Factory License (small-scale within corporation limits)

1. TYPES OF APPROVALS REQUIRED

For small-scale factories, you typically need:

  1. Factory License – from Kerala Factories and Boilers Department
  2. D&O Trade License – from Municipal Corporation
  3. Consent to Operate – from Kerala State Pollution Control Board
  4. Fire Safety Certificate – from Fire & Rescue Department
  5. Building Permit / Occupancy Certificate – from Corporation

2. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS 

A. BASIC DOCUMENTS

  • Application Form (prescribed format)
  • Identity Proof of Applicant (Aadhaar / PAN)
  • Passport Size Photos
  • Address Proof of Owner

B. LAND & BUILDING DOCUMENTS

  • Land Ownership Proof / Lease Agreement
  • Land Tax Receipt
  • Location Sketch & Site Plan
  • Approved Building Plan
  • Building Number Certificate / Occupancy Certificate

C. FACTORY DETAILS

  • Nature of Manufacturing Activity
  • List of Machinery with HP (Horse Power)
  • Process Flow Chart
  • Raw Materials & Finished Products Details
  • Number of Employees (Male/Female)

D. SAFETY & COMPLIANCE DOCUMENTS

  • NOC from Fire Department
  • Pollution Control Board Consent (Consent to Establish & Operate)
  • Stability Certificate (from licensed engineer)
  • Safety Measures Declaration

E. LEGAL & BUSINESS DOCUMENTS

  • MSME/Udyam Registration Certificate
  • GST Registration
  • Partnership Deed / Company Incorporation Certificate (if applicable)
  • Board Resolution / Authorization Letter

F. ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS (IF APPLICABLE)

  • Hazardous Process Declaration
  • Insurance Certificate
  • Electrical Installation Certificate

3. STEP-BY-STEP APPLICATION PROCESS

STEP 1: BUSINESS REGISTRATION

  • Register your unit under MSME (Udyam Registration)
  • Obtain GST Registration (if required)

STEP 2: LAND & BUILDING APPROVAL

  • Apply for Building Permit from Corporation
  • Construct building as per approved plan
  • Obtain Occupancy Certificate

STEP 3: POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD APPROVAL

  • Apply online via Kerala PCB portal
  • Submit:
    • Site plan
    • Manufacturing details
  • Get:
    • Consent to Establish (CTE)
    • Consent to Operate (CTO)

STEP 4: FIRE & SAFETY CLEARANCE

  • Apply to Fire Department
  • Install safety equipment:
    • Fire extinguishers
    • Emergency exits
  • Get Fire NOC

STEP 5: FACTORY LICENSE APPLICATION

Apply through Kerala Factories & Boilers Department

Process:

  1. Fill Form (Factory License Application)
  2. Upload all documents
  3. Pay prescribed fee
  4. Inspection by Factory Inspector
  5. Rectify defects (if any)
  6. License issued

STEP 6: MUNICIPAL D&O LICENSE

  • Apply at Corporation Office / Online Portal
  • Submit:
    • Factory License copy
    • PCB Consent
    • Fire NOC
  • Pay annual fee
  • Obtain Trade License

4. FEES (APPROXIMATE)

  • Factory License Fee – based on HP & workers
  • PCB Fee – depends on pollution category
  • Trade License – ₹1,000 to ₹10,000+
  • Fire NOC – nominal / inspection-based

5. PROCESSING TIME

  • PCB Approval: 15–30 days
  • Fire NOC: 7–15 days
  • Factory License: 15–30 days
  • Trade License: 7–10 days

6. IMPORTANT COMPLIANCE POINTS

  • Maintain safety standards under Factories Act, 1948
  • Ensure worker welfare facilities
  • Renew licenses annually
  • Maintain registers (attendance, wages, safety)

7. FINAL CHECKLIST

Before starting operations, ensure you have:

✔ Factory License
✔ PCB Consent
✔ Fire NOC
✔ Trade License
✔ Building Approval