FSSAI, on 10 Nov 2022, published an order related to capping the penalties because of the late submission of the annual returns. Food Authority has amended Clause 2.1.13; now it states that any delay in filing the returns passed 31 May of every year will be charged Rs 100 per day for the delay until the return is filed. The maximum limit for the penalty should not surpass ‘five times the annual fees.’
FSSAI introduced Clause 2.1.13 in the FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulation, 2011. It specifies that the importers and manufacturers must submit Annual Returns by 31 May every year. Furthermore, it specifies that if there is a delay in submitting returns, a penalty of Rs. 100 will be taken per day. And the maximum penalty that can be charged should not exceed five times the annual fees.
The said clause will be effective from FY 2021-2022 onwards, and the last date for the return was 30 June 2022. Additionally, the penalty amount due to late submission of annual returns for FY 2021-2022 must be paid before applying for the renewal of food licenses.