As per Regulation 2.1.13 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, every Food Business Operator (FBO) holding an FSSAI license is required to submit annual or half-yearly returns in a prescribed format to the Licensing Authority. Non-compliance attracts penalties. This article outlines the return filing process, applicable forms, and key compliance guidelines.
1. Statutory Requirement for Return Filing
A. Annual Return: Form D-1
Every FSSAI licensee (excluding milk and milk product manufacturers) is mandated to file an annual return detailing each class of food product handled during the previous financial year.
B. Half-Yearly Return: Form D-2 (Only for Milk/Milk Product Manufacturers)
FBOs engaged in the manufacturing of milk or milk products are required to file two returns annually using Form D-2.
2. Key Compliance Guidelines
3. Compliance Calendar Snapshot
Type of Return | Applicable To | Period | Due Date | Form |
Annual Return | All licensees (except dairy) | FY Apr–Mar | 31st May | D-1 |
Half-Yearly Return (1st Half) | Dairy/milk manufacturers | Apr–Sept | 31st Oct | D-2 |
Half-Yearly Return (2nd Half) | Dairy/milk manufacturers | Oct–Mar | 30th Apr | D-2 |
Conclusion
Filing returns under FSSAI is not just a regulatory requirement but also an important part of maintaining transparency, traceability, and food safety standards in the supply chain. FBOs should develop a compliance calendar, ensure data is maintained in the prescribed format, and use official forms D-1 or D-2 depending on the nature of operations.
If you’d like ready-to-use editable templates (Word or Excel format) of Form D-1 and D-2 or automated reminders for 1-Comply, I can prepare that too.
Read more about this Regulation: https://fssai.gov.in/cms/food-safety-and-standards-regulations.php
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