FSSAI Annual Return Filing

In the realm of food safety in India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a pivotal role. To ensure compliance and maintain the highest standards of food safety, the FSSAI mandates businesses dealing with food products to submit an annual return. Whether you are a manufacturer, importer, or retailer of food items, understanding the FSSAI annual return process is essential to avoid penalties and ensure smooth business operations.

At JKstartup360, we understand that navigating the complexities of FSSAI compliance can be overwhelming for businesses focused on growth and operations. We offer guidance on understanding the forms, compiling the necessary data, and ensuring timely submission to avoid penalties. By partnering with us, you can focus on your core operations while we handle the compliance process seamlessly, ensuring your business stays compliant with FSSAI regulations year after year.

What is FSSAI Annual Return?

The FSSAI Annual Return is a mandatory submission under the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations. It is a form that registered food businesses need to submit to the FSSAI, detailing the nature of their food business and the products handled during the financial year. This requirement ensures that the authorities monitor the production, distribution, and sales of food products in the country.

Who Needs to File the FSSAI Annual Return?

The following businesses are required to file the FSSAI annual return:

1. 1. Food Manufacturers: All food manufacturing businesses, including dairy processing units, must submit annual returns.

2. 2. Food Importers: Importers who bring food products into India must file returns with detailed information about the imported products.

3. 3. Food Exporters: Exporters involved in the export of food products also need to submit the return.

4. 4. Retailers and Wholesalers: Large-scale retailers and wholesalers of food products are included.

5. 5. Food Storage Facilities: Entities responsible for large-scale storage or warehousing of food products must also comply with this regulation.

6. 6. Repackers: Businesses that buy food in bulk and repackage it into smaller quantities for sale.

7. 5. Labellers and Relabellers: Entities that apply labels or re-label food products, often including important information like ingredients, expiry dates, and nutritional values.

Who is exempted from filing FSSAI Annual Returns?

The entities exempted from filing FSSAI annual returns are:

1. Petty food businesses with an annual turnover of less than ₹12 lakhs.

2. FSSAI Basic Registration Holders, which include small-scale vendors and tiny food manufacturers.

Which form is required to file FSSAI Annual Return?

For filing FSSAI annual returns, the following forms are typically required based on the type of food business:

1. Form D1: This is for General food businesses, including manufacturers, importers, exporters, wholesalers, and retailers. Details of food products handled during the financial year are reported in this form.

2. Form D2: This form is for Dairy processing units.The purpose of this form is to provide half-yearly returns detailing milk and milk product handling, with two reporting periods (April to September and October to March).

What Information is Required for Filing the FSSAI Annual Return?

To file the FSSAI annual return, businesses need to provide various details about their food operations:

1. Food Business Operator Name and Address

2. FSSAI License Number

3. Types of Products: Detailed information on the food products handled, including the quantity manufactured in metric tonnes and size of can, bottles etc.

4. Value: This includes the overall revenue generated from selling the food products, either domestically or internationally.

5. Country of Origin (for Importers): For imported food products, details of the country of origin are required.

6. Export Information (for Exporters): For businesses exporting food products, details of the countries to which the products were exported.

Information needed for FSSAI Half-Yearly Return (Form D2)

1. FBO Name, Address and FSSAI License Number

2. Quantity of Milk Handled in Metric Tonnes

3. Details of Milk Products

4. Dates of Manufacturing and Dispatch

5. Quantities Sold or Exported

6. Country of Export (if applicable)

What is the Due date for filing FSSAI Annual Returns?

The due dates for filing FSSAI annual returns are as follows:

1. Annual Returns

1. Due Date: May 31st of every financial year.

2. Half-Yearly Returns (for Dairy Units)

Due Dates:

1. For the first half (April to September): October 31st.

2. For the second half (October to March): April 30th.

It is crucial to adhere to these deadlines to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with FSSAI regulations.

How to File FSSAI Annual Return?

Filing the FSSAI annual return involves submitting Form D1 or D2, which can be done both online and offline. You can visit the official website of FSSAI, select the appropriate form and fill in all the necessary fields and submit.

If going for an offline method you have to download a form from the FSSAI portal, fill in details manually and submit it to the concerned FSSAI office.

If you want to avoid complications in your FSSAI annual return filing, contact JKStartup360!. We simplify the process by providing expert guidance, accurate form completion, and timely reminders for deadlines. Our end-to-end compliance management allows you to focus on your business while we handle all regulatory requirements efficiently, ensuring you meet food safety standards with ease.

What are the penalties for non-compliance due to delays or failure to file the Annual Return?

For every day the return is filed late, a penalty of ₹100 will be applied. This daily penalty accumulates until the return is submitted, which means that the longer the delay, the higher the total penalty will be.

Ensure your food business stays compliant and avoid penalties by filing your FSSAI Annual Return on time! If you need assistance navigating the filing process, contact us at JKStartup360 today for expert guidance and support. Let's simplify compliance together!