Free Guide: Government Portals for Food Businesses
Starting a food business in India means a few government registrations — FSSAI, trade licence, Udyam, GST, and GeM. It sounds daunting, but for a small business it's simpler than most people fear, and several are completely free.
We've put together a plain-language guide that lists exactly what you need, why, the official website for each, and the rough cost and time — plus a simple set-up sequence and a warning about the fake websites that overcharge beginners.
Free. No email or sign-up required. 3 pages, about 5 minutes to read.
What's inside
- FSSAI registration — your food licence, with the new 2026 turnover thresholds (Basic Registration now covers up to ₹1.5 crore)
- Trade licence — how to get it from the Guwahati Municipal Corporation or your local council
- Udyam (MSME) registration — free, instant, and the gateway to loans and government schemes
- GST registration — when you actually need it in Assam (₹40 lakh for goods), and why online sellers need it from day one
- GeM — the government marketplace most small brands never tap
- A simple set-up sequence — which order to do them in
Watch out for fake websites
Many private sites look official and charge you for registrations the government gives free or cheap. The guide lists only the real, official .gov.in portals for each — so you don't overpay.
Who this is for
Anyone starting a food business in Assam or the Northeast — home kitchens, cloud kitchens, small manufacturers, and first-time founders working out what they legally need before they start selling.
Getting your food business off the ground?
We've helped hundreds of Northeast food businesses get started — and when you're ready for packaging that looks the part, we're right here in Guwahati.
Call or WhatsApp: +91 70022 56544
Or message us on Instagram: DM the word SETUP to @manjushreeplastics
Browse our ready-stock specialty pouches →
Read Guide 01: Pouch or Roll? →
Read Guide 02: Types of Pouches →
Read Guide 03: Ordering the Right Roll →
This guide is a general starting point, accurate to the best of our knowledge in 2026. Government rules and fees change — always confirm on the official .gov.in portals and consult a qualified CA for tax matters. Not legal or tax advice.
Manjushree Plastics · Fancy Bazar, Guwahati, Assam · 15+ years in flexible packaging · Ships across India, fastest in the Northeast.