FSSAI has modified the annual return filing process by making it annual instead of quarterly for manufacturer exporters. The food authority has issued an order in this regard and it will be implemented with effect from the fiscal 2021-22.
According to the FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, all licensed manufacturers are required to submit their annual return by May 31 for the activities conducted during the preceding financial year on a quarterly basis.
However, to help in ease of doing business, the FSSAI has decided to make it annual.
“To provide ease of doing business, it has been decided that the manufacturer- exporters will be required to submit the annual returns for the food businesses activities conducted with effect from FY 2021-22 replacing the existing practice of submission of quarterly returns,” reads the order.
The order also issued the format of annual return and stipulated the last date for submission as May 31, 2022. The order also directed the food businesses to submit the returns only through FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal.
“Returns submitted only through FoSCoS portal will be considered,” the order added.
Previously, the annual return was submitted physically under the FLRS system, which was discontinued and food businesses were asked to submit the annual return online from year 2020-2021 through FoSCoS, which replaced the FLRS (Food Licensing and Registration System).
