If you are starting or running a small business in India, you may have heard about terms like FSSAI, GST, MSME, IEC, and GeM. These are not just government terms – they are important licenses or registrations that can help your business become legal, trusted, and even eligible for government benefits. At Online Digital India, we help small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs understand and apply for these registrations. In this blog, we’ll explain each one in simple language, so you can decide which ones your business needs.
The complete Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. Who Needs It? Anyone dealing in food – like restaurants, tiffin services, dairy, bakery, tea stalls, packaged food, food processing, etc.
A licence attesting to the safety and hygiene of your food is analogous to the FSSAI. If you are selling or manufacturing food items, FSSAI registration is mandatory.
Full Form: Goods and Services Tax
Who Needs It? Any business whose turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh (goods) or ₹20 lakh (services). Also needed if selling online or interstate.
GST is a tax registration number. Customers pay taxes, which you then turn in to the government.
Required for issuing invoices with tax
Helps you claim input tax credit (ITC)
Necessary to sell on platforms like Amazon or Flipkart
Full Form: Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises
Who Needs It? Any small business in manufacturing, services, trading, or other sectors.
MSME registration helps your business get recognized as a small business unit. It's completely free and done online through the Udyam Portal.
Easy business loans at low interest
Subsidies under government schemes
Discount on utility bills
Eligibility for tenders reserved for MSMEs
Full Form: Importer Exporter Code
Who Needs It? Anyone who wants to start import or export of goods/services.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade, or DGFT, is the entity that issues the 10-digit IEC code. Without it, you cannot export or import legally.
Required for customs clearance
Needed for online export.
No renewal needed – lifetime validity
Full Form: Government e-Marketplace
Who Needs It? Suppliers who want to sell their products or services to government departments.
The federal and state governments purchase goods and services through GeM, an online marketplace. You can register your business as a seller and get orders directly from government buyers.
Step 1: Go to your browser and type onlinedigitalindia.com
Step 2: Once you're on the homepage, you can explore services like:
Step 3: Click on the service you are interested in.
Step 4: Provide your essential information on the online application form.
Step 5: Our representative will call you for the OTP for verification and the required document.
Step 6: Obtain your license in three to seven days.
Suggested read: Simplifying Business Compliance in Jamshedpur — All in One Place
Every business has different needs, but if you want to grow, build trust, and take advantage of government schemes, then these registrations are very important. At Online Digital India, we simplify the entire process. Whether you need FSSAI, GST, MSME, IEC, or GeM, we are here to help you register fast, legally, and at affordable charges.