FSSAI Annual Return After Due Date – What You Need to Know in 2025
Table of Contents
Introduction
If you own a food business in India and hold an FSSAI State License or Central License, you must be aware of one of the most important compliance requirements: FSSAI Annual Return filing.
Filing your FSSAI Annual Return on time is not just a legal obligation—it’s essential for maintaining the validity of your license and ensuring that your business operates within the framework of food safety regulations. But what happens if you miss the due date? Can you still file the FSSAI Annual Return after the due date? And what are the consequences of late filing?
In this detailed blog, we will cover everything you need to know about:
- What is FSSAI Annual Return?
- Who needs to file it?
- Due date for FSSAI Annual Return
- FSSAI Annual Return after due date – Can you file it?
- Penalties for late filing
- How to file a delayed FSSAI Annual Return
- Tips to avoid missing deadlines
- Expert assistance and payment links
Let’s dive in.
📋 What is FSSAI Annual Return?
The FSSAI Annual Return is a mandatory compliance requirement for all FSSAI license holders (excluding Basic Registration holders). It involves submitting a detailed report of your business’s operations for the previous financial year to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
The purpose of this return is to help FSSAI monitor the activities of food businesses and ensure compliance with food safety standards.
There are two types of FSSAI Annual Returns:
1. Form D1 (Annual Return for Manufacturers and Importers)
- Applicable to manufacturers, packers, and importers of food products
- Must include details about the quantity of food produced, imported, and dispatched during the year
2. Form D2 (Annual Return for Traders and Other Businesses)
- Applicable to traders, restaurants, retailers, transporters, and storage units
- Includes details about the quantity of food handled during the year
🧾 Who Needs to File FSSAI Annual Return?
All businesses holding an FSSAI State License or Central License are required to file their FSSAI Annual Return every year. This includes:
- Food manufacturers
- Importers
- Traders
- Restaurants and caterers
- Storage and transport units
- Retailers (if holding a State or Central License)
Note: Businesses with FSSAI Basic Registration are not required to file an annual return.
📅 Due Date for FSSAI Annual Return
The due date for filing FSSAI Annual Return is 30th June every year, covering the data of the previous financial year (April to March).
For example:
- For the financial year 2024–2025, the return must be filed by 30th June 2025
⏳ FSSAI Annual Return After Due Date – Can You Still File It?
Yes, you can file the FSSAI Annual Return after the due date, but there are penalties and consequences for doing so.
While the FSSAI allows late filing, it is not encouraged, and businesses are expected to meet the deadline. However, if you miss the deadline, you can still file your return with a late fee.
💰 Penalty for Late Filing of FSSAI Annual Return
According to Regulation 2.1.8 of the FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011, if you fail to file your FSSAI Annual Return by the due date (30th June), a late fee of ₹100 per day is levied until the return is filed.
This means:
- If you file the return 10 days late, the penalty will be ₹1,000
- If you file the return 30 days late, the penalty will be ₹3,000
- There is no upper limit on the late fee—so the longer you delay, the higher the penalty
Additionally, the FSSAI may issue a notice or even initiate license suspension or cancellation proceedings in case of repeated non-compliance.
📤 How to File FSSAI Annual Return After Due Date
Even if you have missed the deadline, you can still file your FSSAI Annual Return by following these steps:
Step 1: Log in to the FSSAI Portal
Visit the official FSSAI portal: https://foodlicensing.fssai.gov.in/
Log in using your FSSAI license number and password.
Step 2: Navigate to the Annual Return Section
Go to the “Returns” section and select either Form D1 or D2, depending on your business type.
Step 3: Fill in the Required Details
Provide accurate information about your business operations for the financial year, including:
- Production or procurement quantity
- Sales or dispatch figures
- Raw material consumption
- Other relevant data
Step 4: Submit the Return and Pay Late Fees
After filling the form, you will be prompted to submit and pay the late fee applicable for the number of days delayed.
Step 5: Download Acknowledgment
Once the return is successfully submitted, download and keep a copy of the acknowledgment receipt for future reference.
⚠️ Risks of Not Filing FSSAI Annual Return
Failing to file your FSSAI Annual Return—whether on time or even after the due date—can lead to serious consequences:
- Penalties: As mentioned, a late fee of ₹100/day is applicable
- License Suspension: The FSSAI may suspend your license if you fail to comply with return filing requirements
- Legal Action: In extreme cases, the FSSAI may initiate legal proceedings under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
- Loss of Business Opportunities: Many retailers, e-commerce platforms, and government tenders require proof of FSSAI compliance, including annual return filing
📌 Tips to Avoid Missing the FSSAI Annual Return Deadline
To ensure smooth compliance and avoid penalties, follow these best practices:
- Set Reminders: Mark 30th June on your calendar and set multiple reminders
- Maintain Records: Keep accurate business records throughout the year to make filing easier
- Hire a Compliance Expert: If you’re unsure about the process, consider hiring a professional to manage your FSSAI filings
- File Early: Don’t wait until the last minute. File your return as soon as possible after the financial year ends
- Use FSSAI Compliance Services: Many agencies offer end-to-end compliance support, including annual return filing
💼 Expert Assistance for Filing FSSAI Annual Return After Due Date
If you’ve missed the deadline and need help filing your FSSAI Annual Return, our team of experts can assist you with:
- Reviewing your business data
- Preparing and submitting Form D1/D2
- Calculating and paying the late fee
- Ensuring full compliance with FSSAI norms
We offer hassle-free services for both on-time and delayed FSSAI Annual Return filings.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I file FSSAI Annual Return after 30th June?
Yes, you can still file the return after the due date, but you will be charged a late fee of ₹100 per day.
Q2: What is the penalty for not filing FSSAI Annual Return?
A late fee of ₹100 per day is applicable until the return is filed. There is no upper limit on the penalty.
Q3: Is it mandatory to file FSSAI Annual Return?
Yes, all businesses with FSSAI State or Central License must file the annual return every year.
Q4: Can I file FSSAI Annual Return without late fee?
No, if you file after the due date (30th June), you must pay the late fee.
Q5: What happens if I don’t file FSSAI Annual Return?
You may face penalties, license suspension, or even legal action under the FSS Act, 2006.
✅ Conclusion: Don’t Let Late Filing Cost You
Filing your FSSAI Annual Return after the due date is possible, but it comes with financial and legal consequences. To avoid penalties and ensure your business remains compliant, it’s best to file your return on time.
However, if you’ve already missed the deadline, don’t panic. You can still file your return by paying the applicable late fee. But remember, repeated non-compliance can lead to more severe actions, including license cancellation.
If you’re unsure about the process or need help filing a delayed return, our team is here to assist you.
Stay compliant, stay safe, and keep growing your food business with confidence.
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