Indian e-commerce is booming like never before. With Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, JioMart, and vertical marketplaces springing up every day, selling online has never seemed so enticing. But where there is profit, there should also be responsibility. Being legal in the act of starting your online business means easier onboarding, greater credibility, and being alive in the long run.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll be demystifying all the documents and registration which has to be done to sell online in India and provide guidance on how to avoid legal and compliance mistakes. You’re either a private seller, a start-up or a registered company; this guide will take you through each phase.
1. Choose a Business Structure – Set up the foundation
You would have to legally form your firm before listing your goods. Your firm structure would dictate your investments, operations, liabilities, and taxes.
Type of Business Entities:
- Sole Proprietorship: Ideal for newcomers or domestic traders. Easy to create.
- Partnership Firm: Ideal for two or more co-founders. Needs a partnership deed.
- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): A hybrid form offering freedom and law safeguarding.
- Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd): Ideal for majority of startups who want to raise funds and scale up.
- One Person Company (OPC): Provides limited liability to a sole founder.
Registration Documents:
- PAN and Aadhaar card of Owner(s)
- Passport-sized photos
- Lease agreement or utility bill as address proof
- Employer NOC in the event of employment
- Partnership deed or incorporation certificate as the case be
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and Director Identification Number (DIN) for Pvt Ltd
Bonus Tip: Register yourself on the Udyam portal so that you can avail MSME recognition and government incentives.
2. GST Registration – Compulsory for Selling through Marketplace
GST needs to be paid by every single vendor who:
- Sells goods between states
- Sells goods on online shopping platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, etc.
- Have conducted a turnover of ₹40 lakhs (goods) or ₹20 lakhs (services) in a year.
GST Documents Required
- Company PAN card
- Aadhaar card
- Proof of business registration
- Electricity bill or lease agreement
- Cancelled cheque or bank statement
- Photographs of signing authority
Why It’s Important:
- Needed for registration on large platforms
- Helps in realization of input tax credit
- Raises business reputation and credibility
Note: Some types like handicraft, books, or unbranded foodstuffs may not be GST-eligible—refer to a tax consultant for the current position.
3. PAN Card – A Taxation Requirement
All the online sellers should have a PAN (Permanent Account Number):
- They can use their own PAN
- Companies should get a PAN themselves in the name of the company
It is an important document of identity for tax, GST registration, and opening a current account.
4. Opening Current Bank Account
Most payment gateways and marketplaces require a current account in the name of the company for ensuring transparency and professionalism.
Documents Required for Bank Account:
- PAN and Aadhaar
- Business Registration Certificate
- Documentary proof of business address
- GST registration (if required)
- Passport photograph
- Cancelled cheque
This is the wallet from which you will be getting paid via gateways and marketplaces.
5. FSSAI License – For Sellers of Food and Beverages
If you are selling foods (cooked food, drinks, or self-cooked food), you should have an FSSAI license.
FSSAI Licenses:
- Simple Registration: Turnover less than ₹12 lakh
- State License: ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore
- Central License: More than ₹20 crore turnover or inter-state business
FSSAI Documents:
- PAN and Aadhaar
- Document evidencing ownership of property in business (rental deed, NOC, utility bill)
- Product description
- Water test report (if applicable) Food safety plan or design (if manufacturers)
This is a pre-requisite for seller onboarding at Amazon, BigBasket, and other grocery-specific websites.
6. Import Export Code (IEC) – In Case of Selling Abroad
Want to sell abroad with Amazon Global, Etsy, or Shopify? You will need an Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT.
IEC documents:
- Business PAN
- Aadhaar and address proof
- Cancelled cheque or bank certificate
- Business incorporation documents
IEC is permanent in nature and does not require renewal.
7. Trademark Registration – Keep Your Brand Safe
You have sole proprietorship of your brand name, logo, and tagline with a registered trademark.
