Drug Licence in West Bengal (2026): Retail and Wholesale Pharmacy Licence, Pharmacist, Area and Fees
To open a medicine shop or a pharma distribution business in Kolkata, you need a drug licence from the West Bengal Directorate of Drugs Control under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. A retail chemist takes licences in Form 20 and 21; a wholesaler or distributor takes Form 20B and 21B. The key conditions are a registered pharmacist for retail (or a qualified competent person for wholesale), at least 10 square metres of premises (15 square metres for retail and wholesale together), and a refrigerator for drugs that need cold storage. Licences no longer need renewal; they remain valid as long as the retention fee is paid every five years.
Which licence do you need?
| Business | Licences | Key person |
|---|---|---|
| Retail chemist | Form 20 (general drugs) and Form 21 (Schedule C and C1 drugs) | Registered pharmacist, working full time |
| Wholesaler or distributor | Form 20B and Form 21B | Competent person: a pharmacist, or a graduate with one year of experience in drug dealing, or a matriculate with four years of experience |
| Both from the same premises | Retail and wholesale licences | Both conditions met |
Narcotic and psychotropic drugs, and Schedule X drugs, need additional licences and strict record-keeping.
Premises conditions
- Area: at least 10 square metres for retail or wholesale, and 15 square metres for both.
- Storage: clean, dry premises with racks; a refrigerator for vaccines, insulin and other cold-chain drugs.
- Location proof: ownership papers or a rent agreement, plus a site plan and the owner’s consent.
- Signboard: the shop name and licence numbers must be displayed.
Documents
- Application with the prescribed fee.
- Proof of constitution: proprietor ID, partnership deed, or company and LLP papers.
- Premises documents, site plan and key plan.
- Pharmacist’s registration certificate with the West Bengal Pharmacy Council, appointment letter and affidavit; or the competent person’s qualification and experience certificates.
- Affidavit of non-conviction under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
- Invoice for the refrigerator, where needed.
Fees and validity
The government fee is ₹3,000 for each licence. Since the 2017 amendment to the Rules, a licence remains valid perpetually if the retention fee is paid every five years. Missing the retention fee can lead to suspension, so put the date in your compliance calendar.
Process and inspection
- Apply online on the state’s drug licensing system and pay the fee.
- A Drug Inspector inspects the premises, checks the area, storage, refrigerator and the pharmacist’s presence.
- The licensing authority grants the licence after a satisfactory inspection.
- After grant, keep purchase and sale records, prescription records for Schedule H and H1 drugs, and the pharmacist on site during opening hours.
Tax registrations you also need
- GST: most medicines are taxed at 5% after the 2025 rate rationalisation, with some life-saving drugs exempt. See our guide to GST registration in Kolkata.
- KMC trade licence: see KMC trade licence fees and validity.
- Shop registration under the West Bengal Shops and Establishments Act.
FAQs
Can a non-pharmacist open a medical shop in Kolkata?
Yes, if a registered pharmacist is employed full time and is present during working hours.
What is the minimum area for a drug licence?
10 square metres for retail or wholesale, and 15 square metres for both from the same premises.
Do drug licences need renewal?
No. They remain valid if the retention fee is paid every five years.
What is the fee for a drug licence?
₹3,000 for each licence form, such as 20 and 21.
TAXAJ helps pharmacies and distributors in Kolkata with drug licence paperwork, GST and accounts. See our drug licence service or talk to our Kolkata team.
Last updated 11 November 2026. Sources: Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940; Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, rules 59 to 66 and the 2017 amendment on retention fees. Fees and procedures can change; check with the Directorate of Drugs Control, West Bengal before applying. General information only.
