This section is ideal for first-time founders, small business owners, and professionals looking to establish a compliant business in India.

>FSSAI Registration Guide ▼
Understand how to apply for Basic, State, or Central FSSAI licenses depending on your food business scale and category.

1. What is FSSAI Registration?

• FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) registration is a mandatory process for businesses involved in food production, manufacturing, and distribution.
• It ensures that food products are safe for consumption and adhere to hygiene and safety standards..

2. Who Needs FSSAI Registration?

• FSSAI Basic Registration: For small food businesses with an annual turnover of less than ₹12 lakhs.
• FSSAI State License: For businesses with turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crore.
• FSSAI Central License: For businesses with a turnover exceeding ₹20 crore or involved in large-scale operations, import/export, or dealing with specific food items (like dairy, meat, etc.).

3. Documents Required for FSSAI Registration:

• Proof of Identity (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID)
• Proof of Address (Utility Bill, Rent Agreement)
• List of food items/products
• Business Type Proof (Certificate of Incorporation, Partnership Agreement, etc.)

4. Application Process:

• Visit the FSSAI official website or apply through an authorized agency.
• Fill out the online application form and submit the necessary documents.
• Pay the registration fee (varies based on the type of business).
• o After verification, you will receive the FSSAI license number (within 7-30 days, depending on the application).

5. FSSAI License Fees:

• Basic Registration: ₹100 per year.
• State License: ₹2,000 - ₹5,000 per year (based on business type).
• Central License: ₹7,500 - ₹15,000 per year.

6. Validity:

• FSSAI registration is valid for 1-5 years, based on the type of license.
• It must be renewed before the expiry date to avoid penalties.

7. Penalties for Non-Compliance:

• Fine: ₹25,000 - ₹5 lakh, depending on the violation.
• It must be renewed before the expiry date to avoid penalties.

8. Why FSSAI Registration is Important:

• Builds customer trust by assuring the safety and quality of food.
• Complies with Indian food laws, avoiding legal issues and fines.
• Mandatory for selling food products in India.

>GEM Registration Walkthrough ▼
Learn how to register your business on the Government eMarketplace (GeM) to access government procurement opportunities.

1. What is GEM Registration?

• GEM (Government e-Marketplace) is an online platform for public procurement, where government departments and public sector undertakings can buy goods and services from registered vendors..
• GEM registration allows businesses to participate in government tenders and supply products or services to the government.

2. Who Needs GEM Registration?

• o Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs): Manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers.
• o Large Businesses: Any organization interested in supplying goods/services to government departments.

3. Documents Required for GEM Registration:

• Valid PAN Card of the business.
• GST registration certificate.
• Bank account details (for electronic payments).
• Business registration details (Certificate of Incorporation, Partnership Deed, etc.).
• o Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for online submission.

4. Application Process:

• Visit the official GEM website (gem.gov.in).
• Create an account and fill in the application form with the necessary business details.
• Submit documents such as PAN, GST, bank account details, etc.
• Pay a nominal registration fee, if applicable.
• After verification, you will be approved and listed as a vendor on the GEM portal.

5. Registration Fees:

• For MSMEs:Registration is free for small businesses and startups
• For Others:The registration fee may vary based on the business type and the products or services offered.

6. Benefits of GEM Registration:

• Direct access to government procurement tenders.
• Increased visibility for your business in the government sector.
• Transparency in the bidding process.
• Easy payment terms through online transactions.
• Opportunity to engage with multiple government agencies.

7. GEM Portal Features:

• Provides a user-friendly interface for vendors to showcase products and services.
• Offers real-time updates on tenders and contracts.
• Secure platform for bid submission and transaction processing.

8. Validity:

• GEM registration is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
• Update business information regularly to remain eligible for government contracts.

9. Penalties for Non-Compliance:

• Failure to comply with GEM policies may lead to deregistration and loss of access to tenders.
• Legal action could be taken in case of fraudulent activities or misrepresentation.