Benefits:
- Deters imitation or piracy of the brand
- Assists in building confidence with customers
- Places worth to your web business
- Protects your listing from hijacking on marketplaces
Trademark filings can be done under multiple classes based on the nature of your product. You can take the advice of a legal advisor to select the appropriate ones.
8. Product Category-Based Compliance Documents
Others possess other licenses and certifications:
Electronics:
- BIS Certification: For electric products
- EPR Authorization: For batteries and e-waste
Toys:
- ISI Mark Registration by BIS according to safety standards
- Cosmetics and Medical Devices
- CDSCO certification and product-based licenses
These need to be done so that one doesn’t get kicked out of marketplaces or sued.
9. Platform-Specific Seller Onboarding Requirements
Each eCommerce site has a list of documents:
Flipkart, Amazon, Meesho, JioMart, Snapdeal:
GST certificate
PAN card
Bank account details
Cancelled cheque.
Product images against white backgrounds
MRP tagging and packaging authenticate
Brand approval letter (in the event of resellers)
Pro Tip: Meesho gives a warm welcome to small sellers opening without GST but with smaller turnovers and categories.
10. Optional but Recommended Registrations
Additional registrations help and provide long-term business advantage:
Shop and Establishment License: Mandatory by state governments for physical operations
Trade License: For compliance with local businesses
Professional Tax Registration: if you have employees
ISO Certification: Helpful for exports as well as business branding
Udyam (MSME) Registration: Provides access to finance, priority lending, and government tenders
11. Legal Errors Made by Internet Retailers
Don’t fall into these compliance traps to safeguard your business:
Failure to register for GST where necessary
Sale of restricted products (e.g., food or cosmetics) without a license
Not renewing FSSAI or Trade Licenses in time
tampering with packaging details or labeling requirements
Using someone else’s trademark or copyright.
12. Comparison Table of Marketplace Requirements
| Platform | GST Optional | FSSAI Mandatory | Bank Account | Brand Authorization |
| Amazon | Yes | Yes (Food) | Yes | Yes (if reselling) |
| Flipkart | Yes | Yes (Food) | Yes | Yes |
| Meesho | Optional | Yes (Food) | Yes | Optional |
| JioMart | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Swiggy | Yes | Yes (Food) | Yes | Yes (for resellers) |
| Zomato | Yes | Yes (Food) | Yes | Yes (for resellers) |
| Blinkit | Yes | Yes (Food) | Yes | Yes (for resellers) |
| Zepto | Yes | Yes (Food) | Yes | Yes (for resellers) |
13. Final Checklist – At a Glance
Here’s a breakdown of key documents you’ll need, why they matter, and whether they’re mandatory:
Business Registration (✅ Mandatory): Gives your business a legal identity.
GST Registration (✅ Mandatory): Essential for tax compliance and listing on most marketplaces.
PAN Card (✅ Mandatory): Your tax identity; required for most financial and legal activities.
Current Account (✅ Mandatory): Used for receiving payments from customers and platforms.
FSSAI License (✅ if selling food): Mandatory for anyone selling food or beverage products.
IEC Code (✅ if exporting): Required for global selling on platforms like Amazon Global, Etsy, etc.
Trademark (❌ Optional, but Recommended): Safeguards your brand and protects your listings.
Product Compliance (✅ if applicable): Necessary for regulated products like electronics, toys, cosmetics.
Trade License (❌ Optional): Needed if you’re operating a local business location.
ISO/MSME Registration (❌ Optional): Enabling the building of trust and access to government support.
14. Conclusion: Be Legally Ready to Sell Online
The documentation may look daunting, but paying for these essentials in advance saves time, money, and headaches for attorneys. Marketplaces such as being compliant with vendors, and buyers such as shopping with companies that are transparent. If you require help with registering your business, your GST, your FSSAI license, or trademarking your brand name, Legal Dalal is here to help.
Contact us at +91-80942 37237 Visit www.legaldalal.com and start selling online in the right spirits.
