general orientation, not legal advice
India compliance quick-reference
A plain-language map of what registrations and compliance areas commonly apply to a growing Indian business, so you know what to ask a professional about.
please read before relying on this
This section is general educational orientation, not legal, tax, or professional advice. Registration thresholds, rates, and rules change and often vary by state — always confirm current requirements with a qualified chartered accountant, company secretary, or lawyer before acting.
Choosing a business structure
The legal structure you register under shapes your liability, tax treatment, ability to raise funding, and compliance burden — it's usually the first formal decision a new business makes.
New businesses · Anyone formalising an existing informal business
GST registration — what it is and when it applies
Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration is required once your business crosses certain activity or turnover conditions, and it changes how you invoice, collect tax, and file returns.
Businesses selling goods or services · E-commerce sellers · Service providers
Shops & Establishment registration
Most states require any commercial establishment — a shop, office, or other place of business — to register under the state's Shops & Establishment Act, which also governs basic working conditions.
Retail shops · Offices · Restaurants · Any commercial establishment with a physical premises
Employee-related registrations (PF, ESI, and labour compliance)
Once a business hires beyond a certain number of employees, various labour-law registrations — provident fund, employee state insurance, and others — typically become mandatory.
Any business hiring employees beyond a small headcount
MSME / Udyam registration
Udyam registration formally classifies your business as a micro, small, or medium enterprise, unlocking a range of government support schemes, credit benefits, and procurement preferences.
Micro, small, and medium enterprises across manufacturing and services
Trademark and IP protection basics
Registering a trademark gives you legal exclusivity over your brand name or logo in your registered category, which becomes valuable the moment your brand has any recognition worth protecting.
Any business with a brand name, logo, or proprietary product/process worth protecting
FSSAI license for food businesses
Any business that manufactures, processes, stores, distributes, or sells food in India generally requires registration or licensing under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
Restaurants · Food manufacturers · Food delivery and cloud kitchens · Packaged food sellers
Import Export Code (IEC)
Any business that wants to import or export goods or services across Indian borders generally needs an Import Export Code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
Businesses importing goods · Businesses exporting goods or services internationally
GST invoicing and e-way bills
Once GST-registered, invoices must follow a specific format, and moving goods above certain value thresholds generally requires an accompanying e-way bill.
GST-registered businesses · Businesses transporting goods above certain value thresholds