Concepts for Startup Toolkit 2

• Tax Compliance: Understanding different taxes applicable to your business, including GST, Income Tax, etc.
• Business Insurance: Essential types of business insurance, including liability, property, and worker’s compensation.
• Hiring Employees: Key considerations when hiring employees, including contracts, pay, and benefits.
• Funding Options: Exploring sources of funding for your startup, including venture capital, angel investors, and loans.

New Business Setup Checklist

For entrepreneurs, startups, and new business owners, this checklist ensures that your business is legally set up to operate:

• Register your business (LLP, Private Limited, or other entity types)
• Obtain PAN and TAN
• Obtain GST registration (if applicable)
• Open a business bank account
• Obtain an FSSAI license.
• Ensure all local licenses/permits are in place (depending on the business type) Complete this checklist before starting your business operations

GST Filing Checklist

If your business is GST-registered, use this checklist to ensure timely and accurate filing of your GST returns:

• Collect sales and purchase invoices for the relevant period.
• Reconcile Input Tax Credit (ITC) with invoices and records
• Verify HSN/SAC codes for your goods or services
• Ensure the correct tax rates (CGST, SGST, IGST) are applied to transactions
• Review reverse charge transactions (if any)
• Confirm all tax payments and liabilities are reportedObtain an FSSAI license.
• Submit GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B by the due dates.

This checklist should be followed monthly or quarterly, depending on your filing frequency.

Income Tax Filing Checklist

For salaried professionals, business owners, and freelancers, this checklist ensures smooth and accurate income tax filing:

• Collect income statements (e.g., Form 16, Form 26AS)
• Calculate total income, including salary, business income, and other earnings
• Organize receipts for tax-saving investments (e.g., 80C, 80D, etc.)
• Claim eligible deductions (e.g., home loan, education loan)
• Calculate taxable income and tax liabilities
• File the respective ITR, timely.
• Verify details of your income tax return before submission

The deadline for filing ITR is 31st July.

TDS Deduction and Filing Checklist

This checklist applies to businesses that are obligated to deduct tax at source (TDS) on payments:

• Calculate TDS on salaries, contractor payments, and other applicable transactions.
• Submit TDS payments (via challan) to the government, timely.
• File quarterly TDS returns
• Issue TDS certificates (Form 16A / 16)
• Keep all TDS documents for future reference.

TDS payments should be made by the 15th of the following month, and TDS returns must be filed on a quarterly basis.

Annual Compliance Checklist for MSMEs

• File GSTR-9 (turnover> INR 2 crore)
• Conduct Annual General Meeting (AGM) as required by law
• Prepare and file income tax return
• File annual financial statements
• Submit Form AOC-4 and Form MGT-7

These tasks should be completed by 31st December for GSTR-9 and 30th September for ITR filing.

ISO Certification Checklist

For businesses seeking ISO certification, this checklist helps ensure readiness:

• Identify which ISO standard applies to your business (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001)
• Perform an internal audit to spot process gaps.
• Address compliance gaps and implement necessary changes
• Issue TDS certificates (Form 16A / 16)
• Prepare documentation to support compliance with ISO standards

Ensure your business is fully compliant before pursuing ISO certification.

FSSAI License Renewal Checklist

Food businesses need to ensure that their FSSAI license is renewed on time. Here’s how to stay compliant:

• Ensure food safety and hygiene documentation is up to date
• Submit the renewal application for the FSSAI license
• Pay the applicable renewal fees
• Ensure compliance with food safety and labelling standards
• Verify that your premises pass the necessary safety checks if required

Ensure this checklist is done before the license ends to prevent any business setbacks

ROC Filing Checklist

Private Limited companies, public limited companies, and LLPs need to comply with annual filings with the Registrar of Companies (ROC):

• • File Form AOC-4 (Financial Statement) with the ROC
• • File Form MGT-7 (Annual Return) with the ROC
• • Conduct board meetings and keep records of minutes
• • Maintain statutory registers (shareholders, directors, etc.)
• • Ensure up-to-date records for filing

Filing must be completed by 30th September for the fiscal year ending 31st March.