What licences are required to start a business in India?

Every business in India needs at minimum: GST Registration (if turnover exceeds Rs 20-40 lakhs), Shop & Establishment Registration (for any commercial premises), and PAN + TAN of the business. Additional licences depend on your industry — FSSAI for food businesses, Drug Licence for pharma, IEC for importers/exporters, Trade Licence for retail, Fire NOC for hospitality and FSSAI + FSMS for restaurants and hotels.

What is the FSSAI licence and who needs it?

FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) licence is mandatory for any business that manufactures, processes, packages, sells, imports or distributes food products. This includes restaurants, cloud kitchens, food delivery startups, FMCG brands, bakeries, dairy units, food importers and exporters. FSSAI Basic Registration applies for turnover below Rs 12 lakhs; State Licence for Rs 12 lakhs to Rs 20 crores; Central Licence for above Rs 20 crores or multi-state operations.

What licences does an e-commerce business need in India?

An e-commerce business in India needs: GST Registration (mandatory for online sellers), Company Registration (Pvt Ltd or LLP recommended), FSSAI licence if selling food products, Drug Licence if selling medicines, Trade Licence from local municipality, and IEC (Import Export Code) if importing or exporting goods. Amazon and Flipkart also require Trademark Registration for Brand Registry access.

What licences does an e-commerce business need in India?

An e-commerce business needs: GST Registration (mandatory for all online sellers regardless of turnover), company or business registration, Shop & Establishment Registration, FSSAI licence if selling food, Drug Licence if selling medicines/cosmetics, and IEC if importing or exporting. Trademark Registration is required for Amazon Brand Registry access.

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Business Licences Required in India

FSSAI · GST · Trade Licence · Drug Licence · IEC · Shop Act · Fire NOC · LMPC & More

Starting or running a business in India without the right licences can lead to heavy fines, closure notices or criminal liability. The licences you need depend on your industry, state, premises and turnover. TAXAJ's CA team identifies exactly which licences apply to your business and obtains them — fast.

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✅ Licences Every Business Needs

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GST Registration

If turnover >₹20L (services) / ₹40L (goods)

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Shop & Establishment Reg.

For any commercial premises in any state

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PAN & TAN of Business

For all tax deductions and returns

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MSME / Udyam Registration

Free & very beneficial for all SMEs

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Trade Licence (Municipal)

From local municipal body for your premises

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📋 Search across 55+ licences & registrations — or use the Industry Finder below ↓

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Select your industry and instantly see all mandatory, conditional and recommended licences.

🍽️ Licences for Food Business / Restaurant in India

MandatoryFSSAI LicenceBasic (<₹12L) / State (<₹20Cr) / Central (>₹20Cr)MandatoryGST RegistrationIf turnover >₹20L or e-commerce selling MandatoryShop & Establishment RegistrationState-specific — within 30 days of opening MandatoryTrade Licence (Municipal)From MCD / BBMP / PMC / local municipal body MandatoryFire NOCState fire dept — for premises over 200 sq ft ConditionalEating House LicenceDelhi, Maharashtra, Bangalore — dine-in restaurants ConditionalLiquor Licence (Excise)If serving alcohol — state excise department ConditionalMusic Licence (PPL + IPRS)If playing background / live music RecommendedMSME / Udyam RegistrationFree — access to govt schemes & priority credit RecommendedTrademark RegistrationProtect your restaurant brand / recipe name / logo

💊 Licences for Pharmaceutical / Drug Business in India

MandatoryDrug Licence (Form 20 & 21)State Drug Control Authority — retail/wholesale pharma MandatoryGST Registration5% GST on most medicines; 12%/18% on some devices MandatoryShop & Establishment RegistrationMandatory for any commercial pharmacy premises MandatoryPollution NOC (Manufacturing)State Pollution Control Board for manufacturing units MandatoryFactory LicenceUnder Factories Act 1948 — if manufacturing ConditionalCDSCO LicenceCentral Drugs Standard Control Org — medical devices ConditionalImport Export Code (IEC)If importing raw materials or exporting pharma RecommendedMSME / Udyam RegistrationPriority sector lending, MSME subsidies

🛒 Licences for E-Commerce Business in India

MandatoryGST RegistrationMandatory for ALL e-commerce sellers regardless of turnover MandatoryCompany / Business RegistrationPvt Ltd or LLP recommended for marketplace empanelment MandatoryShop & Establishment RegistrationEven for home-based e-commerce in most states MandatoryLMPC Certificate (Importers)Mandatory for all sellers of imported/packaged products on Amazon, Flipkart ConditionalFSSAI LicenceIf selling food, grocery or health supplements ConditionalDrug LicenceIf selling OTC medicines, devices or supplements ConditionalImport Export Code (IEC)If sourcing products from abroad or exporting RecommendedTrademark RegistrationRequired for Amazon Brand Registry, Flipkart Brand Hub RecommendedMSME / Udyam RegistrationPriority lending, reduced trademark fees

