{
 "name": "Indian D2C compliance registrations and costs, 2026",
 "publisher": "D2C Acquisition.Lab",
 "license": "CC BY 4.0 (cite d2c-acquisitionlab.com)",
 "jurisdiction": "India",
 "provenance": "Verified external only. These are provider fees and government rates as published; they are NOT total selling costs and NOT D2C benchmarks. Our own calculations live separately on the reference pages, labeled Lab calculation.",
 "updated": "2026-08-27",
 "note": "Registration COSTS are government/regulator fees; professional fees to file vary and are excluded. A compliance lane tells you WHICH regime applies, not what your consultant charges.",
 "rows": [
  {
   "last_verified": "2026-08-27",
   "item": "Trademark filing (per class)",
   "cost": "₹4,500 (individual/MSME/DPIIT startup) · ₹9,000 (others)",
   "applicable_category": "all brands",
   "effective_date": "2017 (Trade Marks Rules), unchanged",
   "source": "Trade Marks Rules 2017 fee schedule",
   "methodology": "government fee schedule"
  },
  {
   "last_verified": "2026-08-27",
   "item": "FSSAI registration/licence thresholds",
   "cost": "Effective 1 April 2026: Basic Registration for turnover up to Rs 1.5 crore (raised from the old Rs 12 lakh); State Licence Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 50 crore; Central Licence above Rs 50 crore (plus importers/exporters/multi-state). Registrations and licences now carry PERPETUAL validity (no annual renewal).",
   "applicable_category": "food and beverage",
   "effective_date": "2026-04-01",
   "source": "FSSAI FoSCoS; Gazette 10 Mar 2026 / order 13 Mar 2026 (corroborated Mondaq, Chambers)",
   "methodology": "gazette notification + FoSCoS"
  },
  {
   "last_verified": "2026-08-27",
   "item": "Category compliance lane: skincare",
   "cost": "CDSCO Cosmetics Rules 2020 (COS-5 -> COS-8 licence held by manufacturer; verify licence copy, GMP, COA); Legal Metrology labels",
   "applicable_category": "skincare",
   "effective_date": "2026-07-06",
   "source": "regulator rules as cited in the lane text (CDSCO/AYUSH/FSSAI/BIS/Legal Metrology)",
   "methodology": "per-category verification pass, dated"
  },
  {
   "last_verified": "2026-08-27",
   "item": "Category compliance lane: saree",
   "cost": "GST per tax_gst.sarees; Handloom Mark / Silk Mark for authenticity claims",
   "applicable_category": "saree",
   "effective_date": "2026-07-06",
   "source": "regulator rules as cited in the lane text (CDSCO/AYUSH/FSSAI/BIS/Legal Metrology)",
   "methodology": "per-category verification pass, dated"
  },
  {
   "last_verified": "2026-08-27",
   "item": "Category compliance lane: ayurveda",
   "cost": "Three lanes: AYUSH cosmetic licence (topical, lightest, manufacturer holds); AYUSH ayurvedic-drug licence (classical/proprietary medicine claims); FSSAI nutraceutical (food-supplement positioning). No disease claims ever (Drugs & Magic Remedies Act 1954). Lean budgets (Rs 50k-1L) = topical only; ingestibles from Rs 5L",
   "applicable_category": "ayurveda",
   "effective_date": "2026-07-06",
   "source": "regulator rules as cited in the lane text (CDSCO/AYUSH/FSSAI/BIS/Legal Metrology)",
   "methodology": "per-category verification pass, dated"
  },
  {
   "last_verified": "2026-08-27",
   "item": "Category compliance lane: coffee",
   "cost": "FSSAI licence mandatory (food); Legal Metrology labels (net qty, roast date, best-before); no false 'single-origin'/'100% arabica' claims without basis",
   "applicable_category": "coffee",
   "effective_date": "2026-07-07",
   "source": "regulator rules as cited in the lane text (CDSCO/AYUSH/FSSAI/BIS/Legal Metrology)",
   "methodology": "per-category verification pass, dated"
  },
  {
   "last_verified": "2026-08-27",
   "item": "Category compliance lane: supplements",
