Factory License

Mandatory license for all manufacturing units under the Factories Act, 1948. Required when 10+ workers are employed with power, or 20+ workers without power.

Factories Act 1948
State Labour Dept
15–30 Days
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What is a Factory License?

Under the Factories Act, 1948, any manufacturing premises employing 10 or more workers with the use of power (or 20+ workers without power) must obtain a Factory License from the Chief Inspector of Factories (State Labour Department). The Act aims to ensure worker safety, health, and welfare. The license must be obtained before commencing manufacturing operations and must be renewed annually. The occupier of the factory is personally responsible for compliance with all provisions of the Act.

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Key Requirements Under Factories Act

Mandatory Safety Compliance

Factories must comply with safety provisions — machinery guards, fire prevention, ventilation, and emergency exits.

Worker Welfare

Provide drinking water, latrines, canteen (100+ workers), crèche (30+ female workers), and rest rooms.

Hazardous Processes

Special provisions for hazardous manufacturing — health surveys, protective equipment, and medical facilities.

Working Hours Compliance

Workers cannot work more than 48 hours/week, 9 hours/day. Overtime at double rate mandatory.

Eligibility & Requirements

Factory premises ownership or rental agreement
Site plan and factory layout
List of manufacturing processes and machinery
Number of workers and shift details
PAN Card of occupier (owner) and manager
Certificate from competent authority on structural stability
Fire NOC from Fire Department
Environmental clearance (if applicable)

How to Obtain a Factory License

Factory license application is filed with the Chief Inspector of Factories in the respective state.

1Step 1: Prepare Factory Plan

Get factory site plan and layout prepared by a licensed architect/engineer showing all departments, machinery, and safety provisions.

2Step 2: Submit Plan for Approval

Submit factory plan to Chief Inspector for approval under Section 6 of the Factories Act before construction/modification.

3Step 3: Apply for License (Form 2)

File Form 2 application for factory license with all required documents after plan approval.

4Step 4: Factory Inspection

Inspector of Factories visits for structural, machinery, fire safety, and welfare facility inspection.

5Step 5: Factory License Issued

Chief Inspector issues the Factory License (Form 4) specifying category and maximum workers allowed.

Factory license takes 15–30 days from plan approval. Larger or hazardous factories take longer due to additional inspections.

Documents Required

Occupier Documents

  • PAN Card
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Address proof
  • Identity proof

Factory Documents

  • Site plan and factory layout
  • Structural stability certificate
  • List of machinery with HP rating
  • Fire NOC

Workers & Processes

  • Number of workers per shift
  • Nature of manufacturing process
  • Hazardous materials list (if applicable)

Post-Registration Compliance

Annual License Renewal

Factory license must be renewed annually by 31st December. Late renewal attracts penalties.

Safety Inspections

Factory Inspector may conduct surprise inspections. Non-compliance attracts fines and factory closure.

Statutory Registers

Maintain registers of workers, attendance, wages, overtime, accidents, and dangerous occurrences.

Accident Reporting

Any accident causing death or serious injury must be reported to the Inspector within 12 hours.

Common Questions

Everything you need to know

The person who has ultimate control over the factory affairs. For a company, it is a director; for a partnership, a designated partner.

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