🏭 Licences for Manufacturing Business in India

MandatoryGST RegistrationManufacturing always above GST threshold MandatoryFactory LicenceFactories Act 1948 — if 10+ workers (power) or 20+ (no power)MandatoryPollution Control NOC (CTE + CTO)Consent to Establish & Consent to Operate from State PCB MandatoryEPF & ESIC RegistrationIf 10+ (ESIC) or 20+ (EPF) employees MandatoryShop & Establishment / Trade LicenceLocal municipal body registration MandatoryLMPC Manufacturer LicenceFor all manufacturers of packaged commodities ConditionalFSSAI (Food Manufacturing)If manufacturing food / FMCG / packaged food products ConditionalIEC (Import Export Code)If importing raw materials or exporting finished goods RecommendedMSME / Udyam RegistrationSubsidies, priority lending, tender preference RecommendedTrademark / Patent / DesignProtect brand and product design / invention

🏨 Licences for Hotel / Hospitality Business in India

MandatoryFSSAI LicenceState or Central licence depending on capacity and state MandatoryGST Registration12% (room <₹7,500) / 18% (above ₹7,500)MandatoryFire NOCState fire department — mandatory for all hotels MandatoryTrade Licence / Eating House LicenceLocal municipal body + state eating house registration MandatoryShop & Establishment RegistrationEmployee welfare compliance ConditionalLiquor Licence (Bar)State excise department — if serving alcohol ConditionalB&B / Guest House LicenceState police / municipal authority for B&B operations ConditionalMusic Licence (PPL / IPRS)For background music, live performances RecommendedEPF & ESIC RegistrationIf 10+ employees (ESIC) or 20+ (EPF)

🌍 Licences for Import / Export Business in India

MandatoryImport Export Code (IEC)DGFT — mandatory before first import/export MandatoryGST RegistrationExports are zero-rated — IGST refund on exports MandatoryLMPC Importer LicenceFor all importers of pre-packaged goods sold in India MandatoryBusiness / Company RegistrationPvt Ltd or LLP recommended for trade finance ConditionalRCMC CertificateExport Promotion Council — for export incentive benefits ConditionalAD Code RegistrationBank-issued — required for physical export customs ConditionalFSSAI Central LicenceIf exporting food products — mandatory RecommendedTrademark (Indian + International)Madrid Protocol for brand protection in export markets RecommendedMSME / Udyam RegistrationRequired for many RCMC applications & export subsidies

💻 Licences for IT / Software / Tech Business in India

MandatoryCompany / LLP RegistrationPvt Ltd strongly recommended for IT/SaaS/startup MandatoryGST Registration18% on IT services; exports of services zero-rated MandatoryShop & Establishment RegistrationFor office premises under state labour dept ConditionalIEC (Import Export Code)If exporting software or receiving foreign client remittances ConditionalSTPI RegistrationSoftware Technology Park India — 100% EOU tax benefits RecommendedEPF & ESIC RegistrationRequired when 20+ employees RecommendedDPIIT / Startup IndiaTax holiday, fast-track IP, self-certification benefits RecommendedTrademark & PatentProtect software brand, app name and tech innovations

🚌 Licences for Transport / Logistics Business in India

MandatoryGST Registration5% GST on transport services (GTA); reverse charge MandatoryVehicle Registration & PermitsState Transport Authority — National Permit for interstate MandatoryShop & Establishment RegistrationFor office / warehouse premises MandatoryTrade LicenceLocal municipal body for any commercial premises ConditionalHazmat / Dangerous Goods LicenceIf transporting hazardous materials — ADG/EXG permit ConditionalIEC + Custom House Agent LicenceIf handling customs clearance / freight forwarding RecommendedMSME / Udyam RegistrationFor MSME transport schemes, priority lending

🏗️ Licences for Construction Business in India

MandatoryGST Registration18% GST on construction services (not affordable housing)MandatoryContractor Licence (PWD / State)State PWD for government contracts; mandatory for tendering MandatoryRERA RegistrationReal Estate Regulatory Authority — mandatory for housing projects MandatoryEPF & ESIC RegistrationMandatory for construction firms with 10+ workers MandatoryLabour Licence (Contract Labour Act)If engaging 20+ contract workers on projects ConditionalEnvironmental Clearance (EIA)Large projects above threshold from MoEFCC RecommendedMSME / Udyam RegistrationRequired for MSE tendering preference in govt contracts

💰 Licences for Finance / NBFC / Lending Business in India

MandatoryCompany Registration (Pvt Ltd)NBFC must be a company — not LLP or firm MandatoryRBI NBFC LicenceCertificate of Registration from RBI — mandatory before lending MandatoryGST Registration18% GST on financial services; lending interest is exempt MandatoryRBI Quarterly & Annual ReturnsNBS-1, NBS-2, ALM returns to RBI MandatoryShop & Establishment RegistrationFor office premises ConditionalSEBI RegistrationIf providing investment advisory, PMS or stock broking RecommendedTrademark RegistrationProtect your fintech brand / app name

