Updated on July 11, 2025 06:11:30 PM
To operate lawfully and morally, a pharmacy or medical store in Delhi must comply with a number of regulations. A crucial approval is the Trade License, which is granted by the relevant municipal authority, either the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC), South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), or the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), depending on where the store is located. A trade license gives the company permission to conduct retail business and guarantees adherence to regional civic standards concerning sanitation, safety, and public health.
Having a valid trade license is essential for pharmacies that deal with controlled substances and sensitive health products. It not only confirms that the company is operating legally, but it also increases the company's credibility with clients and authorities. Without it, the pharmacy might be subject to fines, legal problems, or even closure.
The Delhi government offers an online application system via the official MCD portal to streamline the procedure. From submitting an application and uploading documents to paying fees and monitoring licenses, pharmacy owners can finish the entire process online.
Proof of identity and address, a property ownership or rental agreement, shop photos, a layout plan, and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the appropriate authorities are typically needed documents. To legally operate a pharmacy, one must also have a Drug License from the Drug Control Department in addition to the Trade License.
Trade Certificate [Sample]
A General Trade License (GTL) allows the businesses to commit monetary operations and deal with other entities with consideration to the legal framework. The General Trade License (GTL) is a permit to legally sell or purchase or trade commodities and services. The Trade License for pharmacies ensures that the businesses obey the guidelines set by the authority and law to assure consumer trust and credibility. Apart from a trade license for pharmacies, the Central Licensing & Enforcement Cell (CL&EC) of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) provides licenses for different categories. Entities are required to satisfy the set standards and regulations of the authorities to be granted a trade license for pharmacies.
The Trade License for pharmacies ensures that they comply with the laws and regulations laid down by the MCD. Some of the benefits that pharmacies with a trade license for pharmacies benefit from are listed below.
Businesses with a desire to acquire a trade license for pharmacies can fill out the application form on the official website of the MCD with all the mandatory and specified details for the trade license for pharmacies.
Businesses may fill out their personal details in the application form.
The information about the premises, description and category is to be filled for a trade license for pharmacies.
The businesses are required to provide details about property, unit area, address of unit and more.
The application form mandates information about establishment, type of constitution, and partner’s list.
Businesses may upload the required and specified documents as per the application form of general trade license.
The application fee of the general trade license is to be paid by the candidates.
Once the above listed steps are completed, candidates can download the trade license for pharmacies through their dashboard.
The required documents that the businesses would need to submit to get a trade license for pharmacies are listed below.
The table below displays the fee that is charged by the government for a Trade License for Hotels and it is categorized as per the localities and size of the infrastructure which will be premised for trades
| Category | Up to 10 sqm | 10 to 20 sqm | 21 to 400 sqm | Above 400 sqm | 
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A and B | Rs 3,968 | Rs 9,919 | Rs 166/sqm | Rs 83/sqm | 
| C and D | Rs 2,645 | Rs 6,613 | Rs 132/sqm | Rs 66/sqm | 
| E, F, G, and H | Rs 1,323 | Rs 3,306 | Rs 99/sqm | Rs 50/sqm | 
Note: Professional Fees to apply for Trade License for pharmacies is Rs 7500 exclusive of GST.
Learn about the penalties that the business who do not possess a trade license for pharmacies, or disobey the set rules or continue to trade with an outdated trade license for cafes may face:
Conclusion
Any business that possesses a Trade license for pharmacies is permitted to conduct business with other entities and engage in commercial activities with compliance to the law. The Trade License for pharmacies ensures that the entities are held credible and crucial for consumers to trust the business. The MCD Trade License for pharmacies is responsible to observe the businesses for legal compliance before engaging in monetary operations including sale, purchase, or trade of commodities and services. The trade license of pharmacies can be renewed once its validity of three years is over from the issuance date to avoid penalties.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Businesses are required to get a general trade license for pharmacies in Nehru Place, Connaught Place, Khan Market, Defence Colony, South Extension, Vasant Vihar, Greater Kailash, Saket, South Delhi and more places in Delhi.
Yes, the trade license for pharmacies is mandatory for the entities to engage in monetary activities or deal with other businesses intended to sell and purchase or trade of goods and services otherwise MCD will impose penalties and legal actions on them.
Firstly, you have to fill out the prescribed application form with all the required and specified details and upload the necessary documents, then pay the fees of the trade license for pharmacies and submit the application, after that the MCD will issue a trade license for pharmacies.
The trade license for pharmacies will be invalid 3 years after its issuance date and is needed to be renewed to continue the business without imposition of penalties and legal consequences by MCD.
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