-wise import details. Separate returns must be filed for each FSSAI license held.
Yes, a fine of ₹100 per day may be levied for each day of delay. Non-compliance can also lead to suspension or cancellation of your FSSAI license.
No, once submitted, the return cannot be revised on the portal. Hence, ensure all data is double-checked before final submission.
No attachments are needed while filing, but you must have internal records like invoices, production data, and sale reports to ensure accuracy.
Yes, food consultants and compliance experts like EbizFiling offer services to prepare and file FSSAI annual returns accurately and on time.
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