First Auditors platform is a technology-driven platform that offers specialized legal and financial advisory services in India.
Any food business in India must have an FSSAI licence or food licence. A foodservice licence must be renewed when its validity period of one to five years has passed, otherwise it will be subject to a fine. 120 days before the FSSAI registration or licence expires, the renewal process can be finished.
The Department of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of India established the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), an independent body. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006—a consolidation of Indian law and food safety—led to the establishment of the FSSAI. The FSSAI is in charge of regulating and overseeing food safety in order to safeguard and advance public health.
The Non-Executive Chairperson of the FSSAI is chosen by the Central Government or someone who currently holds a non-Secretariat position in the Government of India. FSSAI's Chief Executive Officer is Shri Arun Singhal, while the organization's current Chairperson is Rita Teaotia.
Every company that sells, imports, exports, produces, stores, handles, or distributes any kind of food product is required to submit an annual return to the FSSAI.
This group of workers in the food industry is subject to the annual FSSAI D1 return form requirements. The Annual Return must be filed by May 31 of each year. This form must be filled out and is defined by the Food Security Commission; it is not necessary for the output of participating entrepreneurs.
Retailers of food who produce and distribute dairy and dairy products are required to submit a semi-annual FSSAI return to the FSSAI licencing authority. The FSSAI D2 yearly return form includes this refund. Each year, the submission deadlines are on September 30 and March 30.
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 was put into effect by the Indian government to control the importation, distribution, storage, production, and sale of food goods. All individuals operating in the food industry must obtain a licence and display it on their premises and on any food products they sell. Similar to this, filing an FSSAI Annual Return is required of everyone employed in the food industry:
The procedures for submitting an annual FSSAI refund form are as follows:
An organisation is free to submit an annual refund to the FSSAI. There are portable return forms available. So, for any convenience, food businesses can file an annual computer or paper return.
Unless otherwise specified, the registration or licence issued is valid from the date of issuing of the registration or licence for a period of one to five years as selected by the food business operator, subject to the payment of the fee payable thereto.
Penalty and Penalty for omitting FSSAI refund Every food worker who does not submit an annual FSSAI refund within the allotted time will be fined Rs. 100 per day till the delay, according to Section 2.1.13 (3) of the FSS (Licensing and Registration) Regulations, 2011.
FSSAI returns are mandatory annual or periodic reports that food business operators (FBOs) must file with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
FSSAI returns are mandatory for all food business operators with an FSSAI license, including manufacturers, importers, distributors, exporters, retailers, and food service providers.
Yes, corrections can be made if errors are identified, but this must be done promptly. Contact your consultant or FSSAI authority for guidance.
FSSAI returns can be filed online or offline, depending on your region's regulatory process. You need to submit the required details in the prescribed format (Form D1 or D2).
Filing FSSAI returns ensures compliance with food safety laws and builds trust with regulators and consumers. It also prevents penalties and ensures the smooth operation of your food business.