If you hold an FSSAI food license in India, filing the FSSAI annual return is a mandatory compliance requirement you simply cannot ignore. Whether you are a food manufacturer, importer, or large-scale food business operator (FBO), understanding the FSSAI return filing process, due dates, forms, and fees is critical to staying compliant and avoiding penalties.
In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything you need to know about FSSAI annual return filing — from what it is, who must file it, the FSSAI annual return due date, how to submit Form D1 FSSAI online via the FOSCOS portal, applicable fees, exemptions, and much more.
What Is FSSAI Annual Return?
The FSSAI annual return is a mandatory compliance document that every licensed Food Business Operator (FBO) must submit to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). It is governed under Regulation 2.1.13 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration) Regulations, 2011.
The FSSAI return captures details about the food products manufactured, imported, or processed by the FBO during a financial year. It helps the FSSAI monitor the scale and nature of food production across the country, ensuring food safety standards are maintained.
The annual return FSSAI filing is done through the FOSCOS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal — the official online platform of the FSSAI — using Form D1 (and Form D2 for importers).
Who Is Required to File the FSSAI Annual Return?
Not every food business is required to file the food license annual return. Here is a breakdown:
Mandatory filers include:
- Food manufacturers holding a Central or State FSSAI License
- Food importers
- Food business operators engaged in large-scale production or processing
Not required to file:
- FSSAI Registered businesses (basic registration holders)
- Petty food business operators with very small turnover
Important: Only FSSAI licensed FBOs (State or Central license holders) are required to file the FSSAI online annual return. Basic FSSAI registration holders are exempt from this requirement.
FSSAI Annual Return — Form D1 and Form D2 Explained
What Is Form D1 FSSAI?
Form D1 FSSAI is the standard annual return form that food manufacturers, processors, and re-packers must submit. It captures:
- Details of the FBO and license number
- Product-wise details of food articles manufactured
- Quantity manufactured (in metric tonnes or litres)
- Quantity sold and value of production
- Details of raw materials used
The FSSAI annual return Form D1 must be submitted before the due date every year for the preceding financial year (April to March).
What Is Form D2 FSSAI?
Form D2 is specifically meant for food importers. If your business involves importing food products into India, you must file FSSAI Form D2 online submission in addition to or instead of Form D1, depending on your business activity.
FSSAI Annual Return Due Date
One of the most common queries FBOs have is: what is the FSSAI annual return due date?
| Filing Period | Due Date |
|---|---|
| Financial Year (April – March) | 31st May of the following year |
FSSAI return due date 2022: For FY 2024–25, the due date was 31st May 2025. Similarly, for subsequent years, the due date remains 31st May unless extended by FSSAI via official notification.
It is strongly advisable not to wait until the last date. Filing the FSSAI annual return online well in advance avoids last-minute technical issues on the FOSCOS portal and late fees.
FSSAI Annual Return Fees
A common question among FBOs is: what are the FSSAI annual return fees?
As per the current FSSAI regulations:
- No prescribed fee is payable for filing the annual return under normal circumstances.
- However, late filing attracts a penalty. As per Section 32 of the FSS Act, 2006, failure to comply with return filing requirements can attract penalties of up to ₹2 lakh.
Always ensure timely FSSAI return filing to avoid penalties and compliance issues.
FSSAI Annual Return Exemption
Not all food businesses are required to file the FSSAI annual return. The following are covered under FSSAI annual return exemption:
- Basic Registration holders — Petty food businesses with annual turnover below ₹12 lakh operating on basic FSSAI registration do not need to file annual returns.
- Retailers and distributors — Businesses that only retail/distribute and do not manufacture are generally not required to file Form D1.
- Caterers and small restaurants — Depending on the nature of the license, certain food service operators may be exempt.
If you are unsure about your FSSAI annual return exemption status, consult a food license expert or check your license category on the FOSCOS portal.
FOSCOS Annual Return — The Official Filing Portal
All FSSAI annual return filing online is done through the FOSCOS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in). FOSCOS stands for Food Safety Compliance System and is the single window platform for all FSSAI compliance activities.
The FOSCOS annual return system allows FBOs to:
- Log in with their FSSAI license credentials
- Fill and submit Form D1 FSSAI annual return online
- Submit Form D2 for importers
- Download filed returns for records
- Track submission status
The FOSCOS annual return format is standardized and product-category wise, so FBOs must have their production/import data ready before starting the process.
Step-by-Step FSSAI Annual Return Filing Procedure
Here is the complete FSSAI annual return filing procedure for FY 2024–25:
Step 1: FSSAI Annual Return Login
- Visit the official FOSCOS portal: https://foscos.fssai.gov.in
- Click on "Login" and enter your registered FSSAI license number and password.
- If you have forgotten your credentials, use the "Forgot Password" option linked to your registered mobile/email.
This is your FSSAI annual return login to access the compliance dashboard.
Step 2: Navigate to Annual Return Section
- After logging in, go to the "Returns" section on your dashboard.
- Select "Annual Return" from the menu.
- Choose the relevant financial year for which you are filing.
Step 3: Fill Form D1 (FSSAI Annual Return Form D1 Online)
- The FSSAI annual return form D1 online will open with pre-filled fields (license details, business name, address).
- Enter the product-wise details of food items manufactured or processed during the year.
- Fill in:
- Product name and category
- Quantity produced (in MT or KL)
- Quantity sold
- Value of production
- Raw materials used
- For importers, switch to Form D2 and enter import data similarly.
Step 4: Review and Submit
- Carefully review all the entered data.
- Confirm that the details match your actual production/import records.
