In shortMost Indian businesses need a few basic registrations, such as GST, a municipal trade or shop licence, and Udyam if they are an MSME. Sector licences come on top: FSSAI for food, a drug licence for medicines and cosmetics, BIS for hallmarked jewellery, and Legal Metrology registration for packaged goods. Exporters need an IEC and usually an RCMC. Employers must register for PF and ESI once they cross the employee thresholds under the Code on Social Security.
Which licences apply to which business
| If your business | You are likely to need |
|---|
| Is a micro, small or medium enterprise | Udyam registration |
| Makes, stores, sells or serves food | FSSAI registration or licence |
| Imports or exports goods or services | IEC, plus an RCMC from the relevant council or board |
| Sells or makes medicines or cosmetics | Drug licence or cosmetic manufacturing or import registration |
| Imports or packs pre-packaged goods | LMPC registration under the Legal Metrology law |
| Sells gold or silver jewellery | BIS hallmarking registration |
| Employs staff | PF and ESI registration once thresholds are crossed |
| Receives foreign donations as an NGO | FCRA registration or prior permission |
Almost every business also needs GST registration once it crosses the threshold, covered under tax filing and compliance, and a Digital Signature Certificate for online filings.
How applications typically run
Most central registrations are now online: Udyam on the Udyam portal, FSSAI on FoSCoS, IEC on the DGFT portal, PF on the EPFO portal, ESI on the ESIC portal, and FCRA on the Ministry of Home Affairs portal. The usual sequence is to confirm the correct category, prepare the business and identity documents, file the application, and respond to any query or inspection.
Some licences involve inspection or technical review. A drug licence needs premises of the required size, storage conditions and a qualified person. An FSSAI state or central licence may be preceded by inspection. ISO certification is granted by an accredited certification body after a documentation review and audit, not by a government department.
The four Labour Codes came into force on 21 November 2025. Employer registration and contributions for PF and ESI now sit under the Code on Social Security, 2020, with transitional rules, so employers should check how the change affects their registrations and returns.
Timelines and costs in general terms
Udyam, IEC and DSC are usually issued within a day or two. FSSAI basic registration, PF and ESI typically take a few days to a couple of weeks. State FSSAI licences, drug licences and trade licences depend on inspections and the state department, and can take several weeks. FCRA registration can take months.
Udyam registration is free on the government portal. Other fees depend on the licence category, turnover, tenure or the state, and change from time to time, so we confirm the current fee when we take up your application. Many licences also need annual returns or renewals, which we can track for you.
Mistakes we see most often
Applying for the wrong category (for example a basic FSSAI registration when turnover needs a state licence), letting a licence lapse and then trading without it, using an address that does not match other registrations, and assuming one licence covers several premises. Each premises often needs its own licence or registration. Exporters sometimes take an IEC but skip the RCMC, which is required to claim many export benefits.
Which service do you need?
All licences & certifications services
Udyam (MSME) Registration
Udyam registration, classification and the benefits it unlocks.
Learn more FSSAI Licence
FSSAI basic registration, state and central licences, renewal and modification.
Learn more Import Export Code
IEC from DGFT, annual updation and export incentives readiness.
Learn more APEDA RCMC
Registration-cum-Membership Certificate for agricultural and processed food exporters.
Learn more FIEO RCMC
FIEO membership and RCMC for multi-product exporters.
Learn more Spices Board Registration
Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES).
Learn more ISO Certification
ISO 9001, 14001, 27001 and other certifications through accredited bodies.
Learn more LMPC Registration
Legal Metrology registration for importers and packers of pre-packaged goods.
Learn more BIS Hallmark Registration
BIS registration for jewellers selling hallmarked gold and silver.
Learn more Drug & Cosmetic Licence
Retail and wholesale drug licences, cosmetic manufacturing and import registration.
Learn more Trade Licence
Municipal trade licence for shops, offices and establishments.
Learn more PF Registration
EPFO establishment registration and monthly ECR compliance.
Learn more ESI Registration
ESIC employer registration, employee enrolment and contributions.
Learn more FCRA Registration
FCRA registration and prior permission for NGOs receiving foreign contributions.
Learn more Digital Signature (DSC)
Class 3 DSC for MCA, GST, income tax and e-tender filings.
Learn more Startup India (DPIIT)
DPIIT recognition, tax exemption under section 80-IAC and angel tax relief.
Learn more Please note: this page explains the law and procedure in general terms as on 30 October 2026. Fees, limits and timelines change, and the facts of each case matter, so take advice on your own papers before acting.
Frequently asked questions
Is Udyam registration compulsory?
It is not compulsory for every business, but it is needed to claim MSME benefits such as priority lending, delayed payment protection and certain government schemes.
Do I need a separate licence for each branch?
Often yes. FSSAI, drug and trade licences are generally issued per premises, so each shop, kitchen or warehouse may need its own.
Can I apply for these licences myself?
Yes, most applications are online. Professional help reduces rejections and queries, especially where the category, documents or premises requirements are unclear.
Do licences need renewal?
Many do. FSSAI licences and drug licences have a validity period, IEC requires annual updation on the DGFT portal, and RCMCs are valid for a fixed period.
What happens if I operate without a required licence?
Penalties depend on the law and can include fines, sealing of premises and prosecution. It can also block bank loans, tenders and marketplace listings.
Does a home-based business need a licence?
It depends on the activity. A home food business, for example, still needs FSSAI registration, and GST applies once turnover crosses the threshold or the business sells online.
