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).
MSME Udyam Registration Services: 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. What legal procedures, ROC compliance, or NCLT litigation apply to MSME Udyam Registration?
Corporate disputes, mergers, or insolvency proceedings related to MSME Udyam Registration fall under the jurisdiction of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). Statutory compliance must align with Companies Act rules.
2. How are corporate agreements and contracts structured for MSME Udyam Registration?
Legal contracts for MSME Udyam Registration (such as Shareholder Agreements, NDAs, or Partnership deeds) must have clear dispute resolution clauses, correct stamp duties, and be executed legally under the Indian Contract Act.
3. What is the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)?
The IBC is a consolidated legal framework in India that governs the time-bound insolvency resolution process for corporate entities, partnership firms, and individuals to maximize asset value.
4. What is the minimum default limit to file for insolvency under the IBC?
To initiate the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) against a corporate debtor, the minimum amount of default required is ₹1 crore (increased from ₹1 lakh to protect MSMEs).
5. What is the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) timeline?
The CIRP must be completed within a period of 180 days from the date of admission of the application. The NCLT can grant a one-time extension of up to 90 days, but the process must be completed within 330 days, including litigation.
6. Who is an Insolvency Professional (IP)?
An Insolvency Professional is a licensed professional registered with the IBBI who is appointed by the NCLT to manage the corporate debtor's business operations and lead the resolution process during CIRP.
7. What is the difference between a Financial Creditor and an Operational Creditor?
Financial Creditors are entities whose relationship with the debtor arises from a financial debt (like banks, home buyers). Operational Creditors are entities whose claim arises from the provision of goods, services, employment, or government dues.
8. What is a Section 8 demand notice under the IBC?
An Operational Creditor must first deliver a 10-day demand notice u/s 8 of the IBC to the corporate debtor, demanding payment of the defaulted amount. If the debtor does not pay or raise a dispute within 10 days, the creditor can file for insolvency.
9. How can a company close its business voluntarily?
A company with no assets and liabilities can apply for a voluntary closure (strike-off) by filing Form STK-2 with the ROC, along with a certified statement of accounts, indemnity bond, and affidavit from directors.
10. What is the difference between a Partnership Firm and an LLP?
A Partnership Firm is registered under the Partnership Act 1932, and partners have unlimited personal liability. An LLP is incorporated under the LLP Act 2008, offers limited liability, and is a separate legal entity.
11. What is the time limit for filing an appeal to the NCLAT?
An appeal against an NCLT order must be filed with the NCLAT within 30 days. The NCLAT can condone a delay of up to an additional 15 days only if sufficient cause is shown; no delay can be condoned beyond 45 days.
12. What is Arbitration and how does it work?
Arbitration is an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism where disputes are resolved outside courts by an independent arbitrator or tribunal, based on an arbitration agreement between the parties.
13. Can an arbitration award be challenged in court?
Yes, under Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, an award can be challenged in court, but only on limited grounds such as invalid agreement, procedural irregularity, bias, or conflict with public policy.
14. What is a Shareholder Agreement (SHA)?
An SHA is a contract among a company's shareholders that defines their rights, duties, share transfer restrictions, board representation, voting rules, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
15. What is the role of NCLT in oppression and mismanagement cases?
Under Sections 241-244 of the Companies Act, minority shareholders (holding >= 10% shares/members) can petition the NCLT for relief if the company's affairs are conducted in a manner oppressive to members or prejudicial to interest.