🏬 Licences for Retail / Trading Business in India

MandatoryGST RegistrationMandatory if turnover >₹40L; voluntary for smaller businesses MandatoryShop & Establishment RegistrationMandatory for all retail shops under state labour laws MandatoryTrade Licence (Municipal)Local body licence — renewed annually ConditionalFSSAI LicenceIf selling food, grocery, packaged products or snacks ConditionalDrug LicenceIf selling medicines, cosmetics or medical devices ConditionalLMPC / Weights & Measures LicenceIf selling packaged goods by weight or imported products RecommendedMSME / Udyam RegistrationFree — access to MSME schemes and credit

🏥 Licences for Healthcare / Clinic / Hospital in India

MandatoryClinical Establishment RegistrationClinical Establishments Act 2010 — for all clinics/hospitals MandatoryBiomedical Waste LicenceState PCB — mandatory for all healthcare establishments MandatoryFire NOCState fire department — for any clinical premises MandatoryDrug Licence (Pharmacy)If running in-house pharmacy — Form 20/21 from State Drug Authority MandatoryShop & Establishment RegistrationFor all staff under state labour laws ConditionalGST RegistrationMedical services GST exempt; medicines/devices taxable RecommendedEPF & ESIC RegistrationIf 10+ employees (ESIC) or 20+ (EPF) — mandatory

Complete Reference

All Major Business Licences in India — At a Glance

Quick reference for all common business licences — who issues them and who needs them.

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GST Registration

GSTN / GST Council

All businesses above ₹20L (services) / ₹40L (goods); all e-commerce sellers

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FSSAI Licence

Food Safety & Standards Authority of India

All food businesses — restaurants, cloud kitchens, FMCG, caterers, grocery stores

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Shop & Establishment

State Labour Department

All businesses with commercial premises — even home-based offices in some states

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Import Export Code (IEC)

DGFT (Ministry of Commerce)

Any business importing or exporting goods or services

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MSME / Udyam Registration

Ministry of MSME

Micro, small and medium enterprises — free, online, lifetime validity

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Trade Licence

Local Municipal Body (MCD / BBMP / PMC)

All businesses operating from commercial premises — renewed annually

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EPF Registration

Employees' Provident Fund Organisation

All establishments with 20+ employees; voluntary for smaller ones

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ESIC Registration

Employees' State Insurance Corporation

Establishments with 10+ employees earning below ₹21,000/month

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Professional Tax

State Government (select states)

Maharashtra, Karnataka, West Bengal, AP, Telangana, MP — all employers

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Fire NOC

State Fire Department

Hotels, hospitals, malls, restaurants, offices above 200 sqft in most states

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DPIIT / Startup India

Dept. for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade

Startups <10 years old, T/O <₹100Cr — tax holiday + fast-track IP

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Trademark Registration

IP India / CGPDTM

Any business wanting to protect brand name, logo or slogan

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Every business in India needs at minimum: GST Registration (if turnover exceeds ₹20L services / ₹40L goods), Shop & Establishment Registration (for any commercial premises), PAN and TAN of the business, and Trade Licence from the local municipal body. Additional licences depend on your industry — FSSAI for food, Drug Licence for pharma, IEC for export/import, Fire NOC for hospitality. Use the Industry Licence Finder above to get your complete list.

Not every business needs a specific industry licence, but all businesses need basic registrations — GST (if above threshold), Shop & Establishment Registration, and PAN/TAN. Businesses in regulated sectors like food, pharma, finance, chemicals, construction and hospitality have additional mandatory licences that must be obtained before operations begin.

An e-commerce business needs: GST Registration (mandatory for all online sellers regardless of turnover), Company registration (Pvt Ltd recommended), Shop & Establishment Registration, LMPC certificate if selling imported/packaged products (mandatory for Amazon, Flipkart sellers), FSSAI licence if selling food, and IEC if importing products. Trademark Registration is required for Amazon Brand Registry access.

FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) licence is mandatory for any business that manufactures, processes, packages, sells, imports or distributes food products. Basic Registration is for turnover below ₹12 lakhs; State Licence for ₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crores; Central Licence for above ₹20 crores or multi-state operations. TAXAJ handles all three types. Apply at taxaj.com/fssai-food-license-apply.

A restaurant needs: FSSAI Licence (mandatory), GST Registration, Shop & Establishment Registration, Trade Licence from local municipal body, Fire NOC, Eating House Licence (Delhi, Maharashtra, Bangalore), Liquor Licence if serving alcohol (state excise), and Music Licence (PPL/IPRS) if playing music. TAXAJ handles all these licences end-to-end.

A Trade Licence is issued by the local municipal authority (MCD in Delhi, BBMP in Bangalore, PMC in Pune) and allows a business to operate from specific premises. It must be renewed annually. All businesses with a physical address need a Trade Licence — shops, offices, restaurants, factories and warehouses. Apply at taxaj.com/trade-license.

Yes. TAXAJ is a one-stop shop for all business licences and registrations in India. From company registration to GST, FSSAI, Trade Licence, IEC, Fire NOC, Drug Licence, LMPC, EPF, ESIC, MSME and Trademark — our CA and CS team handles everything. We also identify which licences you actually need based on your industry, state and business model, so you don't over-register or miss mandatory ones. WhatsApp us at +91-8802912345 or book at bookings.taxaj.com.

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All Major Business Licences in India — At a Glance

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