Contact us for All Type of Business Registration

To operate a business in India, especially in sectors like trade, export, and import, you need various registrations and licenses depending on the nature of your business. Below is a guide to the essential registrations and licenses required for trade, export, import, and general business operations:

1. Business Registration

Before you start any business, you need to register the entity in a legal form. You can choose the type of business entity depending on your needs:

• Sole Proprietorship: Requires GST registration, PAN card, and a bank account in the proprietor’s name.
• Partnership Firm: Requires a partnership deed and registration under the Indian Partnership Act, 1932.
• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): Registered under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), requires an LLP agreement and compliance with the LLP Act, 2008.
• Private Limited Company: Registered with the MCA, requires Articles of Association (AOA), Memorandum of Association (MOA), and compliance with the Companies Act, 2013.
• Public Limited Company: Requires incorporation with MCA, and compliances are similar to a private limited company but on a larger scale.

2. GST Registration (Goods and Services Tax)

If your business has a turnover of more than ₹20 lakhs (₹10 lakhs for northeastern states), or if you are engaged in inter-state supply of goods and services, GST registration is mandatory.

Required for:

• All businesses dealing in goods and services.
• E-commerce sellers.
• Exporters and importers.

3. Import Export Code (IEC)

For any business engaged in import or export of goods, obtaining an IEC (Import Export Code) is mandatory. It is a 10-digit code issued by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

Required for:

• Importers and exporters of goods and services.
• You need to mention IEC in customs clearances, and shipping documents and also while sending or receiving payments through banks.

How to Apply:

• You can apply for IEC online through the DGFT website by submitting identity proof, address proof, and a cancelled cheque.

4. FSSAI License (for Food-Related Businesses)

If your business deals with food products—whether manufacturing, distribution, storage, or retail—then you need an FSSAI license.

Required for:

• Food manufacturers, exporters, importers, distributors, and retailers.

5. MSME Registration (for Small and Medium Businesses)

If you operate a small or medium-sized enterprise, it is beneficial to register under the Udyam Registration (MSME Registration) scheme, as it provides several benefits like easy loan approvals, subsidies, and tax benefits.

Required for:

• Small businesses, startups, and medium enterprises.

Benefits:

• Access to government schemes.
• Priority in procuring government tenders.
• Reduced interest rates on business loans.

6. RCMC (Registration Cum Membership Certificate) for Exporters

Exporters are required to register with an Export Promotion Council (EPC) and obtain an RCMC. This membership helps you get export benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy.

Required for:

• Exporters (in specific sectors like textiles, chemicals, etc.).
• Issued by the concerned Export Promotion Council related to your product or service.

7. Trademark Registration

To protect your brand, logo, or slogan, it is important to get a Trademark Registration. This is not mandatory but highly recommended to safeguard your business identity from infringement.

Required for:

• Businesses looking to protect their brand or intellectual property.

8. Trade License

Certain businesses need a Trade License issued by the local municipal corporation to legally operate within a city or state. This is especially important for businesses like restaurants, retail shops, and manufacturing units.

Required for:

• Retailers, restaurants, and other establishments that physically operate in a local jurisdiction.

9. Shop and Establishment Act License

If your business has a physical shop or office with employees, you are required to register under the Shop and Establishment Act of your state. This helps regulate working hours, wages, and workplace safety.

Required for:

• Shops, offices, hotels, and commercial establishments.

10. PAN (Permanent Account Number) and TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number)

• PAN is mandatory for all businesses to file income tax returns.

• TAN is necessary for businesses that deduct tax at source (TDS) while making payments such as salaries, rent, or professional fees.

  Required for:

  • All businesses for tax compliance.
  • TAN is required if you need to deduct TDS for employees or suppliers.

11. EPF Registration (for Employee Provident Fund)

If your business employs more than 20 people, you are required to register for Employee Provident Fund (EPF) under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).

Required for:

• Businesses with 20 or more employees.
• Mandatory contribution towards employee provident fund and employee pension scheme.

12. ESI Registration (for Employee State Insurance)

If your business employs more than 10 people (20 in some states), you must register under the Employee State Insurance (ESI) scheme, which provides health and insurance benefits to employees.

Required for:

• Businesses employing more than 10 people (in manufacturing units).
• Ensures medical and insurance benefits for employees.

Summary Checklist for Business, Trade, Export, and Import:

1. Business Registration (Private Limited, LLP, etc.)
2. GST Registration
3. Import Export Code (IEC)
4. FSSAI License (for food businesses)
5. MSME Registration (for small businesses)
6. RCMC (for exporters)
7. Trademark Registration (optional but recommended)
8. Trade License (from local authority)
9. Shop and Establishment License
10. PAN and TAN
11. EPF and ESI Registration (for businesses with employees)

These registrations and licenses will help your business operate legally, expand globally, and comply with various regulatory requirements in India.