   "cost": "FSS (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals...) Regulations 2016 (revised 30 Mar 2022); food NOT medicine; NO disease/treatment claims; Schedule VI/IV permitted-ingredient + RDA-cap lists (off-list needs FSSAI product approval); manufacturer holds the FSSAI licence, brand is MARKETER (both licence numbers on-pack: 'Manufactured by' + 'Marketed by'). IMPORTANT: nutraceuticals are CENTRAL-LICENSED regardless of turnover (this overrides the general compliance.fssai_thresholds turnover bands for THIS category). Importers additionally need IEC + FSSAI import registration. Sports/FSDU carry 'FOR SPORTSPERSON ONLY' declaration. Meta 2026 ads: 'not intended to diagnose/treat/cure/prevent' disclaimer required, before/after + implied-transformation imagery banned.",
   "applicable_category": "supplements",
   "effective_date": "2026-07-07",
   "source": "regulator rules as cited in the lane text (CDSCO/AYUSH/FSSAI/BIS/Legal Metrology)",
   "methodology": "per-category verification pass, dated"
  },
  {
   "last_verified": "2026-08-27",
   "item": "Category compliance lane: pet",
   "cost": "PET FOOD is NOT under FSSAI (that covers human food); it is animal feed. AUTHORITY: Delhi High Court, April 2026, Godrej Agrovet v FSSAI, held FSSAI has no jurisdiction over animal feed and struck down the 2019-2021 directions that had mandated BIS cert. IS 11968:2019 (BIS dog/cat food standard) is VOLUNTARY (trending mandatory). Labelling via Legal Metrology; GST from day one. Imported animal-origin pet food needs a DAHD Sanitary Import Permit + veterinary health certificate (Livestock Importation Act), NOT FSSAI. Accessory imports need IEC + LMPC. Medicated/vet-claim products = separate CDSCO/veterinary lane. Do NOT assume FSSAI.",
   "applicable_category": "pet",
   "effective_date": "2026-07-07",
   "source": "regulator rules as cited in the lane text (CDSCO/AYUSH/FSSAI/BIS/Legal Metrology)",
   "methodology": "per-category verification pass, dated"
  },
  {
   "last_verified": "2026-08-27",
   "item": "Category compliance lane: mens grooming",
   "cost": "CDSCO Cosmetics Rules 2020 (beard oil/wash/wax/face wash are cosmetics; manufacturer holds licence, verify licence copy/GMP/COA); Legal Metrology labels. Grooming appliances (trimmers) are a separate BIS/electronics lane, not cosmetics.",
   "applicable_category": "mens grooming",
   "effective_date": "2026-07-07",
   "source": "regulator rules as cited in the lane text (CDSCO/AYUSH/FSSAI/BIS/Legal Metrology)",
   "methodology": "per-category verification pass, dated"
  },
  {
   "last_verified": "2026-08-27",
   "item": "Category compliance lane: haircare",
   "cost": "CDSCO Cosmetics Rules 2020 (COS-5 -> COS-8 licence held by manufacturer; verify licence copy, GMP, COA); Legal Metrology labels; drug-claim boundary: anti-dandruff/hair-growth claims can cross into drug territory, keep claims cosmetic",
   "applicable_category": "haircare",
   "effective_date": "2026-07-14",
   "source": "regulator rules as cited in the lane text (CDSCO/AYUSH/FSSAI/BIS/Legal Metrology)",
   "methodology": "per-category verification pass, dated"
  },
  {
   "last_verified": "2026-08-27",
   "item": "Category compliance lane: makeup",
   "cost": "CDSCO Cosmetics Rules 2020 (COS-8 licence with manufacturer; per-shade batch COA; heavy-metal limits); imported finished cosmetics need CDSCO import registration; Legal Metrology labels",
   "applicable_category": "makeup",
   "effective_date": "2026-07-14",
   "source": "regulator rules as cited in the lane text (CDSCO/AYUSH/FSSAI/BIS/Legal Metrology)",
   "methodology": "per-category verification pass, dated"
  },
  {
   "last_verified": "2026-08-27",
   "item": "Category compliance lane: healthy snacks",
   "cost": "FSSAI licence MANDATORY (Basic/State/Central by turnover); FSSAI packaged-food nutrition labelling (per-serve + per-100g, mandatory); allergen declaration; Legal Metrology (net qty, mfg + best-before/use-by); front-of-pack claim limits: no unqualified healthy/sugar-free/high-protein/no-added-sugar without meeting FSSAI nutrient thresholds; no unproven health claims",
   "applicable_category": "healthy snacks",
   "effective_date": "2026-07-15",
   "source": "regulator rules as cited in the lane text (CDSCO/AYUSH/FSSAI/BIS/Legal Metrology)",
