Key Documents for Seller Onboarding in India
1. Identification and Business Verification Documents
- PAN Card: Required for tax identification in India. Individual sellers and registered businesses alike must provide a PAN card.
- Aadhaar Card: For individual sellers, the Aadhaar card provides a reliable form of identity verification.
- Company Registration Certificate: For registered businesses, a certificate of incorporation or business registration proof (e.g., MSME/Udyog Aadhaar) validates the existence of the entity.
- GST Registration Certificate: Mandatory for sellers with a turnover above the GST threshold, it ensures compliance with tax regulations. Small businesses below this threshold may be exempt, though some platforms may still require it.
2. Financial and Bank Details
- Bank Account Proof: To facilitate payment transfers, a canceled cheque or a recent bank statement confirms the seller’s bank account details.
- Bank Account Number and IFSC Code: Required for electronic transfers and payout disbursement.
3. Tax Compliance Documents
- GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number): For businesses operating under the GST regime, this registration is essential for tax processing.
- Form 26AS and Income Tax Returns (ITR): Platforms may require past ITR filings or Form 26AS (Tax Credit Statement) as part of income verification, especially for larger sellers.
4. Authorization and Compliance Documents for Specific Products
- Trademark Certificate or Brand Authorization Letter: For sellers offering branded goods, either a trademark certificate or a letter of authorization from the brand owner is necessary.
- BIS Certificate for Electronics: For products under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), a certification proves compliance with safety and quality standards.
- FSSAI License: Required for sellers in the food and beverage sector, this license ensures food safety compliance under Indian law.
5. Address Proof
- Business Address Proof: Utility bills, rental agreements, or property tax receipts are typically accepted to verify the location of the seller’s business.
6. Additional Documents for Foreign Sellers
- Import-Export Code (IEC): Required for sellers involved in cross-border trade, this code enables the import and export of goods.
- Tax Residency Certificate: Non-resident sellers may need to provide a Tax Residency Certificate from their home country for tax compliance.
General Guidelines
Each document must be current, clear, and complete. Platforms may require copies in digital format, verified through the platform’s KYC process, or in some cases, certified copies if mandated by regulatory standards.