- Click "Submit" to file the return.
- A submission acknowledgment with a reference number will be generated. Download and save this for your records.
Step 5: Download the Filed Return
After successful FSSAI return online submission, you can download a PDF copy of the filed return from the FOSCOS portal. This serves as proof of compliance.
FSSAI Form D1 Online Submission — Key Points to Remember
When completing FSSAI Form D1 online submission, keep the following in mind:
- Accuracy is critical — Any mismatch in product quantities or categories can lead to queries from FSSAI officials.
- Product categories must match your license — Only declare products covered under your FSSAI food license.
- Annual return is for the full financial year — April 1 to March 31.
- Multiple units — If you operate multiple manufacturing units under one license, file consolidated data.
- FSSAI Form D1 online submission 2021 and subsequent years follow the same basic procedure on FOSCOS.
Difference Between FSSAI Annual Return and Half-Yearly Return
Many FBOs confuse the annual return with other FSSAI returns. Here is a quick comparison:
| Parameter | Annual Return (Form D1/D2) | Half-Yearly Return (Form D1) |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Once a year | Twice a year (Oct & April) |
| Applicability | All licensed manufacturers & importers | Milk and milk product businesses |
| Due Date | 31st May | 31st October & 30th April |
| Portal | FOSCOS | FOSCOS |
If your business deals with milk and milk products, you are required to file returns twice a year instead of once. This is a separate obligation from the standard FSSAI annual return.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During FSSAI Return Filing
When filing your FSSAI return online, FBOs commonly make the following mistakes:
- Filing for the wrong financial year — Always double-check the year before submission.
- Incorrect product quantities — Mismatched data between your books and Form D1 can cause audit issues.
- Missing the due date — Late filing can attract penalties under the FSS Act.
- Wrong product categories — Ensure products are listed under the correct FSSAI product category code.
- Not downloading the acknowledgment — Always download the confirmation receipt after FSSAI online return submission.
- Filing by unregistered consultants — Only authorized representatives should access your FSSAI annual return login credentials.
FSSAI Annual Return Filing for New Businesses
If your FSSAI license was granted during a financial year, you are still required to file the food license return for the period you were operational during that year. For example, if you received your license in January 2024, you must file the return for January–March 2024 as part of the FY 2023–24 annual return.
Penalty for Non-Filing of FSSAI Annual Return
Non-filing or delayed filing of FSSAI online annual return can have serious consequences:
- Financial penalty up to ₹2,00,000 under Section 32 of the FSS Act, 2006
- Risk of license cancellation or suspension in case of repeated non-compliance
- Adverse inspection reports from FSSAI food safety officers
Filing your FSSAI annual return on time is not just a legal obligation — it is a sign of a responsible and compliant food business.
How to Get Help With FSSAI Annual Return Filing
If you find the FSSAI annual return filing procedure confusing or time-consuming, professional assistance is available. Many FSSAI consultants and compliance services in India offer:
- End-to-end FSSAI return filing online support
- Data compilation and verification for Form D1 and Form D2
- FOSCOS portal login and submission assistance
- Timely reminders for FSSAI return due date
Our platform specializes in FSSAI registration, license renewal, and compliance services — including FSSAI annual return filing — so you can focus on your core business while we handle the paperwork.
Summary: FSSAI Annual Return at a Glance
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable To | Licensed food manufacturers, importers |
| Form | Form D1 (manufacturers), Form D2 (importers) |
| Financial Year | April 1 – March 31 |
| Due Date | 31st May every year |
| Filing Portal | foscos.fssai.gov.in |
| Fees | No standard fee; late penalty up to ₹2 lakh |
| Exemption | Basic registration holders, retailers |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is FSSAI annual return?
The FSSAI annual return is a compliance document that licensed food business operators must file every year, disclosing details of food products manufactured or imported during the financial year.
Q2. What is the FSSAI annual return due date?
The due date for filing the FSSAI annual return is 31st May each year for the preceding financial year.
Q3. What is Form D1 FSSAI?
Form D1 is the official annual return form for food manufacturers and processors. It is filed online through the FOSCOS portal.
Q4. Is there a fee for FSSAI annual return filing?
There is no standard filing fee. However, late filing can attract penalties up to ₹2 lakh under the FSS Act.
Q5. Who is exempt from FSSAI annual return?
Basic FSSAI registration holders (petty food businesses) are exempt from filing the annual return. Only State and Central license holders must file.
Q6. How do I file FSSAI annual return online?
Visit foscos.fssai.gov.in, log in with your license credentials, navigate to the Returns section, fill Form D1 with your production data, and submit.
Q7. What is the FOSCOS annual return format?
The FOSCOS annual return format is a structured online form (Form D1/D2) available on the FOSCOS portal, capturing product-wise manufacturing and sales data.
Q8. Can I file the FSSAI return after the due date?
Yes, but late filing may attract penalties. It is always recommended to file before the FSSAI return due date of 31st May.
Conclusion
Filing the FSSAI annual return is a non-negotiable compliance requirement for all licensed food business operators in India. From understanding the FSSAI annual return due date to completing the FSSAI Form D1 online submission on the FOSCOS portal, the process — though detailed — is straightforward when you know the steps.
Whether you are looking for help with FSSAI annual return filing online, understanding the FOSCOS fssai annual return process, or need guidance on FSSAI annual return exemption, staying informed is the first step to staying compliant.
If you need expert assistance with your food license annual return or any other FSSAI compliance — including new registration, renewal, or modifications — feel free to reach out to our team. We are here to make FSSAI compliance simple, fast, and hassle-free.