Trade License Online
Despite being a common legal permit, many entrepreneurs are not sure about whether they can secure a trade license online. The answer is Yes! Every business owner that falls under the municipal limits can apply for a trade license online and download the same electronically from the authority portal. However, to do so successfully, you must be aware of every nitpick of this license and the underlying regulations. With that being said, let’s drill down what this license is all about, who needs to apply for it, the paperwork, and the process.
What is a trade license?
A trade license is a legal permit to operate in a given jurisdiction. Granted by the respective municipal corporation, this license spans businesses that deal with products and services either via trading, production, or any other endevours. According to the Shop and Establishment Act, the trade license applies to entities that belong to commercial settings. One can apply for a trade license online and offline.
What aspects does a trade license cover?
Trade license regulates various business facets such as;
- Worker’s condition
- Child labour
- Work timing
- Overtime
- Discrimination
- Working environment
- Safety protocols
- Workplace hygiene
Apart from that, a trade license also regulates business activities to minimize environmental and health hazards.
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Documents required when going for a trade license online
- Proof of Identity: This could be a copy of your Aadhaar, passport, driver’s license, or any other government-issued ID.
- Proof of Address: This can be utility bills, rental agreements, or property ownership documents validating your business address.
- Business Incorporation Documents: This document varies depending on the structure chosen by your company such as private limited, LLP, partnership, or sole proprietorship.
- Financial Documents: This may include bank statements, financial statements, or tax returns.
- Proof of Professional Qualifications: If your business requires professional qualifications or licenses (e.g., for doctors, lawyers, engineers), you’ll need to provide copies of these credentials.
- Health and Safety Certificates: based on the industry you serve, you may need to share health and safety permits issued by the competent authority.
- Fire Safety Clearance: If your entity is prone to a fire-related accident, you must have a Fire NOC.
- Environmental Clearance: If your business activities cause significant enviromental hazards, you must have a permit for the same from the competent authority.
How to apply for a trade license online?
To apply for a trade license online, you need to follow the given steps:
Step 1: Vist the Official Website
Head to the municipal corporation portal and create a valid account after completing the verification process.
Step 2: Explore the Application Section
From the home page, look for the section boasting the trade license application. Make sure to select the relevant options such as the correct business type, industry, etc before you start filling out the application.
Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form
Fill out the application form with relevant details such as business, contact information, ownership structure, business activities, etc.
Step 4: Upload Documents
Scan or take clear photos of the necessary documents and upload them on the portal in a recommended format.
Step 5: Pay Fees
Once you complete the above step, the portal will redirect you to the payment page wherein you need to submit the applicable fee.
Step 6: Application vetting
Once the relevant department receives the application, they will initiate the vetting process. In case of any error, the applicant may confront cancellation.
Step 7: Grant of certificate
The successful vetting will lead to the grant of a certificate, reinforcing the legitimacy of the business within the purview of municipal limits.
Some noteworthy points concerning the trade license
- Trade license has three major types namely health trade license, food permit, and industrial registration.
- A trade license is granted by the respective municipal corporation against the standard application and fee
- A trade license comes with a limited validity that varies state-wise.
- The cost and time to grant this license are not the same across all states.
Conclusion
While you can choose an offline mode, applying for a Trade License Online is still the most convenient option. It is seamless, paperless, and imposes minimal legal requirements. However, there are instances, where applicants fail to secure the license electronically owing to inaccurate paperwork and non-adherence to underlying legalities.
In such cases, the authority has no choice other than to cancel the application, which in turn, compels the applicant to follow the entire process again. If you wish to avert such hassles, connect with Adviso without any second thought.
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