Starting a food business in India means a few government registrations. It sounds daunting, but for a small business it's simpler than most people fear — and several are free. This guide lists what you need, why, the official website for each, and the rough cost and time.
⚠ First, protect yourself from fake websites. Many private sites look official and charge you for registrations the government gives free or cheap. Always use the official web addresses below — every real one ends in .gov.in. If a site asks a big fee for Udyam or GST, it is not the government.
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1. FSSAI Registration — your food licence (needed from day one)
The food safety licence. Every food business needs one, and the 14-digit number must be printed on your packs. It is illegal to sell food without it, and buyers, shops and online platforms all ask for it.
Which type: since 1 April 2026, turnover up to ₹1.5 crore needs only the simple Basic Registration (₹100/year) — so most small businesses now qualify. ₹1.5 crore to ₹50 crore needs a State Licence; above that, Central. Official portal: foscos.fssai.gov.in. Cost: ₹100/year (Basic). Time: a few days.
2. Trade Licence (Municipal) — permission to run your premises
Local council permission to operate a business from your premises. In Guwahati it's issued by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC). Running without it risks penalties or sealing of your unit; outside Guwahati, apply at your local municipal board or gram panchayat. Official portal: gmconline.in. Cost: ₹100 + a fee by trade type. Renew: yearly.
3. Udyam (MSME) Registration — free, and unlocks benefits
Your official Micro / Small enterprise ID. Fully free, paperless, done in minutes with Aadhaar and PAN, with no renewal — it's for life. It's your gateway to collateral-free loans, subsidies, government schemes, and priority when selling to government. It costs nothing, so there's no reason to skip it. Official portal: udyamregistration.gov.in. Cost: FREE. Time: minutes (instant).
4. GST Registration — the tax registration
Registration under Goods & Services Tax, giving you a GSTIN. In Assam, you need it once your turnover crosses ₹40 lakh for goods (₹20 lakh for services) — Assam chose the higher ₹40 lakh limit, more headroom than most Northeast states. Important: if you sell online (Amazon, Flipkart, etc.) or to other states, you need GST from day one — the turnover limit does not apply to you. Official portal: gst.gov.in. Cost: FREE. Time: about 7 working days.
5. GeM — Government e-Marketplace (optional)
The portal where government offices, schools, hostels and canteens buy their supplies — including packaged food. A large, steady buyer most small brands ignore. Free to register as a seller, and your Udyam registration gives you priority. Official portal: gem.gov.in. Cost: FREE to register. Best done after Udyam.
The two that trip people up
FSSAI is legally required before you sell a single pack — don't delay it. GST catches online sellers by surprise: many assume they're under the limit, but selling on a marketplace or shipping to another state means you need it immediately, whatever your turnover. When unsure, check the official portal or ask a local CA — don't guess on tax.
Your simple set-up sequence
- Udyam (MSME) registration — free and instant, and it makes the rest easier (udyamregistration.gov.in).
- FSSAI registration — get this before you sell anything; Basic Registration for most (foscos.fssai.gov.in).
- Trade licence — from GMC or your local council, to run your premises (gmconline.in).
- GST registration — when you cross ₹40 lakh, or from day one if you sell online or interstate (gst.gov.in).
- GeM — later, when you're ready to sell to government buyers (gem.gov.in).
Our honest take
Don't let paperwork stall you. For most small food businesses the real must-haves to begin are just FSSAI registration and a trade licence — and Udyam because it's free and useful. GST and GeM come as you grow (GST sooner if you sell online). Do the first three, start selling, and add the rest at the right time.
This guide is a general starting point, accurate to the best of our knowledge in 2026. Government rules, fees and turnover limits change — the FSSAI turnover thresholds themselves were revised on 1 April 2026. Always confirm current details on the official .gov.in portals, and for tax or legal matters consult a qualified chartered accountant. This is not legal or tax advice.
Next steps
Getting your food business off the ground? DM the word “SETUP” to @manjushreeplastics, or call/WhatsApp +91 70022 56544. And when you're ready for packaging that looks the part, start with Pouch or Roll? or browse our ready-stock pouches.