Top 10 Business Licenses in India

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Top 10 Business Licenses in India

Preface: This post was originally published in 2023 and has been updated on April 30, 2025, to provide you with the most current and accurate information.

Government agencies issue business licenses as permits for individuals or companies to conduct business as per government rules. A company often requires multiple business licenses which are issued by various government agencies. The type of license may differ as per the nature of the business. In this article, we will provide you with the list of the top 10 business licenses in India.

Top 10 Business Licenses and Certificates in India 

Here is a list of the top 10 licenses and certificates in India:

1. Insurance Broker License

Insurance brokers can be a company or an individual which represents Insurance companies. A business can provide services as a direct broker, a reinsurance broker or a composite broker. 

The Insurance Broker License is provided to individuals or firms who have the knowledge of insurance related laws and insurance products. Anyone who wants to become an insurance broker must take a license from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India.

The procedure to get a Insurance Broker License

• The applicant must fill an application by mentioning the type of insurance broker license. 

• Fill the application FORM-B Schedule I of IRDAI regulations. 

• Attach the documents mentioned in FORM-C Schedule I of IRDAI regulations.

• Finally submit the application with fees. The fees will vary on the type of insurance broker

• Direct Broker - Rs. 25,000

• Reinsurance Broker - Rs. 50,000

• Composite Broker - Rs. 75,000

The fees should be paid online or through Demand Draft (DD) in favor of IRDAI of India, Hyderabad. The insurance license which is issued by IRDAI would be valid for 3 years from the date of issue. Any insurance broker cannot run a proper insurance broker business without the certified license. 

2. LMPC License

Metrology is a science of measuring. Legal Metrology helps provide for the control of measurements and measuring instruments. Legal Metrology falls under the category of Department of Consumer Affairs. The basis of day to trade practice should be transparent between consumer and trader. 

As per the metrology act 2009, a person who is involved in the sale or distribution of packaged goods such as import, and export of consumer food items. A legal metrology license is also known as Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity (LMPC) License.

The process to get an LMPC License is as follows:

• An applicant must fill an application with important documents. There are three type of application:

•  Form LM-1 for manufacturer license

• Form LR-1 for Repairer License

• Form LD-1 for Dealer License

• Submit the documents to the authority. 

• A Local Senior Inspector will verify the documents, once all the steps will complete, pay the fees and get a license.

An LMPC license needs to be updated every one year or five years. The validity may differ. According to Legal Metrology Rules 2011, the renewal application must be submitted 30 days before the expiry of the original document.

3. EPR Certificate

Extended Producer's Responsibility (EPR) certificate is mandatory for all Manufacturers and Importer of product for E-waste management. The EPR importers and manufacturers of electronic products have been given the responsibility to control E-waste by the products after the expiry date.

The importers/ manufacturers have to provide documentary evidence to manage the E-waste. Along with this they need a certificate, and all the steps to apply are given below. 

The process to get an EPR Certificate in India is as follows:

• Understand the requirements to get a certificate by reading an EPR certificate format.

• Fill the application form with all the required documents. 

• Submit the form to the CPCB office along with the certificate cost. 

• Central board will check the online application and if found any discrepancy it will convey.

•  Once all the details and documents are satisfied, the EPR certificate will be granted.

4. ISP License

To become an internet service provider in India, it is necessary to receive authorization from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The DoT issues this authorization in the form of ISP license. There are three different categories of ISP license: Category A, B, and C. 

A Category ISP license permits the maximum internet coverage i.e., at national level. B Category license permits state-level internet coverage. ISP Category C license allows the internet provider to provide internet services in a secondary switching area. A Category ISP license is the most expensive, and C Category ISP license is the cheapest ISP license in India.

Here is the procedure to get an ISP license:

• An ISP license is only issued to businesses and not individuals. So, the first step to secure an ISP license is to register your company with the Registrar of Companies (RoC). 

• Now, you need to determine the appropriate ISP category on the basis of your business needs and operational scope. 

• Afterwards, you need to collect all the necessary documents and file an ISP application form with the DoT.

