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Licences & Certifications

Every licence your
business legally needs

From food safety to foreign trade, from shops to manufacturers — Hedg Advisors helps you identify, apply for, and obtain the right business licences without delays or confusion.

FSSAI Licence MSME Registration Import Export Code Shop Act Licence Trade Licence
5 Licence types covered
Fast Online application support
100% Compliant filing process
5+

Licence categories covered

Fast

Quick turnaround filing

100%

Online application support

Zero

Licence rejections due to errors

Choose the licence your business needs

Whether you run a food outlet, import goods, or manage a local shop — every business needs specific licences. Here's what we help you obtain.

FSSAI Licence

Mandatory for any food business — home kitchen, cloud kitchen, restaurant, manufacturer, or distributor. FSSAI registration validates that your food is safe and legally sold.

7–15 days FSSAI Authority
  • Basic registration for small food businesses (turnover < ₹12 lakh)
  • State licence for mid-scale food operators
  • Central licence for large manufacturers & importers
  • Renewal and amendment assistance included
Export Ready

Import Export Code

The Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit PAN-based identifier issued by DGFT. It is mandatory for every business importing or exporting goods or services from India.

2–7 days DGFT
  • Required for customs clearance at all Indian ports
  • Enables foreign currency transactions through banks
  • Lifetime validity — no renewal required
  • Covers both goods and services exporters
Govt. Benefits

MSME Registration

Udyam Registration (MSME) gives micro, small, and medium businesses access to government subsidies, priority lending, lower interest rates, and protection from delayed payments.

1–3 days Udyam Portal
  • Access to collateral-free business loans
  • Protection under MSME Payment Act (45-day rule)
  • Subsidies on patents, ISO certification, and electricity
  • Priority for government tenders and procurement
Legally Required

Shop Act Licence

The Shops and Establishments Act Licence is a state-level mandatory registration for all businesses operating from a commercial premises — offices, shops, factories, and service businesses.

7–21 days State Labour Dept.
  • Required for all shops, offices, and commercial establishments
  • Enables opening a current bank account for business
  • Needed for GST registration and other compliance
  • Renewal support provided for annual compliance
Municipal

Trade Licence

A Trade Licence is issued by the local municipal corporation and permits your business to carry out a specific trade or activity within a municipal area. It ensures your business operates safely and legally.

15–30 days Municipal Corp.
  • Required for restaurants, garages, clinics, and retail shops
  • Confirms your premises comply with safety standards
  • Annual renewal with our compliance reminder support
  • Covers all municipal and zoning compliance

Not sure which licence you need?

Many businesses need multiple licences. Our advisors will review your business activity and tell you exactly which licences apply — free of charge.

Call for Free Advice

Operating without the right licence
can cost more than getting it

Penalties, closures, and legal complications from missing licences are avoidable. Hedg Advisors helps you stay ahead — from the first licence to ongoing renewals.

Speak to an Expert
Avoid Penalties & Fines

Missing licences invite heavy fines from regulatory authorities and can halt operations.

Build Customer Trust

Certified and licensed businesses are seen as credible — by customers, banks, and investors.

Renewal Made Simple

We track expiry dates and remind you before renewals — so no licence ever lapses.

Unlock Govt. Schemes

MSME and FSSAI registrations unlock subsidies, loans, and priority government schemes.

Compare all licences at a glance

Use this quick reference to understand what each licence covers, who needs it, and how long it takes.

Licence / Certificate Who Needs It Authority Processing Time Validity Mandatory?
FSSAI Licence All food businesses FSSAI (Central/State) 7–15 days 1–5 years Yes
Import Export Code Importers & exporters DGFT 2–7 days Lifetime Yes
MSME Registration Micro, Small & Medium businesses Udyam Portal (MoMSME) 1–3 days Lifetime Recommended
Shop Act Licence All commercial establishments State Labour Dept. 7–21 days Annual Yes
Trade Licence Shops, clinics, restaurants Municipal Corporation 15–30 days Annual Yes

What are business licences and
why does your business need them?

A business licence is an official government authorization that permits you to carry out a specific trade, service, or activity within a defined jurisdiction. In India, licences are issued at three levels — central, state, and municipal — and different businesses may need licences from one or all three.

Unlike company registration, which establishes the legal identity of your business, licences regulate what your business does and where it operates. A registered company without the necessary operational licences can still be fined, shut down, or restricted from conducting business.

Key Insight: Many small businesses operate for years without the correct licences — and face penalties only during GST audits, bank verifications, or when onboarding large corporate clients. Getting licenced early protects you permanently.

