On April 16, 2024, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) released an advisory related to annual returns for eligible food business operators.
This is about Clause 2.1.13 of the FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. This clause states that manufacturers and importers are required to submit their annual returns by 31st May each year for the food business activities conducted in the previous financial year.
Food businesses need to take note of the following points when submitting their Annual Return, as per the orders issued by FSSAI periodically.
Eligible FBOs: Manufacturers [including Repacker and Relabeller], Importer and Manufacturer-Exporter
Last Date without penalty: 31st May every year
Acceptable Mode of Submission: Online through FoSCoS only
Penalty for non-submission: Rs. 100 per day with effect from 1st June
Maximum Penalty: 5 times the Annual License Fee
Provision to file Revised Annual Return: Yes
Without Fee, if revised up to 31st May
With Fee, if revised between 1st June and 31st March of the following year. Refer to FSSAI Order dated 8th January 2024
All eligible Food Business Operators are strongly advised to strictly comply with the deadline for submitting the Annual Return. It should be noted that no requests for refusing penalties due to delays or failure to submit the Annual Return will be entertained.
Food business operators have the option to enlist the aid of a Food Safety Mitra for support in submitting Annual Returns at a set fee of Rs. 500. Information about the Food Safety Mitra can be obtained from the FoSCoS Homepage.
This matter requires the approval of the competent authority.
Click Here to read the official notification of FSSAI
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