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Statutory EPF and ESIC Compliance & Consultancy for Kerala’s Regional Industrial Hubs

City Snap

Late-2025 enforcement across Kozhikode, Kollam, and Thrissur is driven by IT wage-code audits at Cyberpark, cashew and coir sector formalization, hazardous-process ESIC mandates, gold and retail PE liability, and Kerala welfare-board reconciliation.

IT & Startup Wage-Code Audits (Kozhikode & Malappuram)

50% Wage Rule Enforcement

RO Kozhikode is strictly auditing allowance-heavy CTC structures in Cyberpark startups. Basic + DA must form at least 50% of gross salary to prevent PF suppression.

EEC-2025 for F&B & Tech Units

Food & Beverage businesses and startups can regularize missed staff for a ₹100 penalty under EEC-2025, avoiding retrospective 14B damages.

Cashew, Coir & Maritime Compliance (Kollam & Alappuzha)

Piece-Rate to Continuous PF Coverage

RO Kollam is focusing on seasonal cashew workers. Piece-rate and intermittent employment must still reflect continuous PF contributions under the 2025 code.

Hazardous Process ESIC Mandate

Cashew shell liquid processing and allied units are classified as hazardous, requiring ESIC coverage from the first employee.

Gold, Retail & NBFC PE Liability (Thrissur)

Jewellery Manufacturing ESIC Coverage

Small and mid-sized gold manufacturing units in Thrissur are being brought under ESIC due to workplace safety and chemical exposure risks.

Retail & NBFC Contractor Liability

Large retail chains and NBFCs face Principal Employer liability for outsourced security and sales staff, with invoice blocking becoming common in audits.

Kerala Welfare Fund Board (WWFB) Reconciliation

PF vs Welfare Board Mismatch

The Kerala government cross-verifies Cashew, Coir, and other welfare fund payments with EPF ECR data. Headcount mismatches can trigger joint EPFO–State inspections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Establishments in Kozhikode and Malappuram fall under the jurisdiction of the Regional Office (RO) Kozhikode, located at Eranhipalam.

Yes. In Kerala, ESIC applies from 10 employees. Retail jewelry and manufacturing units must register and file ESIC if the threshold is crossed.

High. Cashew and coir welfare fund contributions are cross-verified with EPF filings. Any mismatch in worker count can lead to joint audits and backdated demands.

Startups must ensure Basic + DA forms at least 50% of gross salary. RO Kozhikode is auditing allowance-heavy CTC structures common in tech companies.