The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a notification extending the deadline for submission of annual returns by manufacturers and importers for food business activities. This extension was issued by a notice dated June 3, 2024.
It may be recalled that as per Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011 the deadline for submissions of annual returns is fixed as May 31 of each year for food business operations carried out in the previous financial year.
Moreover, Food Business Operators (FBOs) are required to submit their annual returns only through the online mode through FoSCoS portal. This system was effected through a notice dated December 18, 2020.
Presently, FSSAI has observed that some FBOs have been unable to submit their returns on the FoSCoS portal within the stipulated timeframe due to technical issues with the portal. Hence, FSSAI has decided to extend the timeline for filing annual returns from May 31, 2024 to June 30, 2024. This applies to the annual return for financial year 2023-2024.
