FSSAI: Extension for Annual Return and License Renewal to FBO’s till 31.08.2021

Relaxations to the FBOs due to Covid-19 Pandemic

Regulatory Compliance Division of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) vide circular No. 15(6)2020/FLRS/RCD/FSSAI dated 23.06.2021 has decided to facilitate the FBOs and ensure ease of doing business by providing following extension in relaxations provided earlier vide FSSAI circular dated 2004.2021 due to spike in the cases related to the Covid-19 Pandemic in exercise of powers conferred under section 16 (5) of Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act 2006:

Note: The below stated relaxations shall cease w.e.f. 31.08.2021 irrespective of the status of lockdown/ curfew/ containment at any location.

List of Relaxations provided by FSSAI

1. Extension for timeline for submission of online Annual Returns

• The timeline for submission of online annual yearly returns (D-1) for the period 2020-21 due for submission on or before 31st May, 2021 has been extended till 31st August, 2021 (previously was extended till – 30th, June 2021)
• The same has to be filed mandatorily through online mode i.e. through Food Safety Compliance System, FOSCOS (for detailed instructions, refer FSSAI order number 15(31)2020/FoSCoS/ RCD/FSSAI dated 18th Dec 2020).

2. Waiver of late fee for renewing the license:

a) It has been decided to waive off the late fee, in case, renewal of license is not applied as early as 30 days before the expiry of license [refer Regulation 2.1.7(2) and 2.1.7(4) of FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations 2011].

b) This late fee ranges from Rs. 100 to Rs. 3000. No late fee for renewal of Licenses shall be charged till 31st August, 2021 (previously was extended till – 30th, June 2021), i.e. no late fee for renewal application (as stipulated under the said regulation) will be charged for licenses, if filed on or before 31st August, 2021.

c) As the process for renewal of license and registration is completely online and renewals can be filed as early as 180 days prior to expiry of license and registration, food businesses are advised to file the renewal application well in time to avoid expiry of their licenses and registrations and causing unnecessary hassle to themselves.

d) It is clarified that the late fee applicable on renewals applied after 31st August, 2021 will be charged as per the provisions in FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations 2011.

Compliance Mechanism under FSSAI

Mandatory Compliance w.e.f. 1st April 2021

Online submission of Annual Returns on Food Safety Compliance System (FOSCOS – https://foscos.fssai.gov.in) shall be made mandatory for food businesses involved in manufacturing and importing of food products, wef FY 2020-21 (window for return filing for FY 2020-21 will open w.e.f. 1″ April 2021 onwards).

Disclaimer:

Every effort has been made to avoid errors or omissions in this material. In spite of this, errors may creep in. Any mistake, error or discrepancy noted may be brought to our notice which shall be taken care of in the next edition. In no event the author shall be liable for any direct, indirect, special or incidental damage resulting from or arising out of or in connection with the use of this information.