Trade License

What is Trade License?

If you plan to establish a business of your own and you have no idea where to start and what approval is needed, then the first thing you need to look is that –whether you want to deal in goods or services and secondly- what will be your place of business. After being clear about the above mentioned points, the next thing on your to-do list is getting a license.

By the way of this license, the government regulates any specific business in a specific locality. The Municipal Corporation of the place grants permission or trade license to carry on a particular trade in a particular locality. It ensures adherence to relevant rules, standards and safety guidelines prevailing in the land.

Why it is different from Company Registration?

The registration of the business is important for giving it a legal identity of its own. It depends upon the promoter to decide upon the type of entity he wants to establish depending upon his business scale. If any person is found conducting the business activity without obtaining the license, the business will be considered as illegal and heavy penalty may be levied upon the owner.

When should License be Acquired?

Every business entity planning to start i'ts business operations shall be required to obtainthis license within 15 days of the commencement of any activities. The activity consists of manufacture, exchange or even storage of any commodity. In some states it is mandatory to apply for this license 3 months prior to the commencement of any business activity.

Who Regulates Trade License?

Generally, the state governments regulate in the state with the help of Municipal Corporations of the area. In some states, it is mandatory while it is optional in other states. The fees prescribed for the online trade license also varies from one state to another. The manner of collection of the fees is also different. In some cities it is charged as the annual fees while in the other, it is calculated and charged on the basis of percentage of business turnover. Some states have exempted certain departments from getting a license, eg. MSME in Delhi.

What are the minimum requirements for getting a license?

The Government has prescribed certain minimum requirements for obtaining online trade license in various states and cities. Some of the general conditions are as follow:

• The individual applying for license must be atleast 18 years of age.
• The activities in which the business is going to get engaged shall be legal.
• The applicant shall be of clean image and shall be free from any criminal background.

Appeal for Denial of Application

In case your application for online Trade License is denied on any grounds, then, you can file a petition to Standing Committee (Health) with a copy of letter of denial to consider the matter.

What are the Documents Required?