Updated on July 11, 2025 06:11:30 PM
Whether you want to open a grocery store, clothes store, electronics store, or any other type of business in Delhi, you must first get a trade license from the local government. Depending on the store's location, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), which includes NDMC (North Delhi), SDMC (South Delhi), and EDMC (East Delhi), must issue this license as a matter of law.
A trade license gives people or organizations permission to conduct particular business operations in a given location. This guarantees that local laws pertaining to building standards, public safety, sanitation, and business operations are followed by retail establishments. Additionally, it acts as evidence of legitimacy, which helps entrepreneurs win over clients and stay out of trouble with the law.
By providing an online application option via the MCD portal, the Delhi government has streamlined the licensing procedure. Store owners can register their company online, fill out the application, attach the required paperwork, and pay the required amount. Time is saved, and fewer trips to local offices are required thanks to this digital process.
A layout plan, photographs of the store, proof of ownership or lease, identification and address proof, and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the fire department or other appropriate authorities (based on the type of goods sold) are essential documents.
Trade Certificate [Sample]
A General Trade License (GTL) for Retail Store allows them to execute monetary activities or engage in business with other entities with adherence to the legal framework. The General Trade License (GTL) is a permit for Retail Store to participate in sell or purchase or trade commodities and services in accordance with the legal framework. The Trade License for Retail Store ensures that the businesses abide by the specific guidelines to assure trust and credibility for the consumers set by the MCD authority. Apart from a trade license for Retail Store, the Central Licensing & Enforcement Cell (CL&EC) of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) also has licenses for different categories to offer. Businesses have to meet the required criteria and standard regulations of the MCD authorities to be issued with a trade license for Retail Store.
The Trade License for Retail Store ensures that the businesses obey the laws and regulations set by the MCD authority. Some of the benefits that businesses can redeem with a trade license for Retail Store are listed below.
Entities who want to conduct monetary business must acquire a trade license for Retail Store by filling out the application form on the official website of the MCD with all the mandatory and specific details for the trade license for Retail Store.
Businesses may fill out their personal details in the application form.
The information about the store's premises, description and category is to be filled for a trade license for hotels.
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 MCD trade license is to be paid by the candidates.
Once the above listed steps are completed, candidates can download the trade license for Retail Store through their dashboard by logging .
The required documents that the businesses would need to submit to get a trade license for Retail Store are listed below.
The table below displays the fee that is charged by the government for a trade license for Retail Store 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 Retail Store is Rs 7500 exclusive of GST.
Learn about the penalties that the business who do not possess a trade license for Retail Store, or disobey the set rules or continue to trade with an outdated trade license for Retail Store may face:
Conclusion
A trade license for Retail Store permits them to deal in commercial business with other entities and commit to transactional activities within the legal framework. A trade license for Retail Store is necessary in order to ensure consumer trust and hold the entities credible. The MCD Trade License ensures that the businesses are in compliance with the law prior to conducting any financial transactions including sale, purchase, or trade of commodities and services. Once the three-year validity of the trade license for Retail Store has expired it is to be renewed to avoid imposition of penalties.
At Professional Utilities, we leverage our industry knowledge and expertise to help businesses navigate complex regulations, minimize risks, and optimize operations for maximum efficiency and profitability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Businesses are required to get a general trade license for Retail Store in Nehru Place, Connaught Place, Khan Market, Defence Colony, South Extension, Vasant Vihar, Greater Kailash, Saket, South Delhi and more places in Delhi.
You can apply for a Trade License for Retail Store online through the official MCD website. Fill out the application form with the required personal, property, and establishment details, upload the necessary documents, and pay the application fee.
Any business that continues to operate without renewal of trade license for Retail Store, will be imposed fines and penalties as punishment by the MCD authorities.
Identity proof such as Aadhar card, voter ID, PAN card, passport, driving license, Photograph of the establishment, Proof of legal occupancy such as tenancy proof, electricity/water bill, lease deed and more.
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