Regulations 2 explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
These last three regulations in Chapter 2.1 deal with compliance and administration. Regulation 2.1.14 binds an operator to comply with directions and orders and requires a warranty in Form E when selling to a vendor. Regulation 2.1.15 lets State and UT governments use or set up advisory committees. Regulation 2.1.16 has the Commissioner of Food Safety appoint a Designated Officer, not below the rank of Sub-Divisional Officer, for each district. This article is based on the 2017 compendium (Version II, 09.11.2017); later amendments may have changed it, verify on fssai.gov.in. For ongoing compliance, see our FSSAI compliance support service.
An FBO given any direction or order under the Regulations must comply, and failure is deemed a contravention of the Regulations attracting legal action under the Act (2.1.14(1)). Every manufacturer, distributor or dealer selling food to a vendor must give a warranty in Form E, separately or on the bill, cash memo or label (2.1.14(2)). State/UT governments may designate or constitute advisory committees at panchayat, district or State level (2.1.15). The Commissioner of Food Safety appoints, by order, a Designated Officer not below the rank of Sub-Divisional Officer for each district (2.1.16). As per the 2017 compendium.
At a glance
| Regulation | Subject | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1.14(1) | Bound by directions or orders | Failure to comply is a deemed contravention of the Regulations and attracts action under the Act |
| 2.1.14(2) | Guarantee or warranty | Manufacturer, distributor or dealer selling food to a vendor gives a warranty in Form E |
| 2.1.15 | Advisory committee | State/UT may designate an existing committee or constitute one to assist, aid or advise on food safety |
| 2.1.16 | Jurisdiction | Commissioner appoints a Designated Officer, rank not below Sub-Divisional Officer, for each district |
Regulation 2.1.14: directions and the Form E warranty
Bound by directions
Sub-regulation (1) says every FBO to whom a direction or order is issued under the Regulations is bound to comply. A failure is "deemed to be contravention of the provisions of these Regulations" and "will attract legal action under the provisions of the Act". The Act contains the consequences. For example, section 55 provides a penalty which may extend to two lakh rupees where an FBO or importer, without reasonable ground, fails to comply with requirements as directed by the Food Safety Officer. See Sections 54 and 55. Improvement notices are a common form of direction; see Improvement notice under the FSS Act.
The warranty to a vendor
Sub-regulation (2) requires every manufacturer, distributor or dealer selling an article of food to a vendor to give a warranty in Form E, either separately or in the bill, cash memo or label. The compendium text then adds the words "(Refer Form A for form of Guarantee)". That cross-reference is inconsistent with the heading of the requirement, which names Form E, and it may be a drafting slip, so the source is unclear on this point. Check Schedule 2 of the current Regulations for the actual guarantee form rather than relying on this extract. The practical point is that a seller's written warranty goes with the goods down the supply chain. For how a warranty matters in a prosecution, see section 80 on defences.
Regulation 2.1.15: advisory committees
State and UT governments "may, if required" designate an existing advisory committee at panchayat, district or State level, or, where none exists, constitute one, "to assist, aid or advise on any matter concerning food safety". It is permissive. The text gives no composition, powers or timelines, so the committee advises and does not decide licences or penalties.
Regulation 2.1.16: jurisdiction of the Designated Officer
The Commissioner of Food Safety shall, by an order, appoint the Designated Officer, who must not be below the rank of a Sub-Divisional Officer, to be in charge of food safety administration for each district as defined under Regulation 1.2.1(2). The Designated Officer is the officer who receives licence applications and issues improvement notices under the Act. See section 36 on the Designated Officer and Regulation 1.2.1 definitions.
Why jurisdiction matters to you
The district boundary points you to the office you deal with for applications, inspections, notices and renewals. If your premises sit in more than one district, expect separate dealings with each district's officer; see Regulation 2.1.5 on licences for premises in the same local area.
Practical examples
Example 1. A Designated Officer directs a restaurant to fix a drainage defect within a stated period. The operator is bound to comply, and failure is treated as a contravention of the Regulations.
Example 2. A distributor sells packed spices to a retail vendor and includes a warranty on the bill in the form the Regulations prescribe. The vendor keeps it on file.
Example 3. A State designates its district-level food safety advisory committee to advise on hawker hygiene. It advises; the Designated Officer still decides licences.
Example 4. A Commissioner appoints a Sub-Divisional Officer as the Designated Officer for a district. An officer below that rank cannot be appointed under this regulation.
Need help staying compliant with directions?
Directions, notices and vendor warranties are everyday compliance points. TaxClue can review the orders you have received, set up a record for your warranties and keep a calendar of deadlines through FSSAI compliance support. We check the current forms and rules first, since the 2017 text may have been updated.
Key takeaways
- An FBO must comply with every direction or order issued under the Regulations.
- Non-compliance is a deemed contravention and attracts action under the Act.
- Sellers to vendors give a warranty in Form E, on the bill, cash memo or label; the compendium text has a confusing cross-reference to Form A.
- State/UT governments may use or set up advisory committees; they only advise.
- The Commissioner appoints a district Designated Officer not below the rank of Sub-Divisional Officer.
Read next
- Regulations 2.1.12 and 2.1.13: appeal and annual return
- Schedule 4 Part I: hygiene requirements for petty food business
- Sections 35 and 36: food poisoning notification and Designated Officer
- Improvement notice under FSS Act: how to respond
Disclaimer: Based on the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 as enacted, read with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023 where it applies (ss.59, 61 and 63 only), and the FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011 as per the 2017 compendium (Version II, 09.11.2017). Later amendments may have changed the Regulations (fees, forms, validity, portal steps and thresholds); verify on fssai.gov.in. Verify current notifications, regulations and FSSAI orders before acting.