Cold storage operators must maintain ongoing compliance with multiple regulatory frameworks. Non-compliance can result in license cancellation, heavy fines, and closure orders. Here are the key compliance obligations:
Temperature Monitoring: Continuous 24/7 digital temperature logging with records maintained for minimum 2 years as per FSSAI and Cold Storage Order requirements.
FSSAI Annual Returns: Filing of annual returns under Form D1 by 31st May each year, maintaining food safety management records and batch-wise storage logs.
Pollution Control: Periodic renewal of CTO (usually every 5 years), compliance with refrigerant emission norms, and proper disposal of used refrigerants under Montreal Protocol guidelines.
Electrical Safety: Annual inspection and certification of all electrical installations by the State Electrical Inspectorate, maintenance of earthing and safety equipment.
Fire Safety: Annual fire safety audit, renewal of Fire NOC, regular fire drills, and maintenance of fire-fighting equipment including ammonia leak detection systems.
WDRA Compliance: Periodic WDRA inspections, maintenance of adequate insurance on stored goods, proper record-keeping, and reporting of stock positions.
Factory Act Compliance: Annual factory license renewal, worker safety measures, health and welfare provisions, and statutory inspections under the Factories Act 1948.
Cold Storage Order 1964: Maintaining prescribed storage conditions, insurance of stored goods, compliance with storage charge regulations, and regulatory reporting to State authorities.