FSSAI Registration & Annual Return Filing – Complete Compliance for Food Businesses in India
What is FSSAI & Why It’s Important?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the apex body under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 that regulates food safety in India.
Every Food Business Operator (FBO) — from a home kitchen to large manufacturers — must:
- Obtain FSSAI Registration / License before starting operations
- File Annual Returns to maintain compliance and avoid penalties
Part 1: FSSAI Registration / License
Who Needs It?
Any business engaged in:
- Manufacturing, processing, packaging, storing, or transporting food
- Selling food directly to consumers (offline or online)
- Importing or exporting food products
- Running restaurants, hotels, cafes, catering services, food trucks
Types of FSSAI Licenses
| Type | Eligibility | Turnover / Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Small FBOs | Up to ₹12 lakh annual turnover |
| State License | Medium-sized FBOs | ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore turnover |
| Central License | Large FBOs / Multi-State / Import-Export | Above ₹20 crore turnover |
FSSAI Registration Process
1️⃣ Eligibility Check – Identify correct license type
2️⃣ Document Collection – Gather KYC & business documents
3️⃣ Application Filing – Form A (Basic) / Form B (State/Central) on FSSAI portal
4️⃣ Payment of Govt. Fees
5️⃣ Inspection (if required) by FSSAI officials
6️⃣ License Issuance – Get 14-digit license number & certificate
Documents Required
- Applicant’s photo & ID proof (PAN, Aadhaar, Voter ID)
- Proof of business address (electricity bill, rent agreement, NOC)
- Incorporation/Partnership deed (for firms/companies)
- List of food products handled
- Declaration form & authority letter
Part 2: FSSAI Annual Return Filing
What is FSSAI Annual Return?
Every licensed food business (except petty food businesses under Basic Registration) must file Annual Return(s) to FSSAI, providing details of:
- Types & quantities of food handled
- Countries of import/export (if applicable)
- Turnover details
Types of FSSAI Returns
| Return Type | Form No. | Due Date | Who Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Return | Form D1 | 31st May every year | Manufacturers, importers, exporters, packers |
| Half-Yearly Return | Form D2 | 30th September & 31st March | Milk & milk product manufacturers |
Penalty for Non-Filing of FSSAI Return
- ₹100 per day of delay in filing
- Suspension or cancellation of license for repeated non-compliance
- Heavy fines for incorrect information
FSSAI Return Filing Process
1️⃣ Data Collection – Sales, purchase, quantity details
2️⃣ Preparation of Return – In Form D1 / D2 format
3️⃣ Filing on FSSAI Portal – Submit electronically to licensing authority
4️⃣ Acknowledgement – Confirmation from FSSAI
Why Choose Us for FSSAI Registration & Returns?
✅ End-to-End Compliance – Registration + Timely Return Filing
✅ Expert Guidance – Correct license type & form selection
✅ Avoid Penalties – Timely reminders & filings
✅ Affordable Service Fee – Transparent pricing
✅ Online Process – No need to visit any office
