Licence & Registration Services in Mohali
Every business needs the right licences to operate legally. CA Ankush Garg handles all your registrations — from GST and MSME to FSSAI, IEC, and legal agreements.
Startup and investment agreements
Starting a business in India requires various licences, registrations, and legal agreements depending on the nature and scale of your operations. These requirements differ from industry to industry, and navigating them can be complex and time-consuming. Non-compliance can attract penalties, business closure notices, and legal liability.
CA Ankush Garg provides end-to-end licence and registration services in Mohali — ensuring your business is fully compliant and legally protected from day one.
Business Registrations
1. GST registration
Any business with annual turnover above Rs. 20 lakh (Rs. 10 lakh for special category states) must register for GST. E-commerce sellers and inter-state suppliers must register regardless of turnover.
- Regular GST registration for traders, manufacturers, and service providers
- Composition scheme registration for eligible small businesses (turnover up to Rs. 1.5 crore)
- Voluntary GST registration for businesses below threshold wanting to claim input tax credit
- GST registration for e-commerce sellers (mandatory regardless of turnover)
- 1. Timeline– 3–7 working days
- 2. Documents required – PAN, Aadhaar, address proof, bank details, business registration
- 3. Government fee – Nil (no government fee for GST registration)
2. MSME / Udyam registration
MSME (Udyam) registration is free of cost and gives your business access to government subsidies, collateral-free loans under CGTMSE, priority sector lending, and exemption from certain compliance requirements.
- Micro enterprise - turnover up to Rs. 5 crore
- Small enterprise - turnover up to Rs. 50 crore
- Small enterprise - turnover up to Rs. 250 crore
- 1. Timeline– Same day (instant online registration)
- 2. Documents required – PAN, Aadhaar, GSTIN, bank details
- 3. Government fee – Nil
3. Professional Tax registration
Professional Tax (PT) is a state-level tax applicable to employed persons and certain businesses in Punjab, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and other states. Both employer registration and employee PT deduction are mandatory.
4. Shop & Establishment registration
Every business establishment operating from a fixed premise must register under the respective state’s Shops & Commercial Establishments Act. In Punjab, this is managed by the Labour Department.
Food & Hospitality Licences
FSSAI licence
Any business involved in manufacturing, processing, packaging, storing, distributing, or selling food products requires an FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) licence or registration.
- 1. Basic FSSAI registration – For very small food businesses with turnover up to Rs. 12 lakh. Annual renewal.
- 2. State FSSAI licence – For medium food businesses with turnover Rs. 12 lakh to Rs. 20 crore. 1–5 year validity.
- 3. Central FSSAI licence – For large food businesses with turnover above Rs. 20 crore, exporters, importers, and pan-India operations.
- New FSSAI licence application - complete documentation and online filing
- FSSAI licence renewal - tracking renewal dates and filing before expiry
- FSSAI modifications - change in product category, premises, or proprietor name
Import-Export Licences
Import Export Code (IEC)
Any business or individual wanting to import or export goods or services from India requires an IEC (Import Export Code) issued by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade). IEC is now linked to PAN and is permanent — no renewal required.
- 1. Timeline– 3–5 working days
- 2. Documents required – PAN, Aadhaar, address proof, bank details, business registration proof
- 3. Government fee – Rs. 500
RCMC — Registration cum Membership Certificate
CA-supervised quality All books are maintained and reviewed under the supervision of a Chartered Accountant — not just a bookkeeper.
Exporters availing benefits under Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) need an RCMC from the relevant Export Promotion Council. We assist in RCMC registration with FIEO, APEDA, AEPC, and other councils.
Legal Agreements and Documentation
Starting or growing a business often requires formal legal agreements between parties. We draft and review business agreements tailored to your specific situation — protecting your interests and ensuring enforceability.
Startup and investment agreements
- Founder agreement - roles, responsibilities, IP ownership, and vesting schedule
- Shareholders agreement (SHA) - rights, obligations, and exit provisions for shareholders
- Term sheet - key investment terms before formal documentation
- Share purchase agreement (SPA) - for equity investment and share transfer transactions
- ESOP plan and trust deed
Business operation agreements
- Vendor agreement - terms of supply and purchase with vendors
- Distributor and dealer agreement
- Franchise agreement - for franchisors and franchisees
- Joint venture agreement
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
- Employment agreement - for key hires including non-compete and confidentiality
- Consulting agreement - for independent contractors and consultants
- Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
Property and asset agreements
- Rent/lease agreement - for commercial and residential properties
- Gift deed - for property transfers within family
- Sale deed review - and due diligence for property purchases
Other Registrations
- 1. Trademark registration – Brand name, logo, tagline protection — see separate Trademark page for details
- 2. Copyright registration – For creative works, software, music, and literary content
- 3. Labour law registrations – PF (EPFO), ESIC, Contract Labour, and other labour registrations
- 4. Drug licence - For pharma distribution, medical stores, and nutraceutical manufacturers
- 5.BIS / ISI mark - For manufacturers of standardised products requiring BIS certification
- 6. Environmental clearances - NOC from Pollution Control Board for manufacturing units
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GST registration mandatory for all businesses?
No — GST registration is mandatory only if your turnover exceeds Rs. 20 lakh (or Rs. 10 lakh in special category states). However, voluntary registration is advisable if you sell to GST-registered businesses who want to claim input tax credit on purchases from you.
What is the penalty for operating without an FSSAI licence?
Operating a food business without a valid FSSAI licence can attract penalties of up to Rs. 5 lakh and imprisonment of up to 6 months under the FSS Act. FSSAI also has the power to close your business premises.
Is MSME registration mandatory?
No — MSME (Udyam) registration is voluntary. However, it is highly recommended as it provides access to collateral-free loans, government subsidies, priority banking, and protection against delayed payments.
How long does it take to get an IEC code?
An Import Export Code (IEC) is typically issued within 3–5 working days of online application with DGFT. The process is fully online and the IEC is now linked to your PAN permanently.
Can you draft legal agreements in addition to registrations?
Yes — we draft and review all business agreements including founders agreements, shareholders agreements, vendor contracts, franchise agreements, and employment contracts. We work with experienced lawyers where legal advice is required.