Drug licence (retail, wholesale or manufacturing): documents, fees and how to apply online and offline
Selling, stocking or making medicines needs a licence under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940; retail sale needs a registered pharmacist.
How to apply online, step by step
- Apply on ONDLS in the form for the activity, with premises details, the pharmacist's or competent person's registration and storage facilities.
How to apply offline (in person)
- Submit at the State Drugs Controller's office; a drugs inspector visits the premises.
Documents required for Drug licence (retail, wholesale or manufacturing), and how to get each
Qualification certificate required for the trade (for example agriculture degree or diploma, pharmacist registration)
Get it online
- Download the State council or university certificate, or the course completion certificate, from its portal.
Get it in person
- Collect a certified copy from the issuing institution or council.
Fee: As set by the issuer · Time: Varies
Proof of the business address: rent agreement or ownership papers, owner's NOC, and a recent utility bill
Get it online
- Rented premises: buy an e-stamp paper for the rent agreement online (SHCIL e-stamping in most States) and get it signed by both sides; some States register leave-and-licence agreements online.
- Get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the owner allowing business use of the address.
- Download the latest electricity, water or gas bill of the premises (not older than 2 months).
Get it in person
- Buy stamp paper from a licensed vendor or the sub-registrar's office, draft the agreement, sign before witnesses and notarise it (register it at the sub-registrar's office if the State requires).
- Ask the owner for a signed NOC and a copy of the property tax receipt or utility bill.
Fee: Stamp duty as per the State; notary fee nominal · Time: 1 to 3 days · Official site
Site plan, layout of machines and process flow chart
Get it online
- Prepare a simple layout drawing (an architect or engineer can certify it if the authority asks) and a step-by-step process chart.
Get it in person
- Same, printed and signed.
Fee: Professional fee if certified · Time: 1 to 3 days
Constitution documents: incorporation certificate, MoA and AoA (company), LLP agreement, or partnership deed
Get it online
- Company: the Certificate of Incorporation, e-MoA and e-AoA come with SPICe+ on the MCA portal.
- LLP: the LLP agreement is filed in Form 3 on the MCA portal within 30 days of incorporation.
Get it in person
- Partnership: print the deed on stamp paper of the value the State prescribes, sign before witnesses, notarise, and register it with the State Registrar of Firms.
Fee: Stamp duty as per the State · Time: With incorporation · Official site
Questions people ask
How much does Drug licence (retail, wholesale or manufacturing) cost?
Set under the Drugs Rules for each licence
How long does Drug licence (retail, wholesale or manufacturing) take?
1 to 2 months
Who issues Drug licence (retail, wholesale or manufacturing)?
State Drugs Control Department (Online National Drugs Licensing System)
Can I apply for Drug licence (retail, wholesale or manufacturing) without an agent?
Yes. Every step above can be done by the founder on the official portal or at the office; agents and consultants are optional.
Official source: https://cdsco.gov.in/. Rules and fees change; the official page is the authority. Checked October 2026.
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