FSSAI Annual Return Filing

ZuluFilings is your reliable partner for a smooth and hassle-free experience, assisting you in filing your Food Business Annual Returns before the FSSAI deadline. We recognize the paramount importance of compliance in the food industry, and our expert team is dedicated to helping you meet your regulatory requirements quickly and efficiently. Our comprehensive services are tailored to ensure your food business operates in full compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations, protecting both your business and your customers’ well-being. With ZuluFilings, navigating the complexities of FSSAI Annual Return filings becomes effortless, allowing you to focus on delivering safe and delicious food to your valued customers.

Purpose of the Annual Food Business Return

The Annual Food Business Return ensures that food businesses adhere to FSSAI regulations and maintain transparency in their operations.

By submitting the annual return, businesses provide essential information to the FSSAI concerning their operations, encompassing food products’ production, handling, storage, and distribution. Food business operators should acknowledge the importance of this annual return and ensure its timely submission. Failure to adhere to this requirement may result in penalties or, in more severe cases, the suspension of the FSSAI license, posing a risk to the business’s ongoing operations.

Food Business Operators (FBOs) Eligible for Annual Return Submission

The annual return in Form D1 FSSAI must be filed online with the Food Licensing Authority by the following categories of Food Business Operators (FBOs) for the type of food products they manufactured or sold in the preceding financial year:

• Food manufacturers
• Labelers
• Importers
• Packers
  Every FBO, including those engaged in the distribution of milk and milk products, must adhere to the FSSAI annual return format and file it before the given FSSAI return due date.

Eligibility Criteria for FSSAI returns

The requirement to file FSSAI returns applies to specific categories of Food Business Operators (FBOs) in India, as outlined below:

• Business Turnover: FBOs with a business turnover exceeding Rs.12 lakhs must file FSSAI returns.
• Involvement in Food Activities: FBOs engaged in various food-related activities such as importing, selling, manufacturing, exporting, storing, distributing, handling, or transporting any food product must file FSSAI returns.
• Milk Manufacturing and Distribution: FBOs involved in manufacturing and distributing milk are also required to file FSSAI returns.

Exempted Entities from Filing Returns

It’s important to note that the FSSAI has issued a notification specifying certain entities that are exempt from filing the annual return FSSAI. These exempted entities include:

• Fast-food joints: Establishments primarily focused on fast-food preparation and service.
• Restaurants: Dining establishments that provide prepared meals and beverages for on-site consumption.
• Grocery stores: Retail stores primarily sell a variety of food and household products.
• Canteens: Facilities that serve food to a specific group of individuals, such as employees in a workplace or students in an educational institution.
  These exempted entities are relieved from the obligation of filing the FSSAI annual return, as per the notification issued by the FSSAI.

Deadline for Food Business Annual Return

Following Clause 2.1.13(1) of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulation, 2011, all licensed Manufacturers and Importers are required to submit their Annual Return using Form D1 FSSAI no later than May 31st each year. This return should cover the activities conducted during the previous Financial Year. Ensure to file this return before the FSSAI annual return due date to avoid penalty.

FSSAI Annual Return Penalty for Late or Non-Submission

It’s essential to adhere to the submission deadline to avoid the FSSAI annual return penalty. Any delay in filing the Food Business Annual Return beyond May 31 each year shall attract a penalty of Rs. 100 per day for delay until the date of filing of the return. The maximum penalty levied shall be at most five times the annual license fees. So, applicable individuals and organizations must file the return before the FSSAI annual return last date.

Information Needed for Filing the FSSAI Annual Return

When completing the FSSAI Annual Return, the Food Business Operator (FBO) is required to furnish the following details:

• Name of the product manufactured or imported.
• Size of the container, packaging (e.g., P.P.), or bulk packaging.
• Quantity measured in Metric Tons.
• Selling price of the food products per kilogram or per unit of packaging.
• Value of the Food Product.
• Quantity of imported goods measured in kilograms.
• A comprehensive list of the countries or ports from which the food products are imported.
• Rate per unit per kilogram for packaging cost, insurance, and freight (C.I.F.) Free on Board (F.O.B.).
  Ensure compliance and transparency in your food business operations with Zulufilings’ Food Business Annual Return services. We are here to assist you every step of the way.

Online Submission of Annual Returns for Food Businesses

On December 18, 2020, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) released a notification outlining the updated guidelines for filing annual returns in the food business sector. As per this notification, FSSAI now requires food businesses engaged in the manufacturing and importing of food products to submit their annual returns online, starting from the financial year 2020-2021. Zulufilings is ready to assist you with the online filing your food business returns. Connect with our experts today for guidance and support.

How Zulufilings Can Assist with FSSAI Annual Return Filings

At Zulufilings, we understand the importance of timely and accurate FSSAI Annual Return filings for Food Business Operators (FBOs). We prepare the proper FSSAI annual return format and file it before the FSSAI return due date. Here’s how we can assist you in the process:

Compliance Expertise:
Our experts provide clear guidance on the FSSAI Annual Return filing process, ensuring you understand your obligations.

Document Collection and Verification:
We assist in collecting and organizing the required information and documents needed for the FSSAI Annual Return. Our professionals review and verify the accuracy of the data and documentation to minimize errors.

Form D1 Preparation:
We prepare the FSSAI Annual Return in the prescribed Form D1, ensuring all relevant details are correctly filled out.

Timely Submission:
We inform you about the FSSAI annual return last date to ensure you file your FSSAI Annual Return on time, avoiding penalties.

Penalty Avoidance:
We help you understand the penalties associated with late or non-submission, motivating you to meet the deadlines.

Compliance Updates:
We keep you updated on any changes in FSSAI regulations that may impact your Annual Return filing. With our support, you can have peace of mind knowing that your FSSAI Annual Return will be filed accurately and on time.

Zulufilings is committed to making the FSSAI Annual Return filing process smooth and hassle-free for FBOs. Our experienced professionals ensure that your food business complies with all regulatory requirements, allowing you to focus on running your business effectively while maintaining food safety standards.

Contact Us Now to File Your FSSAI Annual Return and Ensure Food Safety Compliance for Your Business.