Selling medicines in India, retail, wholesale or online, requires a drug license under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. The requirements are physical and specific: qualified staff, minimum premises area and cold storage where products demand it.
Krishna TaxNova manages the complete licensing process with the state drug control department, including the premises setup checklist and inspection preparation that decide approval.
What is Drug License?
Retail drug licenses (Form 20/21) require a registered pharmacist and prescribed premises area, serving end consumers. Wholesale licenses (Form 20B/21B) require a competent person with pharma qualification or experience. Both are premises specific, granted after inspection by the drug control authority, and typically valid for five years. Online sellers additionally comply with e-pharmacy norms.
Who Should Apply for Drug License?
- Pharmacies and chemist shops
- Pharmaceutical wholesalers and distributors
- Hospitals and clinics dispensing medicines
- Companies entering pharma trading or marketing
Benefits of Drug License
Lawful Pharma Trade
Dealing in drugs unlicensed is a criminal offence; the license is non negotiable.
Supply Chain Access
Manufacturers and stockists supply only against valid licenses.
Tender and Institutional Sales
Hospital and government supply contracts require licensed vendors.
Five Year Validity
Long validity with structured renewal keeps operations stable.
Expansion Framework
Additional premises and categories are added through defined amendments.
Documents Required for Drug License
Keep these documents ready. You can upload them using the form on this page or send them to us on WhatsApp.
- PAN and Aadhaar of proprietor or directors
- Premises proof with layout plan showing prescribed area
- Registered pharmacist’s qualification, registration and consent (retail)
- Competent person’s qualification and experience proof (wholesale)
- Refrigerator and storage equipment invoices
- Incorporation documents for companies
- Affidavits in prescribed formats
Step by Step Process for Drug License
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Step 1: Requirement Planning
Premises area, staff and storage requirements are mapped before you commit to a location.
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Step 2: Documentation
Applications, affidavits and staff documents are prepared in department formats.
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Step 3: Portal Filing
The application is filed with the state drug control department with fees.
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Step 4: Inspection
We prepare the premises for the drug inspector’s visit and accompany responses.
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Step 5: License Grant
The license is issued and renewal plus record keeping obligations are set up.
Drug License at a Glance
Estimated Timeline
30 to 60 days including inspection
Governing Authority
State Drugs Control Department / CDSCO
Validity
5 years, renewable
Government Fees
State government fees per license category
Why Choose Krishna TaxNova for Drug License?
Drug licensing fails at inspection: area short by a few feet, storage records missing, pharmacist documentation incomplete. Our pre inspection checklist exists so none of that happens to you.
CA Led Team in Delhi
Your work is handled by a qualified Chartered Accountant team, not a call center. You get correct advice the first time.
Upload Documents Online
Share everything from your phone or laptop. Use the secure upload form on this page or simply WhatsApp us your documents.
Transparent Pricing
You approve a clear quote before we start. No hidden charges at any stage.
End to End Support
From document collection to final approval and post registration compliance, one team stays with you throughout.
Drug License: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a pharmacy without a pharmacist?
No. Retail sale requires a registered pharmacist present during business hours. Wholesale needs a competent person with prescribed qualification or experience instead.
Do I need separate licenses for retail and wholesale?
Yes, they are separate licenses with different staff and premises requirements. Businesses doing both hold both, which we structure together.
Can medicines be sold online?
Online sale operates through licensed premises complying with e-pharmacy norms, prescriptions handled per rules. The underlying drug license remains the foundation, and we advise on the current regulatory position.
What records must a licensee maintain?
Purchase and sale records with batch details, prescriptions for scheduled drugs and temperature logs where applicable. Inspectors check these at renewal, so we set up the registers on day one.
How long does Drug License take?
In most cases the work is completed in 30 to 60 days including inspection. The exact time depends on how quickly documents are shared and on processing time at the department. We keep you updated at every stage.
What documents are needed for Drug License?
The key documents include pan and aadhaar of proprietor or directors, premises proof with layout plan showing prescribed area, registered pharmacist's qualification, registration and consent (retail), competent person's qualification and experience proof (wholesale). Our team shares a simple checklist after the first call so nothing is missed.
Can I complete Drug License fully online?
Yes. The entire process is online. Fill the form on this page, upload your documents or WhatsApp them to us, and our experts handle the filings. You do not need to visit any office.
Which authority handles Drug License?
Drug License falls under State Drugs Control Department / CDSCO. Krishna TaxNova prepares and files your application in the required format and responds to any queries raised by the department.
What is the validity of Drug License?
The validity is 5 years, renewable. We send renewal and compliance reminders in advance so you never miss a due date.
Do you provide Drug License outside Delhi?
Yes. We are based in Delhi and serve clients across India. Since the process is fully online, your location does not matter. Documents can be shared through the website or WhatsApp.
Get Drug License Done by Experts
Fill in your details, upload your documents online or send them on WhatsApp. A qualified CA will review your case and call you back with the exact steps and a fixed quote.