FSSAI Annual Return

What is the importance of FSSAI Annual Return?

Obtaining a food license is the first step to start a food business according to Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI). You can start your business without any legal trouble only once you have acquired the FSSAI license.

But that is not the end of the process. According to Food Safety and Standard Authority of India 2011, it is important to file the annual returns on time and comply with FSSAI compliances. As per the compliance, all the food business operators that have a FSSAI/Food license and have an annual turnover of INR 12 lacs must file the annual return compulsorily and on time. Failing to file the returns within the given time period, one may have to pay heavy penalties.

Who is obliged for FSSAI Annual Return?

  • Every importer, exporter, food manufacturer, seller, etc., except the manufacturers of milk and dairy products as they have to file a half-yearly return.
  • Every Food Business Operator with a business turnover equal to or exceeding INR 12 lacs.

What are the Compulsory FSSAI Annual Returns?

FBOs need to file only two kinds of returns every year:

  • FSSAI Form D1
  • FSSAI Form D2
FSSAI Returns Due Dates To be filed by
Form D1 May 31 All food manufacturer, importer etc.
Form D2 (half-yearly return) September 30/ March 30 Manufacturer of milk/dairy goods

Instructions for Form D1

The FSSAI Form D1 must be compulsorily filled by all the food manufacturers, importers, labelers, re-labelers, packers, and re-packers, etc. They can file it either online or offline (physical form) as prescribed by the Food Safety Commissioner. Also, it is compulsory to file the form irrespective of whatever the production of the FBO took place in the preceding year.

The FSSAI Form D1 must be filed on or before May 31 of every financial year to the Licensing Authority which depends on the kinds of food products that are sold by the Food Business Operators in the previous financial year.

Instructions for FSSAI Form D2

The FSSAI Form D2 is a half-yearly return and isn’t for every FBO. Form D2 needs to be filed by every FSSAI license holder who is involved in the business of manufacturing or importing of milk and/or dairy products.

FSSAI Form D2 must be filed on a half yearly basis. Thus the time period for filing this return is from April 1 to September 30 and from October 1 to March 31 of every financial year.

Irrespective of the condition that the FBO possesses one or more than one license, all Food Business Operators need to file separate returns for every license issued under the regulations.

What are the important details to know while filing Annual Returns?

It is obligatory for every FBO to provide the following information in the form while filing FSSAI annual returns:

  • Name details of the food products which are manufactured or handled or sold or imported or exported.
  • Countries or ports details from where the products are exported.
  • Size of the bottle or can or any other package or bulk package.
  • Quantity in Metric Tons.
  • The value
  • The selling price per Kilogram or per unit of packaging.
  • Quantity of imported or exported (in Kg)
  • Rate per unit or per Kilogram of packaging C.I.F/F.O.B.(Free on Board) 

What are the Entities that are exempted from filing FSSAI Annual Return?

  • Restaurants
  • Fast food joints
  • Canteens
  • Grocery stores

What is the Penalty for delaying the filing of annual returns?

According to Section 2.1.13 (3) of, FSSAI, 2011, if the FBO doesn't file the returns within the given time, then a fine of INR 100 will be levied on them every day and will keep on rising if the default continues.

How can India Financial Consultancy Corporation Pvt Ltd help you with FSSAI annual return filing?

Annual Return Filing of Food Safety and Standard Authority of India 2011 return for small eatery shops, food distributors, grocery shops and restaurants on their own, could be utterly appalling. Therefore, at India Financial Consultancy Corporation Pvt Ltd, we ensure you don't come across any issue with your filing of returns accurately and without mistakes.

Do You Have Any Questions?

  1. You need to download the concerned Form D1 or D2 from the FSSAI’s official website depending on the type of FBO.
  2. Next step is that you need to submit this form either online or offline to the concerned Food Safety Commissioner, and that too within the prescribed time for each return.

All FBOs who are in operations of manufacturing, importing, selling, etc., of the food products need to file FSSAI annual return.

The due date for filing FSSAI annual return is May 31.

Yes, if you fail to file the return within the given time period, then a penalty of INR 100 will be imposed for each day and will keep on rising if the default continues.