Retail and wholesale drug license for pharmacies and medical stores under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940. Covers Form 20/21 for retail and Form 20B/21B for wholesale.
A drug license is not optional — it is a strict legal requirement to stock, sell, or distribute any scheduled drug in India.
No pharmacy or medical store can legally stock or sell Schedule H, H1, or X drugs without a valid drug license. Operating without one is a criminal offence under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940.
Pharmaceutical companies, distributors, and C&F agents will only supply scheduled drugs to licensed retailers and wholesalers. A drug license is the entry ticket to the pharma supply chain.
Banks and NBFCs require a valid drug license before sanctioning loans for pharmacy businesses. Government schemes like PMEGP for healthcare also mandate it.
A wholesale drug license (Form 20B/21B) allows you to stock and sell drugs to retailers, hospitals, dispensaries, and nursing homes — expanding your business significantly.
Drug licenses are governed by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940, administered by the State Drug Controller appointed by each state government.
We coordinate with the registered pharmacist, prepare all documentation, and handle the State Drug Controller application from start to finish.
A registered pharmacist (with valid Pharmacy Council registration) must be appointed and their appointment letter and affidavit prepared. This is a mandatory prerequisite for any drug license.
Ensure the premises meets Schedule N requirements: minimum 10 sqm area for retail, adequate shelving, refrigeration (if stocking biological products), and separate storage for Schedule X drugs if applicable.
Complete application filed with the State Drug Controller (SDC) along with all documents, prescribed government fee, and a list of scheduled drugs to be stocked.
A Drug Inspector appointed by the SDC visits the premises to verify storage conditions, pharmacist presence, and compliance with Schedule N and K requirements.
After satisfactory inspection, the State Drug Controller issues the drug license in Form 20 and/or Form 21 (retail) or Form 20B and/or Form 21B (wholesale). License is typically valid for 5 years and must be renewed before expiry.
Documents must be in the name of the business and must match the registered pharmacist's details precisely.
Total time: 4–12 weeks, depending on state drug authority processing speed, inspection scheduling, and premises readiness.
WhatsApp Anurag with your pharmacy details. We handle the entire State Drug Controller process.
WhatsApp us → ₹3,999 onwardsUsually: the registered pharmacist's certificate and registration (for retail), a competent person's qualification proof (for wholesale), proof of the premises (ownership or rent agreement with NOC), a premises layout, ID and address proof, the constitution proof of the firm or company, and affidavits. The State Drug Controller can ask for more, so we confirm the list for your state.
A retail licence (Form 20 and 21) is for selling medicines to patients over the counter. A wholesale licence (Form 20B and 21B) is for selling to retailers, hospitals and other licence holders. Many businesses need both.
For a retail pharmacy, yes: a registered pharmacist must be in charge. A wholesale licence needs a competent person with the qualification and experience set by the rules. We tell you which applies to you.
The rules set a minimum floor area and need storage such as a refrigerator for items that must be kept cold. The exact requirement depends on the licence type, so check before you rent or fit out the premises. Send us the layout and we tell you if it fits.
Our fee is ₹3,999. The government fee, which depends on the licence type and state, is extra and paid at actuals. We confirm the amount before filing.
It is an offence under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, with imprisonment and fine, and stock can be seized.
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