Startup Registrations, FSSAI & GEM Slabs
Starting and operating a business in India requires several basic licenses, registrations, and certifications depending on the industry.
| Registration category | Current verified position | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
| FSSAI Registration | Mandatory food safety license for food business operators (FBOs). | Basic registration for turnover < 12L; State license for 12L-20Cr; Central license for >20Cr. |
| GEM Portal Registration | Government e-Marketplace registration to bid for government contracts. | Requires PAN, Aadhaar, bank details, and active company/proprietorship KYC. |
| ISO Certification | Standardization certificate verifying internal quality and processes (e.g. ISO 9001). | Increases brand value, tender eligibility, and process controls. |
| PAN & TAN Registration | Mandatory tax identification numbers for individuals/entities. | TAN is required for all entities responsible for deducting TDS. |
What a serious business consultant should verify
- Trade License: Issued by local municipal corporations to authorize commercial operations in a specific location.
- Barcode Registration: Required for retail products to track inventory and display pricing; issued by GS1 India.
- Proprietorship Setup: Easiest business form, requires only two business registrations (like GST and MSME Udyam) to open a current bank account.
- FSSAI compliance: Food safety license must be printed on all packaging labels with the FSSAI logo.
Documents for general business setup
- PAN Card and Aadhaar card of promoters.
- Office address proof (rent agreement or electricity bill with NOC).
- Bank account details (cancelled cheque).
- Business constitution certificates (if company/LLP).
Import Export Code (IEC) Registration: year and source check
Last fact-checked: 18 June 2026.
Direct and indirect tax laws, corporate filings, and compliance rules are subject to change by CBIC, MCA, EPFO, and RBI notifications. Always verify circulars before executing a transaction.
Use official government portals (such as GST portal, MCA V3, e-filing portal, and TRACES) first. Articles and competitor calculators should be treated as guidance, not legal advice.
FAQs
What is the FSSAI license threshold for a central license?
FSSAI Central License is mandatory for food business operators with an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 20 Crore, or for importers, exporters, and large-scale manufacturers.
When is a TAN registration mandatory?
A TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number) is mandatory under Section 203A for all individuals and business entities who are responsible for deducting or collecting tax at source (TDS/TCS).
What is the difference between an ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certificate?
ISO 9001 certifies the Quality Management System (QMS) of a business, while ISO 27001 certifies the Information Security Management System (ISMS) to protect digital data.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does GST classification, rates, or Input Tax Credit (ITC) apply to Import Export Code Registration?
GST applicability on Import Export Code Registration depends on its HSN classification and whether it is a supply of goods or services. Input Tax Credit (ITC) can be claimed on business purchases unless blocked under Section 17(5).
2. Can a taxpayer seek an Advance Ruling (AAR) for GST issues related to Import Export Code Registration?
Yes, if there is ambiguity regarding GST rates or registration requirements for Import Export Code Registration, the taxpayer can file an application before the Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) to obtain a legally binding decision.
3. Who can file an appeal before the AAAR?
An appeal can be filed by the applicant (taxpayer) who is aggrieved by the AAR ruling, or by the jurisdictional GST officer/concerned officer of the GST department who disagrees with the AAR's decision.
4. What is the timeline to file an appeal before the AAAR?
An appeal to the AAAR must be filed within 30 days from the date on which the AAR ruling is communicated to the taxpayer or the tax officer. The AAAR can condone a delay of up to an additional 30 days if sufficient cause is shown.
5. What is the filing fee for an appeal to the AAAR?
The official filing fee for a taxpayer to appeal before the AAAR is ₹10,000 (consisting of ₹5,000 CGST and ₹5,000 SGST/UTGST), paid online through the GST portal. No fee is payable if the department files the appeal.
6. Is an AAAR ruling binding on all taxpayers in India?
No. A ruling passed by the AAR or AAAR is binding only on the specific applicant who sought it and the jurisdictional tax officers in respect of that applicant. It is not legally binding on other taxpayers, though it has persuasive value.
7. What happens if the members of the AAAR have differing opinions?
Under Section 101(3) of the CGST Act, if the members of the AAAR differ on any point referred to in the appeal, it is deemed that no advance ruling can be issued in respect of the questions raised under the appeal.
8. Can an AAAR ruling be appealed further in a court of law?
GST laws do not provide for a direct appeal against an AAAR order to the Appellate Tribunal or High Court. However, aggrieved parties can file a Writ Petition in the High Court under Article 226/227 of the Constitution to challenge the order on grounds of natural justice or legal error.
9. On what questions can an Advance Ruling be sought?
Rulings can be sought on: classification of goods/services, applicability of notifications, determination of time and value of supply, admissibility of ITC, determination of liability to pay tax, and requirement of GST registration.
10. Can I seek an Advance Ruling on an issue already pending in my GST audit?
No. The proviso to Section 98(2) mandates that the AAR shall not admit an application where the question raised is already pending or decided in any proceedings (like audit, scrutiny, notice, or appeal) under any provisions of the GST Act.
11. What is the timeline for the AAAR to pass its order?
The AAAR is required by law to pass its appellate order within 90 days from the date of filing of the appeal under Section 101(1) of the CGST Act.
12. Can an Advance Ruling be declared void?
Yes. Under Section 104, if the AAR or AAAR finds that the ruling was obtained by the applicant by fraud, misrepresentation, or suppression of material facts, they can declare the ruling void ab initio, and GST provisions will apply retrospectively.
13. What is the difference between an AAR ruling and a GST circular?
An AAR/AAAR ruling is case-specific and binding only on the applicant and their concerned officers. A GST circular is an administrative instruction issued by the CBIC that clarifies law provisions and is binding on the entire GST department across India.
14. What form is used to file an appeal before the AAAR?
A taxpayer must file the appeal in Form GST ARA-02 on the GST portal, along with a detailed statement of facts, grounds of appeal, and the prescribed fee challan.
15. Does an advance ruling apply to transactions retrospectively?
No. Advance rulings are prospective in nature and help taxpayers determine their tax liabilities and compliance paths for current or proposed future transactions.