The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (“FSSAI”) has in an Order dated 31st July, 2020, extended the
i. timeline for processing of FSSAI license/registration applications by way of e-inspection during the period of lockdown till 31st December, 2020
FSSAI had, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, in an Order dated 31st March, 2020, decided to consider e-inspections in place of physical inspections for processing the license/registration applications.
Subsequently, in an Order dated 19th June, 2020 FSSAI had extended the timeline for processing of FSSAI license/registration applications by way of e-inspection till 31st July, 2020.
Now, the timeline for such relaxation has been further extended till 31st December, 2020.
ii. timeline of the relaxation for Food Business Operators (“FBOs”) to operate their food businesses, during the period of lockdown, basis only the application for license/registration
To ensure uninterrupted food services/supply during lockdown, FSSAI had, in an Order dated 31st March, 2020, allowed FBOs, other than manufacturers, who are allowed to operate during the lockdown, to temporarily operate their food businesses on the basis of valid receipt of FSSAI license/registration application containing the 17-digit Application Reference Number generated on the Food Licensing and Registration System.
Now, the FSSAI has issued the current Order to extend the timeline for FBOs to operate their food businesses, basis only the application for FSSAI license/registration, till 31st December, 2020
FSSAI has also extended the date of submission of returns by license food businesses involved in manufacturing/processing and importing of food products as follows:
i. Annual Returns for the Financial Year 2019-2020 – from 31st May, 2020 to 31st December, 2020
ii. the Half-Yearly return for the period from October, 2019 to March, 2020 – from 30 April, 2020 to 31st December, 2020
iii. the Half-Yearly return for the period from April, 2020 to September, 2020 – from 31st October, 2020 till 31st December, 2020
Source: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
