Are you wondering whether you need to file an FSSAI annual return in India?

The good news is that some food business operators (FBOs) may be exempted from this requirement based on their annual turnover. Here's a breakdown of who is exempted and who needs to file:

• FBOs with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 20 lakhs are exempted from filing FSSAI annual returns. This threshold applies to those with a turnover of less than Rs. 20 lakhs as per current rules.
• Small-scale FBOs with an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 20 lakhs but less than Rs. 1 crore may have certain relaxations or simplified compliance procedures for FSSAI annual return filing, subject to specific regulatory guidelines.

However, it's important to stay updated with the latest notifications and regulations issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure compliance with the most current requirements.

However, it's important to note that some exceptions exist. You still need to file an FSSAI annual return if you:

• Operate a large-scale food business with an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 20 lakhs.
• Are involved in specific types of food businesses or activities that require mandatory filing as per FSSAI regulations.
• Need to update or renew your FSSAI license or registration.

To avoid any confusion or uncertainty, it's advisable to consult with regulatory experts like us, India Advocacy, for guidance and advice regarding FSSAI annual return filing.

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E-filing is the modern and efficient way of filing your tax returns, which offers numerous benefits over traditional paper-based filings.If you're still hesitant about switching to e-filing, here are seven advantages that may convince you otherwise.

• Fast Processing: E-filing offers a speedy process for filing your taxes. The processing time for refunds is also faster than paper-filed returns.
• More Accurate: Electronic connectivity in e-filing ensures seamless data transmission and minimizes errors, unlike paper filings that can be prone to errors.
• Convenient: You can file your tax returns anytime, anywhere, 24/7, according to your needs and convenience, with no time and place constraints.
• Confidentiality: E-filing provides better security and confidentiality for your data, unlike paper filings that are prone to the risk of details falling into the wrong hands.
• Easy Retrieval: E-filing applications store your data securely, making it easy to access past data and file subsequent returns.
• Proof of Confirmation: E-filing offers confirmation via email on your registered email id, both at the time of filing and subsequently.
• User-Friendly: E-filing is user-friendly and convenient, even for individuals who are not tech-savvy.

Switch to e-filing today for a hassle-free, quick, and efficient way of filing your annual returns.

What are the documents needed for filing FSSAI annual return?

The specific documents required for FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) annual return filing may vary based on the nature and scale of the food business operations. However, common documents typically needed for FSSAI annual return filing in India may include:

• FSSAI License: A copy of the FSSAI license obtained by the food business operator (FBO) for their food business operations.
• Product List: Details of all food products manufactured, processed, stored, distributed, or sold by the FBO during the financial year.
• Manufacturing Process Details: : Information about the manufacturing or processing methods used for each food product, including ingredients, recipes, and production processes.
• Sales and Distribution Records: Records of sales volumes, distribution channels, and market distribution of food products during the financial year.
• Quality Control and Food Safety Management Documents: Documentation related to quality control measures, food safety management systems, hygiene practices, sanitation procedures, and other relevant protocols implemented by the FBO.
• Premises Details: Information about the premises where food business activities are conducted, including location, layout, facilities, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Transportation and Storage Records: Documentation related to transportation, storage, and handling of food products to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
• Compliance Declarations: Declarations or certifications affirming compliance with FSSAI regulations, including hygiene and sanitation standards, labeling requirements, and other relevant provisions.
• Any Other Relevant Documents: Additional documents may be required based on specific regulatory requirements, industry standards, or requests from the FSSAI or regulatory authorities.

By keeping these documents handy, you can file your FSSAI Annual Return smoothly and accurately. Remember, timely and accurate filing of your annual returns is essential for avoiding penalties .Additionally, other documents might be required depending on the specific circumstances of the company and regulatory requirements. India Advocacy will arrange all the documents for you, you just need to make a call.

How to file a FSSAI annual return?

Filing your FSSAI Annual Return(ITR) is a crucial step to ensure compliance with the law and avoid penalties. There are two mediums through which you can file your ITR: online and offline.

Online medium:

• Visit the official FSSAI website and register yourself as a food business operator (FBO).
• Access the FSSAI annual return filing portal and log in using your credentials.
• Choose the relevant annual return form as per your food business activities and download it.
• Fill in all the necessary details in the form, including information about food products, production volumes, sales data, quality control measures, etc.
• Upload the filled-in annual return form onto the FSSAI portal.
• Verify your annual return using any of the available modes provided by FSSAI, such as Aadhaar OTP, digital signature, or other authentication methods.
• Submit your annual return through the online portal.

Offline medium:

• Download the annual return form from the official FSSAI website or collect it from the nearest FSSAI office.
• Fill in all the required details manually in the printed form.
• Visit the nearest FSSAI office and submit the filled-in annual return form physically.

Filing your FSSAI annual return accurately and timely is crucial for maintaining regulatory compliance and ensuring food safety standards in your food business operations.

Overview

Staying compliant with India's taxation laws involves fulfilling the obligation of filing annual returns. Governed primarily by the Companies Act of 2013 and other relevant laws, annual return filing is mandatory for various entities, including companies, partnerships, LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships), and other registered entities.

What is FSSAI annual return filing?

The FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) annual return filing is a mandatory requirement for food business operators (FBOs) to submit relevant information about their food business activities to the FSSAI.

Why is FSSAI annual return filing important?

The FSSAI annual return filing is essential for food business operators to comply with food safety regulations set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). It ensures transparency, accountability, and adherence to standards, promoting public health and safety. By providing crucial information about their operations, operators enable regulatory monitoring, enforcement, and continuous improvement in food safety practices.

Who needs to file an FSSAI annual return?

Food business operators (FBOs) in India need to file FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) annual returns. This requirement applies to various entities involved in food production, processing, storage, distribution, and sale. FBOs include manufacturers, processors, packers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, importers, exporters, and caterers. Essentially, any entity engaged in handling food products for human consumption falls under the purview of FSSAI regulations and is required to file the annual return to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

This eligibility criteria may vary, but no need to worry, India Advocacy has you covered, just click on "Talk to our expert" and we will have our official calling you to guide you through the process of filing your FSSAI annual return.

When to file FSSAI annual return?

The timing for filing the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) annual return can vary depending on the specific guidelines and regulations set forth by the FSSAI. Typically, FBOs (Food Business Operators) are required to file their annual returns within a specified period after the end of the financial year. However, the exact deadline for filing may differ based on factors such as the category of the food business and other relevant considerations.

It gets difficult to keep up with the dates in the middle of the business chores, but India Advocacy takes full responsibility for your filings, we will not let you down as we have never let anybody.

What happens if one fails to file the return?

Failure to file the FSSAI annual return can result in penalties, legal consequences, suspension or cancellation of the license, reputational damage, loss of market opportunities, and increased regulatory scrutiny. Non-compliance may lead to fines, legal actions, and license suspension, damaging the business's reputation and hindering its operations.

Partner with India Advocacy for reliable, efficient, and compliant annual return filing services. With our expertise and dedication, you can navigate India's corporate governance landscape with confidence, maintaining transparency, accountability, and legal compliance. Trust India Advocacy to handle your annual return filing requirements, allowing you to focus on driving your entity's growth and success

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