Can one licence cover retail and wholesale?

Generally you need separate licences for retail and wholesale activities. Check your state's rules.

How does pharmacy software help with licensing compliance?

It keeps clean, auditable records — batch numbers, expiry, sales and purchase history — which simplifies inspections and renewals.

5 min read

Drug licence for a pharmacy in India: types, process and renewal

A drug licence is the core legal requirement for selling medicines in India. This guide explains the main licence types, who's eligible, and how the process works. Specifics are governed by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and administered by your state — verify details with your State Drugs Control Department.

Retail vs wholesale drug licence

A retail drug licence (Forms 20 and 21) lets you sell medicines directly to consumers. A wholesale drug licence (Forms 20B and 21B) is for selling to other businesses such as pharmacies and hospitals. If you do both, you generally need both.

Eligibility

Retail typically requires a registered pharmacist on the premises. Wholesale typically requires a competent person with prescribed qualifications/experience. Requirements vary by state, so confirm locally.

How to apply

Applications are usually filed online via the state drug control portal, with the required documents and fees. A drugs inspector verifies the premises and storage before the licence is issued.

Validity and renewal

Drug licences are now commonly issued for several years and must be renewed before expiry. Keep your pharmacist registration current and your records inspection-ready — software that maintains audit trails and expiry data makes inspections far easier.

Frequently asked questions

Form 20 (with Form 21) is the retail drug licence for selling to consumers; Form 20B (with 21B) is the wholesale licence for selling to other businesses.