Obtaining a Drug license in India is mandatory for businesses, planning to start a pharmacy, distribute medicines, or setting up a small drug manufacturing industry. It is a legal authorization that makes your business more genuine and reliable in the market. This comes under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, which ensures medicines are safe for public consumption. It is issued by the Drug Controlling Authority. Whether you are operating a pharmacy, wholesale distribution, or any small drug manufacturing unit, securing a valid Drug License certificate is mandatory. 

Additionally, the government has now streamlined the compliance by introducing drug license online. Whether you have to get the license or apply for its renewal, you can easily apply online. Having it is not just a formality, it also ensures your products are tested and safe for consumer use as well as, it also builds your brand image and making it more reliable.

Who can apply for a Drug License?

In India, the following parties can apply for a drug license:

• Manufacturers: Any individual or company looking to manufacture drugs and pharmaceuticals must seek a manufacturing license. This is to adhere to safety and quality standards.
• Wholesalers: Companies that sell drugs wholesale must apply for a wholesale license. This is to allow them to purchase drugs from manufacturers and sell them to retailers or healthcare providers.
• Retailers: Pharmacies and drug stores selling drugs directly to customers require a retail license. They must also adhere to rules in terms of storage, labeling, and dispensation.
• Importers: To import drugs into India, import licenses are required. All such imported drugs will be approved concerning Indian quality.
• Clinical Trial Sponsors: Clinical license applicants are organizations or individuals conducting clinical trials on new drugs. The clinical license ensures that the trials are conducted ethically and safely.

Each of the categories has its regulatory requirements and documentation, ensuring public health and safety.

Start your Drug License today!

There are more than ten different types of drug licenses. However, a business unit may require a separate permit based on its requirements. Some major types of drug licenses are as follows-

Manufacturing License

The manufacturing license is for a firm that is into the manufacturing of allopathic homoeopathic drugs.

Sale License

The sale license has two subcategories depending on the activity the firm is indulged in.

• Drug Wholesale License: If the applicant's firm is a drug wholesaler, he must register under the wholesale category.
• Drug Retail License: If the applicant is willing to sell the drugs through a retail shop, dispensary, and hospital. Then he must get himself registered under the Drug Sale license application only.

Loan License

When the applicant uses the resources of a previously registered manufacturer, like the machinery, staff and equipment, then he needs to get the Loan License to manufacture drugs as per the Drugs and Cosmetic Act.

Import License

Suppose the applicant is willing to import drugs from any foreign nation in India. In that case, they must apply for an import license with CDSCO to obtain the necessary permits to sell them in India.

FDA License

An FDA license is a permit that a company needs to get before selling food, drugs, cosmetics, or medical products in the USA. The FDA is a government agency that was set up in 1906 to protect consumers. They make sure that these products are safe for people to use. So, if a company wants to sell any of these products in the USA, they have to get an FDA license first. It's like getting approval from the government to show that the products are safe and can be sold to the public.

• The applicant must have at least fifteen square meters of space for the wholesale license, while the space requirement for the retail license is ten square meters.
• The applicant must also submit a layout plan, and the National Building Code of India guidelines must be followed.
• A registered pharmacist in wholesale and retail firms must have in-depth operation knowledge.
• The pharmacist must possess a license from the pharmacist council of India and have a valid registration date.
• The Drug License is not granted to a premise built on a DDA-allotted land.
• The proper storage facilities should be there. If the drugs must be placed at a low temperature, refrigeration arrangements must be available.

