📌 Introduction

The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is a Government of India initiative to democratize digital commerce and provide small businesses with equal opportunities in the e-commerce ecosystem. Unlike conventional platforms (Amazon, Flipkart, etc.), ONDC is not a centralized marketplace but an open protocol that allows any seller or buyer to transact across different apps.

Registering your business on ONDC ensures wider reach, reduced dependency on dominant platforms, and better data privacy. A critical part of this registration is GST integration, which ensures tax compliance and smooth operations.

In this guide, we will walk you through:

• 🔹 What is ONDC?

• 🔹 Why Register on ONDC?

• 🔹 Pre-requisites for ONDC Business Registration

• 🔹 Step-by-Step ONDC Business Registration Process

• 🔹 How to Integrate GST with ONDC

• 🔹 FAQs and Troubleshooting

🔍 What is ONDC?

ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) is an initiative under the DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) to standardize digital commerce in India. It enables interoperability between platforms, allowing sellers and buyers from different platforms to transact seamlessly.

Key Features:

• 🛒 Open Network (not a single platform)

• 🧩 Interoperable Ecosystem

• 📱 Compatible with buyer/seller apps

• ⚖️ Promotes fair competition

🎯 Why Register on ONDC?

✅ Benefits for Businesses

🧾 Pre-requisites for ONDC Registration

Before registering your business on ONDC, you need the following documents and setups:

📄 Basic Business Details

• Business Name

• Legal Entity Type (Proprietor, Partnership, Pvt Ltd, etc.)

• PAN Card of the business

🏢 Business Registration Documents

• Udyam/MSME Certificate (Optional but recommended)

• GST Registration Certificate

• FSSAI License (for food businesses)

• IEC Certificate (for exporters)

📦 Product/Service Details

• Product Categories

• SKU List

• Pricing and Inventory

📲 Technical Readiness

• Website/App (optional, seller apps are available)

• Internet access & basic IT infrastructure

 GSTIN & Bank Details

• Valid GSTIN with active status

• Cancelled cheque or Bank Statement

🛠 Step-by-Step Guide to Register Business on ONDC

Step 1: 📋 Choose a Seller Network Partner

ONDC doesn’t onboard sellers directly. You need to register through a Seller Network Partner. Some popular ONDC seller-side partners include:

💡 Tip: Select a partner based on your business category, technical support, and ease of use.

Step 2: 🧾 Create a Seller Account

Visit the partner platform and register:

• Fill in Business Name

• Enter Contact Info (Mobile, Email)

• Upload necessary documents:

  • PAN

  • GST Certificate

  • Business Address Proof

  • Product Catalogue

Step 3: 🔄 GST Integration

At this stage, you’ll be asked to enter your GSTIN and enable auto-invoicing.

Steps:

1. Enter GSTIN & verify it using OTP from GST Portal.

2. Link business PAN.

3. Upload HSN Codes and tax percentages for each product.

4. Set up GST invoice templates.

5. Enable GST reporting and auto-filing if provided.

🧠 Smart Tip: Ensure product-wise HSN codes are accurate to avoid tax penalties or mismatch in GSTR-1.

Step 4: 📤 Upload Product Catalog

Use the seller dashboard to upload:

• 📸 Product Images

• 📝 Product Descriptions

• 🧾 Prices (with and without GST)

• 🧮 Inventory Details

• 📦 Shipping or Delivery Information

You can bulk upload using .CSV or Excel templates provided by your seller partner.

Step 5: ✅ Verification & Approval

The partner will:

• Verify documents

• Check GST details

• Approve catalog

Once verified, your products become visible across ONDC buyer platforms like Paytm, PhonePe Pincode, Magicpin, and more.

🔗 GST Integration on ONDC: Full Process

🔄 Why is GST Integration Important?

• 📑 Auto-generation of GST-compliant invoices

• 📦 Tax segregation (CGST, SGST, IGST)

• 📊 Filing-ready sales data for GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B

• ✅ Helps avoid audit issues and tax notices

✅ How to Set Up GST Integration?

💬 Sample ONDC GST Invoice

✅ All invoices are stored digitally on the platform for download and submission.

🛡️ Compliance Tips

• Reconcile GSTR-1 with ONDC sales every month

• Report B2B and B2C sales separately

• Avoid using the wrong HSN codes

• File GSTR-3B within due date

• Enable OTP-based login for added security

🤔 FAQs on ONDC & GST Integration

🔸 Q1: Is GST mandatory to sell on ONDC?

Yes, GST registration is mandatory for most categories except exempted goods.

🔸 Q2: Do I need my own website to register?

No, ONDC provides seller apps like Mystore, GOFRUGAL, etc., where you can list without a separate site.

🔸 Q3: How are taxes calculated?

Taxes are based on the HSN/SAC code and applied automatically based on buyer location.

🔸 Q4: Can I register as a service provider on ONDC?

Yes, ONDC also supports services (like repair, training, etc.) through service partners.

📲 Final Thoughts: Embrace the Future of Commerce

Joining the ONDC network is more than just listing products online. It’s a step toward:

• 🧑‍💼 Building digital identity

• 🛍️ Expanding sales channels

• 📊 Complying with Indian tax laws

• 🔄 Automating eCommerce operations

With GST integration, you stay compliant, efficient, and audit-ready, all while reaching millions of potential customers.

Created & Posted by Twinkle Jha

Operations Head at TAXAJ

TAXAJ is a consortium of CA, CS, Advocates & Professionals from specific fields to provide you a One Stop Solution for all your Business, Financial, Taxation & Legal Matters under One Roof. Some of them are: Launch Your Start-Up Company/Business, Trademark & Brand Registration, Digital Marketing, E-Stamp Paper Online, Closure of Business, Legal Services, Payroll Services, etc. For any further queries related to this or anything else visit TAXAJ

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