Drug & Cosmetic License
Drug licence for retail or wholesale pharmacies, and manufacturing and cosmetic licences under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
- Estimate Cost
- ₹10,000 – ₹40,000
- Typical duration
- 30 days
Service overview
Obtaining state FDA approval for manufacturing, wholesale, or retail distribution of pharmaceutical products, medical devices, and cosmetics.
Who needs it? / When is it needed?
Pharmacies, chemists, pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and cosmetic companies wishing to trade or produce medical goods.
What to expect from the WCP Professionals
Premises inspection by drug inspectors, cold chain and storage verification, pharmacist qualification check, and licensing portal processing.
Key deliverables
Drug and Cosmetic License certificate (Retail/Wholesale/Manufacturing).
Standard turnaround time
15 to 30 working days.
Government fees, timelines & key outcomes
Licence fees are prescribed under the Drugs Rules, 1945 and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020 and vary by licence type — retail, wholesale, restricted, manufacturing or loan licence — and by the categories of drugs covered.
Key outcomes: a licence to stock, sell or manufacture drugs or cosmetics legally, avoiding stock seizure, sealing of premises or prosecution.
Forms & filings involved
- Application in Form 19 for retail or wholesale sale of drugs
- Retail licences issued in Forms 20 and 21; wholesale licences in Forms 20B and 21B
- Manufacturing licence applications under the Drugs Rules, 1945
- Cosmetic manufacturing licence under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020
- Undertakings and affidavits as prescribed by the State Drugs Control Department
Documents required
Proof of premises ownership or rent agreement, pharmacist registration certificate, qualification degrees, layout plan of the premises, and refrigeration equipment bills.
What we need from you
Registered pharmacist details, floor plan dimensions, storage facility proof, and proprietor/director KYC.
Important conditions
Subject to physical inspection by state drug inspectors and mandatory appointment of a qualified registered pharmacist.
Additional information
Strictly mandatory under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act before commencing any sale, distribution, or manufacturing of medicines and cosmetics.
The estimated cost covers indicative professional fees only. Government fees, stamp duty and taxes are payable at actuals.
How it works
- 1. Raise a service enquiry describing your requirement.
- 2. A Relationship Manager reviews it and opens it for bidding.
- 3. Pay into escrow and assign the professional you select.
- 4. Track progress to completion, then accept and release payment.
Frequently asked questions
Who needs a drug licence?
Anyone selling, stocking, distributing or manufacturing medicines, including pharmacies, distributors and online pharmacies.
Does a retail pharmacy need a registered pharmacist?
Yes. A retail drug licence requires a registered pharmacist to be in charge of the premises.
What is the difference between Form 20 and Form 21 licences?
Form 20 covers drugs other than those in Schedules C, C1 and X, and Form 21 covers drugs in Schedules C and C1; most pharmacies hold both.
Is an inspection required?
Yes. A drugs inspector inspects the premises, storage and records before the licence is granted.