Before a pharma company can supply you as a franchise partner, it needs to know that you are legally allowed to buy, store and sell medicines. That comes down to a short list of documents. Getting them ready early saves weeks when you finally choose a company.

1. Wholesale drug licence

This is the most important document. In India, selling medicines at wholesale requires a licence from the State Drug Control Department, generally issued in Form 20B (for drugs other than those in Schedules C, C1 and X) and Form 21B (for drugs in Schedules C and C1, excluding Schedule X), under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945.

The licensing authority will usually look at:

  • Premises of adequate size with proper storage, including refrigeration where products need it
  • A competent person to supervise sales, as defined in the rules
  • Ownership or rent documents for the premises and the applicant’s identity proof

Requirements and fees vary slightly from state to state, so check with your State Drug Controller’s office.

2. GST registration

Medicines are taxable goods. In the current Wisefemy price list most gynae products carry 5% GST, oral contraceptives are listed at 0% and the intimate-care wash at 18%. Rates are set by the GST Council and can change, so always go by the rate on the latest invoice. A GSTIN lets you raise proper invoices and claim input tax credit on purchases from the company.

3. Business registration

Depending on how you operate - proprietorship, partnership, LLP or private limited company - keep the relevant proof ready: a partnership deed, LLP agreement or certificate of incorporation. Proprietors usually rely on the drug licence and GST registration in their own name.

4. Identity and address proof

Companies keep a copy of the proprietor’s or partner’s identity proof on file. PAN and Aadhaar are the most commonly used.

5. Bank details

A current account in the business name makes payments and reconciliation easier and is often asked for during onboarding.

What does Wisefemy need from you?

For our records we ask for three things: a drug licence copy, your GSTIN and one identity proof. If you are still waiting on your licence, you can contact us anyway - we can share the product list and terms while your paperwork is processed.

Keeping documents current

Drug licences must be kept valid and displayed at the premises. Inform the licensing authority if you change premises or the competent person, and update your supplier when your GST details change, so invoices stay correct.