FSSAI: The food safety licence every food business needs

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates food safety across the country. Any individual or business involved in manufacturing, distributing, selling, or storing food products must obtain an FSSAI registration or licence.

The type of FSSAI licence — basic registration, state licence, or central licence — depends on your annual turnover and the scale of your operations. Home food businesses and small vendors need basic registration, while large manufacturers and importers require central licences.

  • Restaurants, dhabas, cloud kitchens, and catering services
  • Home bakers, tiffin services, and small food sellers
  • Food manufacturers, processors, and packagers
  • Wholesalers, distributors, and food importers
  • Online food businesses and aggregators

Import Export Code: Mandatory for global trade

The Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). It is the primary requirement for any business or individual wanting to import goods into India or export goods abroad.

An IEC is required for customs clearance at ports, for banks to allow foreign currency remittances, and for availing benefits under export promotion schemes like MEIS, SEIS, and Advance Authorisation. The great advantage of IEC is that it has lifetime validity with no renewal required.

MSME: Unlock government support for your small business

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of India's economy. The Udyam Registration — commonly called MSME registration — is the official certification for businesses that qualify under the MSME definition based on investment and turnover.

While MSME registration is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended because it unlocks a wide range of government benefits, including collateral-free loans under the Credit Guarantee Fund, electricity tariff subsidies, protection from delayed payments under the MSMED Act, and priority in government procurement.

Shop Act and Trade Licence: Local compliance essentials

The Shops and Establishments Act Licence (Shop Act) is a state-level registration that all commercial establishments — offices, shops, warehouses, and service centres — must obtain from the State Labour Department. It records the number of employees, working hours, and nature of business, and is often required to open a current bank account.

A Trade Licence, issued by the local municipal corporation, permits a specific trade or business activity within a municipal area. It ensures that your premises and operations comply with safety, sanitation, and zoning requirements. Both licences typically require annual renewal.

Get your licence in 4 simple steps

We handle the complexity so you can focus on your business. From document collection to final approval, Hedg Advisors is with you every step.

1

Share your business details

Tell us what you do, your location, and your business scale. We identify which licences apply.

Same day
2

Provide required documents

We give you a tailored checklist. You share scanned documents — we handle the rest.

1–2 days
3

Application filed & tracked

We prepare and submit your application to the relevant authority and track its status.

1–3 days
4

Licence delivered to you

You receive your licence certificate and ongoing reminders for renewal when the time comes.

As applicable

Licence experts who know Indian regulations inside out

We don't just file forms. We understand how each licence connects to your business, your state, and your goals — and we make sure you're compliant from day one.

5

Licence types covered

Fast

Low rejection rate filing

0

Hidden charges or surprises

Always

Renewal reminders included

Licence eligibility check first

We identify exactly which licences your business needs before you spend a rupee.

Error-free document preparation

Most licence rejections come from incomplete or incorrect documents. We prepare everything correctly the first time.

Renewal reminders — always on time

Many licences need annual renewal. We track your expiry dates and alert you before any licence lapses.

State-specific expertise

Shop Act, Trade Licence, and FSSAI requirements vary by state. We know the local rules so you don't have to.

Common questions about business licences

Quick answers to help you decide which licences your business needs before choosing a service.

Need a personal licence checklist?

Call us and describe your business. We'll tell you exactly which licences apply and what documents to keep ready.

Call +91 98702 16527
Any food business — restaurants, home bakers, cloud kitchens, manufacturers, and distributors — needs FSSAI registration. The type (basic, state, or central) depends on your annual turnover and scale of operations. Small operators with turnover under ₹12 lakh need basic registration; larger ones need a state or central licence.
MSME registration (Udyam Registration) is not legally mandatory, but it opens the door to collateral-free loans, government subsidies, electricity bill concessions, patent fee rebates, and protection under the MSMED Act for delayed payments. It is free and quick to obtain — there is very little reason not to register.
Any business or individual importing goods into India or exporting goods or services abroad must have an Import Export Code (IEC) from the DGFT. It is required for customs clearance, foreign remittances through banks, and claiming export incentives. Importantly, it has lifetime validity with no renewal.
Shop Act Licence is issued by the State Labour Department and governs working hours, employee records, and commercial establishment compliance. Trade Licence is issued by the local municipal corporation and permits a specific type of trade at a specific location, ensuring the premises meets safety and zoning requirements. Many businesses need both.

Don't let missing licences
slow your business down

Getting licenced is not just about compliance — it's about giving your business the legal foundation to grow, hire, export, and win customer trust with confidence.

FSSAI Import Export Code MSME Shop Act Trade Licence