Opening a chemist shop, retail pharmacy, or wholesale medical business in India requires securing a statutory medical store licence (https://druglicense.in/medical-licence-in-india) under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Issued by the respective State Drug Control Authorities, this licence legalises the procurement, stocking, and sale of pharmaceutical formulations across India.
Key Eligibility & Space Criteria
Before submitting your medical licence application, ensure your retail or wholesale shop meets the statutory infrastructure and personnel requirements:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ STATUTORY SHOP ELIGIBILITY │
├───────────────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────────────┤
│ RETAIL MEDICAL STORE │ WHOLESALE PHARMACY │
├───────────────────────────────────┼─────────────────────────────────────┤
│ • Min. Area: 10 sq. metres │ • Min. Area: 15 sq. metres │
│ (approx. 108 sq. feet) │ (approx. 161 sq. feet) │
│ • Mandatory Registered Pharmacist │ • Registered Pharmacist OR │
│ (D.Pharm / B.Pharm) present │ Graduate with 1 yr experience │
│ • Working Refrigerator & AC │ • Cold Storage Setup & AC │
└───────────────────────────────────┴─────────────────────────────────────┘
Documents Required for Medical Store License
Ensure clean PDF/JPEG scans of all necessary documents are prepared before initiating the online application:
1. Identity & Qualification Credentials
Pharmacist Credentials: State Pharmacy Council Registration Certificate, Diploma/Degree Certificate, and official Appointment Letter.
Applicant Credentials: PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Voter ID/Passport, and passport-size photographs of the proprietor, partners, or directors.
Affidavits: Non-conviction affidavit stamped and executed on non-judicial stamp paper.
2. Shop Location & Commercial Proofs
Premises Ownership Proof: Registered lease agreement, rent agreement, or property ownership title deed.
Approved Layout Plan: Blueprint drawing showing shop floor dimensions, storage racks, display counters, and refrigeration unit placement.
Cold Storage Proof: Purchase invoice for the refrigerator and air conditioning system.
Business Incorporation Proof: Partnership Deed, Certificate of Incorporation (Pvt Ltd/LLP), or Proprietorship GST registration.
Fee Structure & License Validity
State Drug Control departments set the government fee for drug license applications and renewals:
| Service / License Type | Approx. Government Fee | Validity Period |
| Retail Drug License (Form 20 & 21) | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 | 5 Years |
| Wholesale Drug License (Form 20B & 21B) | ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 | 5 Years |
| Combined Retail & Wholesale License | ₹6,000 – ₹10,000 | 5 Years |
| Medical License Renewal Fees | ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 | Extended 5 Years |
Step-by-Step Medical Store License Process
Hire a registered pharmacist holding an active D.Pharm, B.Pharm, or Pharm.D registration certificate.
Set up commercial premises with lockable storage racks, display counters, air conditioning, and a working refrigerator.
Log into your State Drug Control Authority portal (e.g., Online Drug Licensing System). Fill out the application form and upload scanned documents.
Process the required government fee online and preserve the transaction acknowledgment receipt.
A Drug Inspector visits your shop to inspect space measurements, refrigeration functionality, storage safety, and original pharmacist documents.
Upon successful inspection approval, your medical store license certificate is generated online for download. Display it prominently inside the shop.
Medical License Renewal Online Procedure
A medical store license is valid for 5 years. Retaining the license requires submitting an online renewal/retention application prior to expiry:
Log in to State Drug Portal: Access your registered user account on the state online drug portal.
Select License Renewal: Choose medical licence renewal online and input your license registration number.
Upload Active Proofs: Attach active State Pharmacy Council renewal receipts for the pharmacist, updated rent agreement, and GST filings.
Pay Renewal Fees: Complete the online renewal fee payment.
Download Certificate: After verification, download the updated 5-year retention certificate.
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