• DoT will review the application and documents within 60 days of submission. If satisfied with the application, DoT will issue a letter of intent. 

• After this, you need to submit a bank guarantee and sign the license agreement with the authority.

• Upon fulfillment of all the requirements, the DoT will issue the ISP license to your ISP company.

5. MPEDA License

The MPEDA license is necessary for businesses that want to conduct fish export business. The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) issues this license. 

The procedure to get MPEDA license is as follows:

• Before applying for an MPEDA license, you require Import Export Code from the DGFT. You can secure IEC from the official DGFT portal.

• Now, you must visit the official MPEDA website and download the registration form IX from it. Fill out this form with accurate information.

• Along with the form, you will also need to gather and prepare documents like passport size photographs, proof of address, IEC copy, copy of purchase order, bank certificate for financial soundness, etc. 

• Now, you must pay the MPEDA registration fee and submit the application form and documents online. You can also submit them at the nearest MPEDA office.

• Once MPEDA verifies the application, it will issue you the MPEDA registration certificate.

6. Importer License

An Importer license is a type of legal metrology license. For business importing pre-packaged commodities into India, securing an importer license is necessary. This license ensures that imported goods adhere to the legal standards set for weights and measures. It helps to protect consumer interests and prevents businesses from penalties.

The process to secure importer license from the legal metrology department takes place in the following manner:

• Start by collecting all essential documents, such as your business’s tax registration, municipal license, Import Export Code, PAN card, and address proof, and attach them to the application form.

• Then, proceed to pay the applicable verification fee.

• After submission, the registration authority will examine your application and document.

• Inspections and verifications will be carried out by the Legal Metrology Department.

• Once LMD finds the application to be satisfactory, it’ll issue you an importer’s license.

7. GST Registration Certificate

The GST Registration certificate needs to be obtained by businesses if their annual turnover exceeds the threshold limit of Rs. 40 lakhs for goods and Rs. 20 lakhs for services (Rs. 10 lakhs for special category states).

To secure GST registration certificate, the process is as follows:

• First, you need to register for GST. Once you do, log in to the GST Portal. 

• After logging on to the portal, select Services, then User Services and then View/Download GST Registration Certificate. 

• Now, you need to click the 'Download' icon. 

• Open the PDF file that you obtain and then take a printout of the same.

8. Import Export Code

To conduct import or export business, it is mandatory to secure the Import Export Code. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issues it via the DGFT portal. IEC remains valid for an indefinite period. However, it requires annual updation.

Securing Import Export Code from the DGFT requires completion of the following steps:

• Begin by registering on the DGFT website and creating your account.

• Next, fill out the online application form for the IEC, uploading required documents such as your PAN card, Aadhaar, and bank account details.

• Proceed to pay the application fee.

• Once your application receives approval, you can download the IEC certificate directly from the DGFT portal.

9. APEDA License

For exporters of agricultural and processed food products in India, it is mandatory to obtain an APEDA license. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority issues this license to exporters.

The following steps need to be fulfilled for obtaining APEDA license:

• First, you need to register online on the APEDA website.

• After you have created an account, it is time to fill out the application form.

• Now, you must upload required documents and then pay the fee.

• Thereafter, you need to wait for approval for the license. 

• If APEDA finds the application to be satisfactory, you will receive the APEDA license.

10. TAN Registration

Obtaining and maintaining a valid tan registration is an essential legal requirement for businesses and individuals handling tax deduction or collection.

To secure TAN Registration, the process is as follows:

• Go to the income tax portal and click Register. Then, select TDS Deductor as the user type.

• Provide your TAN, organization type, and the details of the responsible person.

• Enter your email ID and mobile number, then verify them both using the OTPs sent.

• Create a secure password, submit the form, and receive a confirmation message along with a transaction ID.

Conclusion

In this post, we provided you with top 10 business licenses and certificates in India. If you need assistance in securing any of the licenses and certificates mentioned in our list, feel free to connect with Registrationwala’s professional consultants. We carry more than a decade of experience in assisting our clients in obtaining necessary legal approvals, registrations and certifications required to run their businesses in a compliant manner!

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