Confused About Trade License Requirements for Retail Electronics in Karnataka?

Dear All,

I need clarification regarding the trade license. Our company is involved in the retail trading of electronic consumer durables and we are registered under the Shops and Establishments Act. However, the municipality authorities are requesting a trade license from us.

To the best of my knowledge, a trade license is not applicable to my industry. Please provide me with clarification on this matter.

Thank you.

Dear Niya,

The local municipal acts have instituted this process, and they are quite old. It is one of the sources of income for the civic bodies. It is required to have a trade license from the respective civic body in Karnataka, be it Municipality, village panchayat, or metro corporation. This also applies to factories, though they have a separate factory license issued by the Inspectorate of Factories. Hence, irrespective of having a license under the Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, it is mandatory to have a trade license from the respective civic body.

Kind regards,
Dayanand L. Guddin
HR Advisor
BOBST INDIA