Frequently Asked Questions

For a proprietorship you need the proprietor's PAN and Aadhaar, a passport-size photo, a cancelled cheque or bank details, business address proof (electricity bill or rent agreement with NOC) and the nature of business. Aadhaar authentication is done during filing. Professional fees are typically ₹2,000–₹2,500; there is no government fee for GST registration.

IEC is a code issued by the DGFT that is mandatory to import or export goods from India. You apply online with the entity's PAN, bank details and address proof. Professional fees are typically ₹2,500–₹3,000; a nominal DGFT government fee applies. It is usually issued within a few working days.

Any business that imports or exports food must hold an FSSAI Central Licence — there is no turnover threshold for import/export, and the government fee is ₹7,500 per year. Selling food through e-commerce platforms such as Amazon also requires a Central Licence. A food manufacturer with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore and no import/export/e-commerce needs only the basic FSSAI Registration.

Generally: GST registration, IEC, an FSSAI Central Licence (Trading) and Customs / AD Code at the port. Depending on the commodity it may also need APEDA RCMC (agri/processed food), Spices Board registration (spices) or Coffee Board registration. MSME/Udyam is optional but recommended.

AD Code (Authorised Dealer Code) registration links your bank to the customs port so import/export shipments can be cleared and foreign-exchange remittances processed. You obtain an AD Code letter from your bank and register it at the port on ICEGATE. It is required in addition to the IEC. Professional fees are typically ₹3,500–₹3,750.

You select the mark (logo/wordmark) and the class of goods or services, obtain a DSC, and file the trademark application (TM-A) online. Professional fees start from about ₹9,500 for one class; the government fee is ₹4,500 per class for individuals/startups/MSMEs or ₹9,000 per class for others. You may use the ™ symbol once filed. Full registration follows examination and journal publication and typically takes several months if unopposed.

Udyam (MSME) registration is a free government registration for micro, small and medium enterprises. Benefits include collateral-free/priority lending, interest and subsidy schemes, protection against delayed payments, reduced trademark and patent government fees, and preference in government tenders. It is issued instantly online using the entity's PAN and the authorised person's Aadhaar.

DPIIT recognition requires an existing registered entity — a Private Limited company, LLP or registered Partnership under 10 years old, with turnover under ₹100 crore, working towards innovation or scalability. You create a Startup India profile, submit a write-up on the product/innovation, and file the DPIIT application to obtain the Certificate of Recognition. There is no government fee; it is usually granted within a few working days to 2–3 weeks. The 3-year 80-IAC tax holiday is a separate application.

Every shop or commercial establishment operating in Kerala must register under the Kerala Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1960 with the Labour Department. The professional fee is typically around ₹4,500; the government registration fee is extra and depends on the number of employees. GST at 18% applies on the professional fee.