   "methodology": "per-category verification pass, dated"
  },
  {
   "last_verified": "2026-08-27",
   "item": "Category compliance lane: clothing",
   "cost": "GST readymade garments 5% up to Rs 2,500/pc, 18% above (GST 2.0, per tax_gst.readymade_garments); mandatory textile labelling (fibre content, care instructions, size, MRP) + Legal Metrology; no mandatory BIS for general apparel",
   "applicable_category": "clothing",
   "effective_date": "2026-07-15",
   "source": "regulator rules as cited in the lane text (CDSCO/AYUSH/FSSAI/BIS/Legal Metrology)",
   "methodology": "per-category verification pass, dated"
  },
  {
   "last_verified": "2026-08-27",
   "item": "Category compliance lane: footwear",
   "cost": "GST CONFIRMED: 5% up to Rs 2,500/pair, 18% above, effective 22 Sept 2025 under GST 2.0 (cleartax, busy.in). BIS QCO applies to major footwear types (leather, rubber/polymeric: IS 15298 series etc.), enforcement phased by enterprise size and repeatedly extended, with DPIIT amendments notified 12 June 2026: VERIFY current dates + which IS code covers the chosen construction before ordering. Legal Metrology + size labelling.",
   "applicable_category": "footwear",
   "effective_date": "2026-07-25",
   "source": "regulator rules as cited in the lane text (CDSCO/AYUSH/FSSAI/BIS/Legal Metrology)",
   "methodology": "per-category verification pass, dated"
  },
  {
   "last_verified": "2026-08-27",
   "item": "Category compliance lane: jewellery",
   "cost": "BIS hallmarking with HUID is MANDATORY for gold jewellery retail (9K-24K, 380 districts). SILVER HALLMARKING IS VOLUNTARY as of mid-2026 (CONFIRMED 2026-07-25): the HUID-based silver scheme launched 1 Sept 2025 under IS 2112:2025 on a VOLUNTARY basis, and HUID is compulsory only on silver that IS hallmarked; BIS is still assessing market readiness before any mandatory rollout (Business Standard + Business Today, June 2026). Imitation jewellery needs NO hallmark. GST CONFIRMED 3% on jewellery incl. imitation (HSN 7117). Nickel-safety for skin contact is a claim risk. JOB WORK GST: plating, polishing, casting and stone setting on Chapter 71 goods is 5% under entry 26(i)(c) of Notification 11/2017-CT(R), NOT the 12% residual under 26(id) that a general-metal plater will quote; diamond job work is 1.5% under 26(ib). Output jewellery is 3%, so credit inverts, but VKC Footsteps (SC, 13 Sept 2021) bars refund of unutilised ITC on input SERVICES, and job work is a service. Do not promise a refund route.",
   "applicable_category": "jewellery",
   "effective_date": "2026-08-25",
   "source": "regulator rules as cited in the lane text (CDSCO/AYUSH/FSSAI/BIS/Legal Metrology)",
   "methodology": "per-category verification pass, dated"
  },
  {
   "last_verified": "2026-08-27",
   "item": "Category compliance lane: perfume",
   "cost": "Perfume is a COSMETIC under CDSCO Cosmetics Rules 2020 (licence held by manufacturer/filler); GST 18%. SHIPPING WALL: alcohol-based perfume is restricted for AIR transport, most couriers move it surface-only or levy DG handling, some refuse; plan delivery SLAs around it. Legal Metrology labels. IFRA conformity voluntary but expected.",
   "applicable_category": "perfume",
   "effective_date": "2026-08-25",
   "source": "regulator rules as cited in the lane text (CDSCO/AYUSH/FSSAI/BIS/Legal Metrology)",
   "methodology": "per-category verification pass, dated"
  },
  {
   "last_verified": "2026-08-27",
   "item": "Category compliance lane: ethnic wear",
   "cost": "Readymade garments GST slab (5% up to Rs 2,500/pc, 18% above, per tax_gst.readymade_garments); mandatory textile labelling (fibre, care, size, MRP) + Legal Metrology; Handloom Mark/GI claims only when genuine",
   "applicable_category": "ethnic wear",
   "effective_date": "2026-07-25",
   "source": "regulator rules as cited in the lane text (CDSCO/AYUSH/FSSAI/BIS/Legal Metrology)",
   "methodology": "per-category verification pass, dated"
  },
  {
   "last_verified": "2026-08-27",
   "item": "Category compliance lane: home decor",
