Drug License in West Bengal: Retail and Wholesale Pharmacy License

Drug License in West Bengal: Retail and Wholesale Pharmacy License

If you plan to open a retail or wholesale pharmacy in West Bengal in 2025 the law requires that you first obtain a valid drug license from the State Drug Control Directorate. Whether you're a chemist, a medical store owner or a pharmaceutical distributor this registration ensures that you can lawfully sell, stock, exhibit, or distribute drugs and medicines. Without it even stocking a tablet becomes a punishable offense under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940

This blog explains everything you need to know about the drug license process in West Bengal — including who needs one, what documents you must prepare, how to apply, how much it costs, and how to stay compliant post-registration.

Drug License in West Bengal

A drug license is a mandatory legal permit issued. It is issued by the Drugs Control Department. The purpose of this license is to regulate the trade of medicines and ensure that drugs are distributed by qualified individuals only. The Drugs and Cosmetics Act classifies drugs into different schedules and each type of license applies to different classes.

In West Bengal retail and wholesale drug licenses are issued for different purposes:

• Retail License: For pharmacies, clinics, hospitals and individual sellers who sell drugs to end-users
• Wholesale License: For businesses who sell drugs to retailers, distributors, hospitals or research institutions

 Drug License

Who Needs a Drug License in West Bengal?

The law is very clear. Anyone who wants to do business involving drugs — either at the retail or wholesale level — must register. The following categories must apply for a drug license:

• Chemist shops and retail pharmacy outlets
• Wholesale drug suppliers and distributors
• Ayurvedic, Unani, and Siddha medicine sellers (under specific rules)
• Online medicine delivery businesses
• Pharmaceutical companies involved in repackaging
• Importers and exporters of drugs and formulations

Key Conditions for Eligibility

Before you start applying, you must meet a few basic conditions:

• The shop must be a clean premises with adequate space (10–15 sq.m or more).
• You must appoint a registered pharmacist (for retail license).
• You must employ a competent person with 1+ year experience (for wholesale license).
• Storage must include refrigeration and ventilated shelves.

Documents Required 

Here’s what you’ll need to gather before applying:

For Individual Proprietorship:

• PAN card and Aadhaar of the applicant
• Proof of ownership
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from landlord if rented
• Qualification and registration certificate of the pharmacist
• Appointment letter of the pharmacist
• Affidavit on Rs.10 non-judicial stamp paper
• Refrigerator purchase bill with power backup proof
• Blueprint of the premises layout
• Site photographs (internal and external)
• GST registration (if applicable)

For Companies or Partnerships:

• Company PAN card and incorporation certificate
• Partnership deed or Board resolution
• Details of directors/partners
• List of equipment and storage details

All documents must be scanned and uploaded in the correct format as per the portal’s requirements.

Registration Process for Drug License in West Bengal

The application process for both retail and wholesale drug licenses in West Bengal is now fully online. Here's a step-by-step overview:

Step 1: Create Login

Visit the official website of the Directorate of Drugs Control: www.wbhealth.gov.in. Click on the “Drug License” tab and create your login credentials.

Step 2: Fill Application

Choose your license type (Retail/Wholesale/Combined). Fill out the details about your shop, pharmacist, and storage. Upload the necessary documents.

Step 3: Pay Government Fee

The portal generates a challan for payment. You can pay the license fee through GRIPS (Government Receipt Portal System) or via authorized e-payment methods.

Step 4: Site Inspection

After submission, an inspector visits the premises to verify the physical infrastructure, refrigeration, pharmacist presence, and documentation.

Step 5: Grant of License

Once approved, you receive a digitally signed drug license via email or on the portal dashboard.

The total time for processing can range from 15 to 30 working days depending on file completeness.

Cost of Drug License Registration in West Bengal

The type of license determine the license required:

Additional professional charges may apply if you’re using a consultant.

Validity and Renewal of License

A drug license in West Bengal is valid for 5 years. After the expiry, you must apply for renewal at least 30 days before the expiry date.

Renewal Checklist:

• Old license copy
• Updated pharmacist affidavit
• Stock and sale report
• Premises ownership proof (updated)
• Recent photos and declarations

If you don’t renew on time, it can lead to cancellation or penalties.

 Apply for a Drug License Wholesale & Retail

Agile Regulatory as Your Drug License Consultant

Getting a drug license in West Bengal is a long process. Agile Regulatory makes it easy for retail and wholesale pharmacy owners by handling everything — from document collection, site compliance, pharmacist appointment, to final approval.

Whether you're opening your first medical store or expanding your business with a wholesale unit, our team helps you get licensed faster and safer — without compliance stress.