The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an advisory to Food Businesses Operators (FBOs) regarding the annual return submission deadline. This advisory was issued on April 16, 2024.
Crucial Details of the Advisory
Who Needs to File the Annual Return?
- Manufacturers: This includes re-packers and re-labelers
- Importers
- Manufacturer-Exporters
Other Key Aspects:
- Last Date: May 31st of every year, covering activities from the previous financial year. Submitting after this date incurs a penalty.
- Submission Method: Online only, through the FoSCoS portal.
- Penalty for Late Submission: Rs. 100 per day starting from June 1st.
- Maximum Penalty: Up to five times the annual license fee.
- Revised Returns: Food businesses can file revised annual returns:
- Free of charge: If submitted by May 31st.
- With a fee: If submitted between June 1st and March 31st of the following year.
FBOs can seek assistance with filing their annual returns from Food Safety Mitras for a fixed fee of Rs. 500.
The FSSAI urges all eligible food businesses to strictly adhere to the deadline and avoid potential penalties. They will not consider requests to waive penalties for late or non-submission.