   "cost": "No single licence; GST varies by material/HSN. Post 22 Sept 2025 the notified handicraft entries (carved wood, wood marquetry/inlay, wooden statuettes and ornaments, stone artware and inlay, clay and terracotta tableware, handcrafted lamps under HSN 9405 10 incl. panchloga, iron/brass/copper artware, handmade carpets, hand paintings) are 5%; silver filigree and handmade imitation jewellery are 3%; MACHINE-MADE equivalents stay 18%. THERE IS NO 12% BAND for these lines any more, GST 2.0 removed the 12% slab for goods. VERIFY the HSN per product; Legal Metrology for packaged retail; no mandatory BIS for general decor LAMPS SPLIT THREE WAYS under HSN 9405: handcrafted lamps 5%, LED lights/lamps/fixtures 5% (down from 12% on 22 Sept 2025), machine-made non-LED chandeliers and fittings 18%. Also: LED lamps and luminaires are notified under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme, so anything that plugs in is a compliance decision, not just another SKU. Toys for under-14s fall under the Toys QCO, which exempts DC (Handicrafts) registered artisans and registered GI proprietors and authorised users.",
   "applicable_category": "home decor",
   "effective_date": "2026-08-26",
   "source": "regulator rules as cited in the lane text (CDSCO/AYUSH/FSSAI/BIS/Legal Metrology)",
   "methodology": "per-category verification pass, dated"
  },
  {
   "last_verified": "2026-08-27",
   "item": "Category compliance lane: baby care",
   "cost": "Baby topicals = CDSCO Cosmetics Rules 2020 with elevated claim scrutiny ('tear-free'/'toxin-free'/'derm-tested' need real substantiation). Baby FOOD is a separate fenced lane: FSSAI + IMS Act (Infant Milk Substitutes Act) BANS promotion/advertising of foods for under-2s, do not enter casually. Diapers/wipes carry a BIS standard lane (IS 17509, VERIFY current QCO status). Legal Metrology.",
   "applicable_category": "baby care",
   "effective_date": "2026-07-25",
   "source": "regulator rules as cited in the lane text (CDSCO/AYUSH/FSSAI/BIS/Legal Metrology)",
   "methodology": "per-category verification pass, dated"
  },
  {
   "last_verified": "2026-08-27",
   "item": "Category compliance lane: kids wear",
   "cost": "Readymade garments GST slab (per tax_gst.readymade_garments); textile labelling + Legal Metrology; safety practice: no cords/drawstrings for under-3s, no loose small parts/buttons, azo-free dyes, nickel-free snaps (export norms, Indian QCO for general kidswear not in force, VERIFY, present as good practice not law)",
   "applicable_category": "kids wear",
   "effective_date": "2026-07-25",
   "source": "regulator rules as cited in the lane text (CDSCO/AYUSH/FSSAI/BIS/Legal Metrology)",
   "methodology": "per-category verification pass, dated"
  },
  {
   "last_verified": "2026-08-27",
   "item": "Category compliance lane: activewear",
   "cost": "Readymade garments GST slab (per tax_gst.readymade_garments); textile labelling; performance claims (moisture-wicking, anti-odour, squat-proof) need substantiation, keep claims testable",
   "applicable_category": "activewear",
   "effective_date": "2026-07-25",
   "source": "regulator rules as cited in the lane text (CDSCO/AYUSH/FSSAI/BIS/Legal Metrology)",
   "methodology": "per-category verification pass, dated"
  },
  {
   "last_verified": "2026-08-27",
   "item": "Category compliance lane: toys",
   "cost": "THE WALL: Toys QCO (in force 1 Jan 2021): BIS ISI mark MANDATORY for toys for under-14s, domestic AND imported (foreign factories need a BIS licence, which closed the casual China-import route). IS 9873 series (non-electric) + IS 15644 (electric). Handmade/GI artisan exemption for registered artisans (the Channapatna lane, VERIFY mechanics). Brand-owner vs manufacturer licence/marking rules: VERIFY per page. GST by HSN 9503: VERIFY current slab post GST 2.0 (electronic toys higher). Age-grading labels.",
   "applicable_category": "toys",
   "effective_date": "2026-07-25",
   "source": "regulator rules as cited in the lane text (CDSCO/AYUSH/FSSAI/BIS/Legal Metrology)",
   "methodology": "per-category verification pass, dated"
  }
 ]
}