FAQ
Licenses & Certifications — Questions Founders Ask
The licensing questions founders actually ask, grouped by where they come up.
Which License Do I Need?
Do I need a license if I work from home with no employees?
Often not, for Shop & Establishment Act specifically — but food businesses, even home-based, still need FSSAI.
guideWhich Licenses Does Your Business Actually Need?→Is one license enough, or do I need several?
Most operating businesses need two or three together — licenses aren't a pick-one decision the way business structure is.
guideWhich Licenses Does Your Business Actually Need?→Does FSSAI cover packaging requirements too?
No — FSSAI covers food safety; Legal Metrology separately governs how packaging declares quantity and MRP.
guideLegal Metrology Registration for Pre-Packaged Goods→Registration & Renewal
How often do these licenses need renewal?
Varies by license — Trade License is typically annual, FSSAI depends on the tier and validity period chosen at application.
downloadLicense Renewal Calendar→What documents do most license applications need?
Business registration proof, address proof, and often a landlord NOC if you're renting — specifics vary by license.
downloadLicenses Checklist by Business Type→Can I apply for multiple licenses at once?
Yes, and it's usually more efficient to — many require overlapping documents like address proof and registration certificates.
Penalties & Compliance
What happens if I operate without a required license?
Penalties vary by license and state — fines are common, and repeated non-compliance can lead to a forced shutdown of the premises.
Will a marketplace reject my listing over a missing license?
Yes — FSSAI and Legal Metrology are both actively checked for relevant product categories before listings go live.
guideLegal Metrology Registration for Pre-Packaged Goods→Do I need to renew even if my business hasn't changed?
Yes — renewal is time-based, not tied to whether anything about your business has changed.