An Annual Return FSSAI is a statutory requirement for Food Business Operators (FBO) in India. It is advertised as providing a report on food production, handling, storage and distribution activities for the previous fiscal year. This, in turn, guarantees the transparency, accountability and helps you comply with food safety norms laid down by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

IMPORTANCE OF ANNUAL RETURN IN FSSAI COMPLIANCE

Why is it important to file the Annual Return in FSSAI?

Compliance: It complies with the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
Transparency: Sufficient documentation of food business activities for audits and inspections.
Product Safety: Assist with monitoring food safety measures and finding areas for improvements.
Operational Insights: Helps companies analyze their operations and be more efficient.

WHO NEEDS TO FILE ANNUAL RETURN IN FSSAI?

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The Annual Return in FSSAI is mandatory for:

Form D1: All food manufacturers, importers, exporters, re-packers, and re-labelers.
Form D2: Food businesses involved in the manufacturing or processing of milk and milk products.

It's essential to file separate returns for each FSSAI license held.

TYPES OF FSSAI ANNUAL RETURNS (FORM D1 AND D2)

Form D1 – Annual Return

Form D1 is applicable to a wide range of food businesses. It requires information such as:

Product Details: Names and quantities of food products handled.
Operational Data: Details of manufacturing, processing, and distribution activities.
Financial Information: Value and pricing of food products.

Form D2 – Half-Yearly Return

Form D2 is specific to businesses dealing with milk and milk products. It includes:

Milk Procurement: Quantities and quality parameters.
Processing Details: Information on milk processing and product manufacturing.
Sales and Distribution: Data on sales volumes and distribution channels.

DUE DATES AND FILING PROCESS FOR FSSAI ANNUAL RETURN

Form D1: Must be filed by 31st May of each financial year.
Form D2: Filed half-yearly, with due dates:
- 1st April to 30th September – Due by 31st October.
- 1st October to 31st March – Due by 30th April.

Filing can be done online via the FoSCoS portal. The process involves logging in, selecting the appropriate form, filling in the required details, and submitting the return.

PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE OF ANNUAL RETURN IN FSSAI

Delays beyond a prescribed duration in filing the Annual Return in FSSAI attract certain penalties which are as follows:

Cost of Delay: ₹100 after every 24 hours.
Upper Limit of Fine: The fine persists unresolved until the return gets filed.
Legal Fines: Continued non observance may result in the FSSAI license being temporarily suspended or completely revoked.

HOW LAWFINITY CAN HELP WITH FSSAI ANNUAL COMPLIANCE

Lawfinity provides an all-encompassing approach to aid businesses with regards to the annual FSSAI compliance.

Legal advising on the filing system presenting the steps to be taken;
Document preparation helping in collating & arrangement of needed data.
Submission of documents to the FSSAI before due dates in order to avoid the penalties.
Compliance with the requirements of assistance relaxed during the audits & inspections.

FSSAI compliance will be made simple through the expertise provided by Lawfinity.