Drug Licence for PCD Pharma Franchise: Which Licence, Who Issues It, What It Costs
The one document no PCD company can do without – explained in plain language for new franchise partners
You cannot buy medicines from any PCD pharma company – including Trumac Healthcare – without a drug licence for PCD pharma franchise. It is the first thing we ask for, and the first thing you should arrange. This guide explains which licence you need, who issues it, what the drug inspector checks, how long it takes and what to do while you wait.
Which licence does a PCD franchise partner need?
A PCD partner buys from the company and sells to chemists, stockists and hospitals, so you need a wholesale drug licence under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act – Form 20B (for Schedule C and C(1) drugs, which covers most tablets, capsules and syrups) and Form 21B (for biologicals, injectables and other Schedule C/C(1) products). Most partners take both so that the full range, including injections, can be stocked. If you also run a retail counter, the retail licences (Forms 20 and 21) are separate.
Who issues it?
The State Drugs Control department (State Licensing Authority) of your state, through the drug inspector of your area. Applications in most states are now filed online on the state FDA or the national ONDLS portal, followed by a premises inspection.
What the drug inspector checks
- Premises: a godown or shop of adequate area (states generally expect at least 10 square metres for wholesale), with a refrigerator for cold-chain products, racks, and protection from heat and moisture
- Competent person: a registered pharmacist, or a graduate with at least one year of experience in dealing with drugs, or an SSLC/matriculate with four years of experience – the exact rule is in the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules and is applied by your state
- Documents: proof of ownership or rent agreement of the premises, site plan, identity and address proof, qualification and experience certificates of the competent person, affidavits and the prescribed fee
- For a company or partnership: partnership deed or incorporation documents and the list of partners/directors
How long does it take and what does it cost?
Typically two to six weeks from application to licence, depending on the state and how quickly the inspection is scheduled. Government fees are modest (a few thousand rupees for the pair of wholesale licences in most states); if you use a consultant, their fee is extra. The licence is valid for five years and is then renewed.
GST and the e-way bill
GST registration is not a condition for the drug licence, but you need it to claim input credit on your purchases, and most companies will ask for it on the invoice. If you have not taken GST yet, Trumac Healthcare can raise the first invoices against your Aadhaar for the e-way bill. See cost and documents for the full list.
What you can do while the licence is in process
- Shortlist your divisions and your first 25–30 products from the product list
- Confirm your district is free for monopoly – send it to us on WhatsApp
- Map the doctors and chemists you will cover, and plan your promotional material
- Arrange the godown, racks and refrigerator the inspector will look for
After the licence
Share a copy of the drug licence and GST certificate with us. We add them to your account, send the price list and monopoly terms, and your first order (minimum ₹25,000) is dispatched the same day the payment reflects.
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Frequently asked questions
Which drug licence is required for a PCD pharma franchise?
A wholesale drug licence under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act – Form 20B and Form 21B – issued by your State Drugs Control department. Retail licences (Forms 20/21) are separate and only needed if you also sell to patients.
Can I start a PCD franchise without a drug licence?
No. A PCD company cannot bill medicines to anyone without a valid drug licence. You can shortlist products and reserve your area while the licence is in process, but supply starts only after it is issued.
Who can be the competent person for a wholesale licence?
A registered pharmacist, or a graduate with one year of experience in dealing with drugs, or a matriculate with four years’ experience – as laid down in the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules and applied by your state licensing authority.
How long does the drug licence take?
Usually two to six weeks after the online application, depending on the state and the inspection date. It is valid for five years.
Is GST compulsory for a PCD franchise?
GST is not required for the drug licence, but you need it to claim input credit. Trumac Healthcare can bill the first orders against Aadhaar for the e-way bill until GST is registered.
Does Trumac Healthcare help with the licence?
We guide new partners on the requirements and documents and can connect you with partners who have been through the process in your state; the application itself is made by you to the state authority.
Talk to us: WhatsApp +91 90416 77932 with your area and the divisions you want. Related: PCD pharma franchise company · cost and documents · monopoly franchise · how to choose a PCD company · product list.