Every Food Business Operator (FBO) is required to file periodic FSSAI returns based on their business type and license category, as stipulated in clause 2.1.13 (1) of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations. These returns are essential for regulatory compliance and help ensure that the food business adheres to the safety and quality standards set by the FSSAI. It is important for FBOs to file separate returns for each FSSAI License they hold. This process helps in maintaining accurate records and demonstrates the business’s commitment to regulatory adherence.
Types of Fssai Returns
FSSAI returns are categorized based on the frequency with which they must be filed, depending on the license type and business activity. Here’s a brief overview:
Annual Returns: These are filed once a year and typically cover detailed information about the food business’s activities over the past year. They include comprehensive details such as turnover, food production volumes, and other operational data. Annual returns are crucial for reviewing overall compliance and performance.
Half-Yearly Returns: These returns are filed every six months and provide updates on the business’s activities during that period. They often include information on production, sales, and inventory, helping the FSSAI monitor ongoing compliance and operational changes.
Quarterly Returns: These are submitted every three months and focus on more frequent updates regarding the business’s operations, including production and sales figures. Quarterly returns help in tracking short-term changes and ensuring regular compliance with food safety standards.
Each type of return ensures that the FBO maintains transparency and adheres to the regulatory requirements set by FSSAI.
Eligibility and Due Date for FSSAI Returns:
All Food Business Operators (FBOs) holding State and Central Food Licenses are required to file FSSAI returns based on their business activities. Businesses involved in selling, importing, exporting, manufacturing, distributing, storing, or handling food products must file an annual return. This return provides a comprehensive overview of the business’s operations for the year.
For businesses specifically involved in the distribution and manufacturing of milk, half-yearly returns are required. These returns offer updates on milk production and distribution activities, ensuring compliance with FSSAI regulations. It is essential for all FBOs to adhere to these filing requirements to avoid penalties and maintain regulatory compliance.
Importations of Fssai Returns
For businesses involved in the importation of food products, FSSAI returns are crucial for maintaining compliance with food safety regulations. These returns are required to ensure that imported food items meet the safety standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
The FSSAI import returns typically include detailed information about the imported food products, such as their source, quantity, and quality. Importers must provide documentation on the importation process, including certificates of analysis, details of the shipment, and compliance with FSSAI standards.
Filing these returns helps ensure that all imported food products are safe for consumption and comply with Indian food safety regulations. It also facilitates the monitoring of food imports and helps prevent the entry of substandard or unsafe food products into the market. Regular and accurate filing of importation returns is essential for maintaining a transparent and regulated food supply chain.
How to File FSSAI Returns
For Annual and Half-Yearly Returns:
- Complete the returns in the prescribed formats: Form D-1 for Annual Returns and Form D-2 for Half-Yearly Returns.
- Submit these returns either physically or via email to the Food Licensing Authorities.
For Quarterly Returns:
- Access the FoSCos website.
- Fill out the required details and submit the return online.