Planning to open a pharmacy, start a wholesale medicine business, or set up a drug manufacturing unit in Kolkata? You’ll need a drug license to legally operate your business.
Whether you’re in Salt Lake, Park Street, New Town, or Behala, the drug license process is the same across Kolkata.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process – from application to documentation to final approval – in a simple way.
What Is a Drug License?
A drug license is official approval issued by the State Drug Control Department, under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
It’s mandatory for any business involved in selling, storing, distributing, or manufacturing medicines.
In Kolkata, drug licenses are issued by the Directorate of Drugs Control, Government of West Bengal.
Types of Drug Licenses in Kolkata
Choose your license based on your business activity:
| License Type | Purpose | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Drug License | For medical shops or pharmacies selling directly to customers | ||
| Wholesale Drug License | For distributors or agents selling in bulk to retailers or hospitals | ||
| Manufacturing License | For factories producing drugs or cosmetics | ||
| Loan License |
| ||
| Homeopathy/Ayurveda License | For businesses dealing in traditional medicines |
How to Apply for a Drug License in Kolkata – Step-by-Step Process
Let’s break it down:
Step 1: Register Your Business
Set up your business as:
Also obtain:
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Trade License from Kolkata Municipal Corporation
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Shop Establishment Certificate
Step 2: Set Up Your Premises
Ensure the location:
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Is at least 10 sq. meters for retail or 15 sq. meters for wholesale
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Is in a commercial or mixed-use zone
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Has refrigeration and storage racks for medicines
Step 3: Appoint a Qualified Person
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Retail: Registered Pharmacist with a valid WB Pharmacy Council certificate
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Wholesale: A person with at least 1-year experience in dealing with drugs
Step 4: Register on XLN India Portal
Visit:
https://xlnindia.gov.in
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Select West Bengal
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Register and create your firm profile
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Fill out forms like Form 20, 21, 20B, or 21B based on your business
Step 5: Upload All Required Documents
Scan all documents clearly and upload them one by one (see checklist below).
Step 6: Pay Fees Online
The portal allows secure fee payment. Save your payment receipt.
Step 7: Premises Inspection
The Drug Inspector assigned to your area (North, South, Central Kolkata) will visit to inspect your location.
Step 8: License Issuance
If all conditions are met, your license will be issued within 30 to 45 working days. It remains valid for 5 years.
Documents Required for Drug License in Kolkata
Here’s a simple checklist:
Business Documents:
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Trade license (KMC)
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Rent agreement or premises ownership proof
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Electricity bill
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Blueprint or layout of the premises
Personal Documents:
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PAN & Aadhaar of the proprietor/partners
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Qualification and registration certificate of pharmacist/competent person
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Experience certificate (wholesale)
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Passport-size photos
Others:
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Refrigerator invoice
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NOC from the landlord (if applicable)
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Affidavit stating no criminal conviction
Drug License Fees in Kolkata (2025)
| License Type | Approximate Fees |
|---|---|
| Retail License | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Wholesale License | ₹5,000 – ₹7,500 |
| Manufacturing License | ₹10,000+ |
| Renewal | ₹2,500 – ₹5,000 |
Important Compliance After Getting the License
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Display your license at your store
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Maintain a purchase and sales register
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Store temperature-sensitive medicines in refrigerators
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Never sell prescription drugs without a valid doctor's prescription
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Renew the license before the expiry date
Tips to Avoid Rejections
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Upload all documents with clear names and good resolution
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Don’t delay in assigning a qualified pharmacist or competent person
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Ensure proper drug storage arrangements
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Keep your shop clean and organized for inspection
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Hire professional help if unsure about any step
Areas in Kolkata Where We Assist
We help with drug license assistance in all parts of Kolkata, including:
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Park Street
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Salt Lake
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Ballygunge
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New Town
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Garia
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Behala
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Tollygunge
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Dum Dum
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Baranagar
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Howrah (nearby)
Final Words
Getting a drug license in Kolkata is a legal requirement before you can sell or distribute medicines. The online process has made it easier, but there are still many technical steps that need to be done correctly.
At PSR Compliance, we assist and guide businesses in applying for drug licenses. We don’t issue licenses, but we help you understand the process, gather documents, and complete the steps smoothly.
👉 Need Help with Your Drug License Application in Kolkata?
We assist with:
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Choosing the right license
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Collecting required documents
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Applying through the XLN Portal
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Coordinating with local Drug Inspectors
✅ Affordable pricing
✅ Transparent process
✅ End-to-end support
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