Registration Services FAQs

80G and 12A registrations serve different purposes for NGOs:

• 12A Registration: Exempts the NGO from paying income tax on its surplus income
• 80G Registration: Allows donors to claim tax deductions on their donations to the NGO

Most NGOs need both registrations to maximize their financial benefits and credibility. The 12A registration should be obtained first, followed by 80G registration.

The FCRA registration process typically takes 3-6 months from application submission to approval. The timeline includes:

• Document preparation (2-4 weeks)
• Application submission and acknowledgment
• Review by the Ministry of Home Affairs (2-4 months)
• Approval and certificate issuance

Delays can occur if documentation is incomplete or if additional information is requested.

MSME registration provides numerous benefits to small businesses:

• Priority sector lending with lower interest rates
• Easier access to bank loans and credit facilities
• Tax rebates and exemptions under various schemes
• Preference in government tenders and procurement
• Subsidies for patent registration and industrial promotion
• Concession on electricity bills in some states

A registered trademark in India is valid for 10 years from the date of application. After this period, it can be renewed every 10 years indefinitely. To maintain trademark protection:

• Renewal applications should be filed within 1 year before expiration
• Late renewals can be filed within 6 months after expiration with a penalty fee
• Trademarks not renewed will be removed from the register

Continuous use of the trademark is important to prevent cancellation for non-use.

FSSAI registration and license differ based on business size:

• FSSAI Registration: For small food businesses with annual turnover below ₹12 lakh. This is a basic registration certificate.
• FSSAI License: Required for larger businesses:
  • State License: Turnover between ₹12 lakh - ₹20 crore
  • Central License: Turnover above ₹20 crore or businesses operating in multiple states

The application process and documentation requirements are more extensive for licenses compared to registration.

Yes, a trade license is mandatory for all businesses operating in India. Key points:

• Required before commencing any commercial activity
• Issued by municipal corporations or local governing bodies
• Needs to be renewed annually (renewal period varies by location)
• Different categories exist for manufacturing, service, and retail businesses
• Penalties apply for operating without a valid license

Requirements vary between states and municipalities, so check your local regulations.

Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) is a 20-character code that identifies legal entities participating in financial transactions. LEI is required for:

• Entities trading in securities markets (stocks, bonds, derivatives)
• Companies involved in cross-border transactions above certain thresholds
• Financial institutions and their counterparties
• Entities reporting under European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR)

LEI registration must be renewed annually to maintain validity. It enhances transparency in global financial transactions.

Common ISO certifications for businesses include:

• ISO 9001: Quality Management Systems
• ISO 14001: Environmental Management Systems
• ISO 27001: Information Security Management
• ISO 45001: Occupational Health and Safety
• ISO 22000: Food Safety Management
• ISO 50001: Energy Management Systems
• ISO 13485: Medical Devices Quality Management

Certification requires implementing the relevant standards, documentation, internal audits, and certification body assessment.

Key documents required for NGO Darpan registration include:

• Registration Certificate (Trust Deed, Society Registration, or Section 8 Company Certificate)
• PAN Card of the NGO
• Bank Account Details (cancelled cheque or bank statement)
• Details of Chief Functionary and Chairman
• Audit Reports for the last 3 years
• 12A and 80G certificates (if available)
• List of governing body members
• Activity Report of the NGO

All documents should be in PDF format with appropriate file sizes as specified on the portal.

Trademark registration costs vary based on several factors:

• Government fees: ₹4,500 per class for individuals/startups, ₹9,000 for companies
• Professional fees: Typically ₹2,000-₹7,000 depending on complexity
• Additional class fees: ₹4,500 per additional class for individuals/startups
• Renewal fees: Similar to initial registration fees every 10 years

Total costs range from ₹6,500-₹15,000 for a single class application. Additional charges apply for objections, oppositions, or hearings.

NGOs can operate without FCRA registration, but with limitations:

• Cannot receive foreign contributions (donations, grants, gifts from foreign sources)
• Can receive domestic funding and operate local programs
• Can collaborate with foreign organizations on projects, but cannot receive direct funding
• Must file annual returns with the Home Ministry even without FCRA

Operating without required FCRA registration when receiving foreign funds is a punishable offense with penalties including fines and imprisonment.

FSSAI licenses have different validity periods:

• Registration Certificate: 1 to 5 years (chosen by applicant)
• State License: 1 to 5 years
• Central License: 1 to 5 years

Key points about validity:

• Can be renewed 30 days before expiration
• Late renewal possible within 6 months with penalty
• License becomes invalid if not renewed within 6 months after expiration
• Operating with expired license can result in penalties up to ₹5 lakh

Late or non-filing of ROC returns can result in significant penalties:

• Additional fees of ₹100 per day for each day of delay
• Company fines up to ₹1 lakh and officer fines up to ₹50,000
• Disqualification of directors for 5 years
• Striking off company name from registrar
• Legal prosecution for directors
• Difficulty in obtaining bank loans or government tenders

Penalties apply to forms like AOC-4 (financial statements), MGT-7 (annual return), and ADT-1 (auditor appointment).

The ISO certification process typically takes 30-90 days, depending on:

• Organization size and complexity
• Existing management systems
• ISO standard being implemented
• Readiness of documentation
• Certification body schedule

General timeline:

• Gap analysis: 1-2 weeks
• Documentation preparation: 2-4 weeks
• Implementation and training: 2-4 weeks
• Internal audit: 1 week
• Stage 1 audit: 1-3 days
• Stage 2 audit: 2-5 days
• Certification decision: 1-2 weeks

Yes, sole proprietorships can register under MSME. The process is straightforward:

• Eligibility based on investment in plant & machinery/equipment:
  • Micro: Up to ₹1 crore investment and ₹5 crore turnover
  • Small: Up to ₹10 crore investment and ₹50 crore turnover
  • Medium: Up to ₹50 crore investment and ₹250 crore turnover
• Required documents: Aadhaar card, PAN card, business address proof, bank details
• Registration through Udyam portal is free and online
• Registration certificate issued immediately upon submission

Benefits include priority lending, tax benefits, and access to government schemes.