You need the following documents to obtain a drug license registration from the State Drug Licencing Authority. Some states may prescribe a slightly different list, but the basic structure of the checklist will be the same-

• Drug License Fees Receipts
• Application Form No. 19, as per the applicability
• Site Plan and Key Plan of the Premises
• Memorandum and Articles of Association
• Copy of Passed Resolution
• Partnership Deed
• Trust Deed
• Photo ID Proof of the Responsible Firm
• Non-Conviction Certificate
• Affidavit Regarding Compliances (if any)
• Registered Pharmacist Affidavit
• Proof of Qualification
• Pharmacy Council Registration
• Experience Certificate
• Appointment Letter of Competent Person
• Proof of Land Ownership or Possession

The Drug License certificate is provided to the applicant after going through the following steps-

Registration on Drug Licensing Portal

• You first need to register on the Drug Licensing Portal of your state.
• Every state has a separate Drug Licensing Authority which manages a Drug Licensing Portal online for Drug License Registration.
• If you already have the credentials, you can directly log in to the portal to apply for the Drug License Certificate.
• A central Drug Licensing Authority maintains a separate licensing portal for some specific cases and interstate matters.

Application Filing: Once logged in, you must enter the pharmacist's and competent people's details.

Form 20B Licence for Wholesale Distribution: The Form 20 B is the application form for wholesalers who are involved in the distribution of allopathic drugs under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rule. Having a Form 20B license is crucial for wholesalers to ensure smooth operations while staying compliant with the rules. It is mandatory for all traders to fill out this form before starting the distribution. To get this license, following documents are necessary:

• Proof of ownership/ rent
• Details of storage facility
• Information about qualified staff. 

Inspection Process: After successfully submitting the Drug License Application Form, the Drug Licensing Authority (DLA) schedules the inspection of your premises.

Grant of Drug License: Drug Licensing Authority goes through the submitted report of the Drug Inspector. It checks whether the applicant complies with the Drug Rules or not. If the report is in support of the applicant. Based on the report of the Drug Inspector, the appropriate authority grants a drug licence to the applicant.

How to apply for Drug Licence for Medical Store?

Setting up a retail medical store in India, requires drug license certificate. Obtaining a valid Drug license online for medical store is crucial to ensure smooth operations of your pharmacy. Without a legal approval, it’s illegal to sell any sort of drug in the market. To secure the license, one must be a qualified pharmacist, have proper drug storage facilities, and must have a shop property as per law.

Some of the key documents required for wholesale drug license are:-

• Identity of the Business owner
• Ownership/ Rental agreement of the shop
• Proof of pharmacist Qualification
• Site layout plan

The Drug License fees may differ for different states. For offline mode, you must deposit drug license fees in the government treasury. At the same time, you can also pay it online through various methods available in your state. The table below provides standard drug license fees for the issue of the Drug License.

Drug License Renewal and its Validity

The Drug licence in India is usually valid for five years. Businesses who plan to continue their operations without any interruption, must apply timely for Drug license renewal. An expired license may result in hefty fines, legal issues or business closure. 

In recent time, due to digitalization application process has become simpler, one can apply for drug license renewal online without visiting the authority. This included filing the application, submitting necessary documents and paying the prescribed Drug license renewal fees. This saves paperwork, ensures fast application. To streamline and fasten the procedure make sure you collect all the necessary documents and double check all the details before applying digitally.

Corpseed is a leading consulting firm dedicated to helping businesses meet regulatory requirements with ease. When it comes to obtaining or renewing a drug license, choosing the right partner makes all the difference.

• Expert Guidance on Drug Regulations: Our consultants simplify the legal requirements under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. We guide you through eligibility, types of licenses, documentation, and compliance so you never face unnecessary hurdles.
• Error-Free Application and Renewal Support: Whether you’re applying for a new drug license, modifying an existing one, or managing renewals, we ensure accuracy in every document. This reduces the chances of rejection and saves valuable time.
• End-to-End Assistance: From preparing and filing the application to coordinating with the drug authority, handling inspections, and tracking approvals, we take care of the complete process so you can focus on your pharmacy or business operations.
• State-Wise Expertise for Faster Approvals: Drug license requirements vary across states. Our team provides state-specific support covering fees, formats, and timelines, to ensure smoother and quicker approvals wherever you operate.