Introduction: A New Compliance Mandate from FSSAI
On May 16, 2025, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a crucial directive mandating the submission of closure reports for all food businesses with expired FSSAI licenses or registrations. This order applies nationwide to every Food Business Operator (FBO) and aims to enhance transparency by ensuring expired licenses are accurately recorded in the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal.
In this article, we break down the key aspects of the order in simple, clear language to help food business owners and compliance professionals fully grasp their obligations and stay compliant, avoiding any penalties.
Introduction to the Order
The directive, issued by Dr. Satyen Kumar Panda, Executive Director (Compliance Strategy) at FSSAI, is an official communication referenced under file number RCD-05007/1/2021-Regulatory-FSSAI-Part (5). It aims to reinforce the regulatory framework established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. As India’s statutory authority for food safety, FSSAI now requires all food businesses with expired licenses or registrations to formally submit a closure report.
This mandate plays a vital role in promoting transparency, ensuring accountability, and safeguarding public health within the food industry.
Who is required to file the Closure Report?
As per the FSSAI directive, all Food Business Operators (FBOs) whose licenses or registrations expired during the financial year 2024–25 must file a mandatory Closure Report. This report serves as a formal declaration with the following key confirmations:
- Declaration that no food business activities are being conducted at the premises linked to the expired FSSAI license or registration.
- Clarification on whether a new FSSAI license or registration has been obtained for the same premises, if applicable.
In addition to these statements, FBOs are required to clearly specify the reason(s) for not renewing the expired license. This information enables FSSAI to gain better insights into business closures or non-renewals and enhances overall regulatory transparency.
Future-Proofing Compliance: Applicability Beyond FY 2024–25
The directive isn’t limited to past expiries — it extends to all future license or registration expirations. From now on, every FBO whose license expires must log into the FoSCoS portal and file either:
- The closure reason; or
- Confirmation of a new license obtained for the same premises.
By integrating closure reporting into its digital workflow, FSSAI aims to maintain a traceable, real-time database of all operational food businesses in India.
Legal Consequences: Why Ignoring This Order Is Risky
Operating a food business with an expired FSSAI license is a direct violation of Section 31 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Non-compliance can lead to:
- Penalties up to ₹10 lakh under Section 63 of the Act.
- Legal proceedings for unauthorized operation.
- Suspension or blacklisting from future FSSAI licensing.
These consequences are not theoretical — enforcement has already begun. FBOs must act quickly to avoid regulatory fallout.
Email Alerts and Digital Notices via FoSCoS
To support compliance, FSSAI has started sending automated email notices titled “Notice for Closure of Food Business” to all FBOs with expired licenses. These alerts are sent via the FoSCoS portal to the email IDs registered in the system.
Important:
It is the FBO’s responsibility to keep their contact information updated on the FoSCoS portal. Missed notifications due to outdated emails will not excuse non-compliance.
FSSAI has also published a User Manual to assist businesses in correctly submitting closure reasons and related details online.
The Role of FoSCoS in Compliance Monitoring
The Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) is the backbone of FSSAI’s digital governance. From license issuance to closure reporting, this portal ensures that food businesses across India remain compliant through:
- Centralized tracking of license status.
- Easy submission of compliance documents.
- Real-time updates for regulatory authorities.
Every submission of a closure report or reason for non-renewal must be done through the FoSCoS portal. This ensures a transparent and auditable trail of actions by food businesses.
Who Must Comply: Stakeholders Informed
The order has been officially signed and approved by FSSAI and circulated to:
- All Food Business Operators (FBOs) and Food Safety Mitras.
- State Food Safety Commissioners and Regional Directors.
- The IT Division of FSSAI, tasked with email outreach to expired license holders.
- The PA to CEO, FSSAI, for official archiving and tracking.
This wide distribution ensures that both regulatory bodies and food businesses are made aware of the change — and that enforcement begins uniformly across India.
Why This Matters: Protecting Public Health and Regulatory Integrity
This order isn’t just about documentation—it’s about ensuring the safety of India’s food supply. By demanding closure reports for expired licenses, FSSAI ensures:
- No business continues to operate illegally after license expiry.
- The national food safety database is clean, accurate, and trustworthy.
- Public health risks are minimized through regulatory traceability.
This level of traceability helps FSSAI identify risks in the supply chain, respond to violations faster, and ensure only authorized, licensed operators engage in food handling and sales.
Final Thoughts: What Food Businesses Should Do Now
The May 16, 2025 directive should be a wake-up call for every FBO in India. Submitting a closure report is no longer a voluntary action—it is now a legal responsibility.
If you’re an FBO, you must:
- Log into FoSCoS and check the status of your license.
- Submit the closure report if your license has expired and your business is inactive.
- Provide a reason for non-renewal or confirm if a new license has been secured.
Inaction can cost you — both in terms of money and your business reputation.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure how to navigate the FoSCoS portal or file the closure report, consult your compliance advisor or reach out to us. Timely action will keep you safe from:
- Fines up to ₹10 lakh
- Legal actions
- Operational bans or blacklisting
Stay compliant. Stay protected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who needs to submit a closure report?
Ans: All Food Business Operators (FBOs) whose FSSAI license or registration expired during FY 2024–25 or will expire in the future must submit a closure report through the FoSCoS portal.
Q2. What should the closure report include?
Ans: The report must clearly state:
- That no food business activity is being conducted on the premises associated with the expired license.
- Whether a new license or registration has been obtained.
- A specific reason for not renewing the previous license.
Q3. Where do I submit the closure report?
Ans: All closure reports must be submitted online through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal at wwwdotfoscosdotfssaidotgovdotin
Q4. What happens if I do not submit the closure report?
Ans: Failure to submit the closure report or continuing operations with an expired license is a violation of Section 31 of the Food Safety and Standards Act. This can lead to:
- Penalties up to ₹10 lakh under Section 63.
- Legal proceedings and possible blacklisting from future FSSAI registrations.
Q5. Will I receive a reminder or notice?
Ans: Yes. FSSAI sends out automated email alerts titled “Notice for Closure of Food Business” via the FoSCoS system to the registered email ID of the FBO.
Q6. How do I update my email in the FoSCoS portal?
Ans: Log in to the FoSCoS portal, go to your profile settings, and update your contact information to ensure you receive all compliance-related notifications on time.
Q7. What if I plan to apply for a new license after expiry?
Ans: You must still submit a closure report for the expired license and confirm in the report that you plan to obtain a new license for the same premises.
Q8. Is the submission of reasons for non-renewal mandatory?
Ans: Yes. Providing a specific reason for non-renewal is mandatory, even if your business has stopped operations or shifted to a new licensing number. This ensures regulatory transparency.
Q9. Who is responsible for compliance?
Ans: The FBO (Food Business Operator) is directly responsible for ensuring:
- Timely submission of closure reports.
- Maintaining valid licenses.
- Adhering to all FSSAI regulations.
Q10. Where can I get help on filing the closure report?
Ans: FSSAI provides a detailed User Manual on the FoSCoS portal. You can also seek help from licensed compliance consultants or your internal compliance officer to ensure proper filing.
