Meat business is a service that involves slaughtering, processing, or selling various types of meat, such as chicken, mutton, beef, pork, etc. Meat business requires technical skills, knowledge, and equipment to ensure the quality and safety of the meat and the services. However, before starting a meat business in Hyderabad, you need to obtain various registrations and licenses from different authorities to ensure compliance with the legal and regulatory requirements. In this article, we will discuss the main legal requirements for starting a meat business in Hyderabad.

Company Registration from Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)

Company registration is the first and foremost step to start a meat business in Hyderabad. Company registration involves registering your business entity with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), the central authority that regulates and governs the corporate affairs in India. Company registration provides legal recognition, protection, and benefits to your business. There are various types of company structures that you can choose from, such as:

• Sole Proprietorship: A sole proprietorship is the simplest and most common form of business entity, where you are the sole owner and operator of your business. A sole proprietorship does not require any formal registration, but you may need to obtain a trade license, GST registration, and other licenses depending on your business activity and turnover.
• Partnership Firm: A partnership firm is a business entity where two or more persons agree to share the profits and losses of a common business. A partnership firm can be registered under the Indian Partnership Act, 1932, or the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008. A partnership firm registration helps establish the rights, duties, and liabilities of the partners and ensures smooth operations.
• Private Limited Company: A private limited company is a business entity where the ownership is limited to a maximum of 200 shareholders and the shares are not publicly traded. A private limited company is the most preferred choice for meat businesses, as it offers limited liability, perpetual succession, easy transferability, and access to funding. A private limited company registration can be done online through the MCA portal¹, by filing the required forms and documents.
• One Person Company: A one person company is a business entity where there is only one person as the owner and director of the company. A one person company is a hybrid of a sole proprietorship and a private limited company, as it offers limited liability, perpetual succession, and easy compliance. A one person company registration can also be done online through the MCA portal¹, by filing the required forms and documents.

GST Registration from Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN)

GST registration is another essential requirement to start a meat business in Hyderabad. GST registration involves registering your business entity with the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN), the online portal that administers and facilitates the GST system in India. GST registration enables you to collect and remit GST to the government and ensures compliance with the tax regulations. GST is a comprehensive indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services in India. GST registration is mandatory for meat businesses with annual turnover more than ₹20 lakhs (₹10 lakhs for special category states). GST registration can be done online through the GST portal², by filing the required forms and documents.

Food License from Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

Food license is a quality certification granted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the national authority that regulates and monitors the food safety and quality in India. Food license is required for meat businesses that slaughter, process, or sell any meat products in India. Food license involves obtaining a FSSAI license and a FSSAI logo for the meat products. Food license ensures that the meat products comply with the relevant food safety and quality standards and specifications. Food license can be done online or offline through the FSSAI portal or office, by filling the required forms and documents³.

Trade License from Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC)

Trade license is a permission granted by the municipal corporation to carry out a specific trade or business activity at a particular location. It is also known as a meat license for meat businesses. Any meat business operator must obtain a trade license from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) before starting the meat business. The trade license is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. The trade license ensures that the meat business follows the local regulations, health and safety standards, and other statutory requirements. The trade license can be applied online through the GHMC portal⁴, by filling the required details and paying the requisite fee.

Other Registrations and Licenses

Depending on the nature and scope of your meat business, you may also need to obtain other registrations and licenses from various authorities, such as:

• Veterinary License from Animal Husbandry Department: Veterinary license is a permission granted by the animal husbandry department to slaughter, process, or sell any animal meat in India. Veterinary license is required for meat businesses that deal with any animal meat other than poultry. Veterinary license involves obtaining a veterinary certificate and a veterinary mark for the animal meat. Veterinary license ensures that the animal meat is free from any disease, infection, or contamination. Veterinary license can be done online or offline through the animal husbandry department, by filling the required forms and documents.
• Halal Certification from Halal India: Halal certification is a quality certification granted by Halal India, a non-governmental organization that certifies the halal status of food products in India. Halal certification is required for meat businesses that slaughter, process, or sell any halal meat products in India. Halal certification involves obtaining a halal certificate and a halal logo for the halal meat products. Halal certification ensures that the halal meat products comply with the Islamic dietary laws and principles. Halal certification can be done online or offline through Halal India, by filling the required forms and documents.
• Trademark Registration from Intellectual Property India: Trademark registration is a protection granted by the intellectual property India, the national authority that administers and enforces the intellectual property rights in India. Trademark registration is required for meat businesses that create or use any distinctive mark, name, logo, or symbol to identify their products or services. Trademark registration protects your mark from infringement, misuse, or imitation, and gives you exclusive rights to use, sell, or license your mark. Trademark registration can be done online or offline through the intellectual property India, by filling the required forms and documents.