If you hold a Food License (Importer, Manufacturer, Relabeller), you must file your Annual Returns by May 31st. Delaying this triggers compounding daily fines and threatens your import clearance.
FoSCoS portal delays are common in the final week. Do not wait.
*If the deadline is missed, FSSAI daily penalties will apply on top of this fee.
FSSAI mandates that every Food Business Operator (FBO) involved in importing, manufacturing, or repacking food products must submit an annual return. Zero exceptions.
If you hold an FSSAI Central License for importing food articles, you are required to declare the exact quantities imported during the preceding financial year.
All food manufacturers, regardless of production volume, must declare the items manufactured, quantities, and their sales value.
Even if you do not manufacture the product yourself but repack or relabel bulk food items for retail sale, Form D-1 compliance is mandatory.
Even if you obtained the license but did not conduct any activity during the financial year, you are legally required to file a "Nil" return. Failure to do so attracts the exact same penalties.
FSSAI's automated FoSCoS system triggers immediate actions against non-compliant licenses the day after the deadline.
For importers, FSSAI interfaces directly with Customs. If your license is flagged, the Food Import Clearance System (FICS) will block your NOC, halting your shipment at the port.
A strict penalty of ₹100 is applied for every single day the return is delayed past May 31st. This caps out at 5 times the annual license fee.
Continued failure to file returns will lead to automatic suspension or cancellation of your FSSAI License, rendering any domestic sale or import strictly illegal.
FSSAI does not charge a base fee to file on time. However, their penalty structure is designed to punish delays severely.
Filing within the stipulated deadline.
Penalty applied automatically by FoSCoS portal.
Maximum Penalty Cap: The late fee accumulates daily until it reaches a maximum equal to 5 times your annual license fee.
Beyond Annual Returns, EXIMINQ Global Connections offers a comprehensive suite of services to streamline your international trade.
Preferential and Non-Preferential COO issuance for your international shipments.
Expert handling of Export Obligation Discharges (EODC) and license redemptions.
Maximize your customs duty refunds with accurate brand rate fixations and claims.
Ensure you don't miss out on your Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products.
New registrations, target auditing, and compliance management for PIBOs.
Complete portal management and target fulfillment for E-Waste importers.
Stop worrying about FoSCoS portal formats. Hand over your data and let our team file your Form D-1 flawlessly before the deadline.