Prepared by Shiromani Associates – Chartered Accountants
The Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958 was enacted to regulate the working conditions and employment terms of individuals engaged in shops and commercial establishments across India. It ensures fair practices concerning working hours, wage payments, rest intervals, holidays, and other employment-related matters.
The registration under the Act is mandatory for most businesses and is regulated by the Labour Department of the respective state. Since each state governs this process individually, the rules, procedures, and documentation may vary.
Legal recognition of the business under the local labour law
Compliance with statutory obligations regarding employee welfare
Eligibility for opening a current account with banks
Essential for applying for trade licenses, GST, or other registrations
At Shiromani Associates, we provide end-to-end assistance in obtaining Shop and Establishment Registration tailored to your state-specific legal requirements.
Most states offer an online registration facility through their respective Labour Department portals. Some states may still follow a semi-online or offline approach.
Fill in the online application form with accurate details of the business, including:
Name and address of the establishment
Nature of business activity
Number of employees
Details of the proprietor/partners/directors
Note: The form content and format vary slightly depending on the state and the nature of the business.
After completing the application, upload the necessary supporting documents. In some states, physical submission of the printed application along with original documents may be required.
Fees are based on:
The type of business activity
The number of employees
Duration of license validity
Payment is accepted online in most states. Offline modes such as Demand Draft or cash are available in limited regions.
In most cases, physical inspection is not mandatory. However, if the concerned officer deems it necessary, a field inspection may be scheduled to verify the submitted details.
Upon verification and successful review of your application and documents:
The registration is approved
A Shop and Establishment Certificate is issued
The certificate is generally valid for one year and can be renewed annually
Here is a standard list of documents required (may vary slightly depending on your state):
Proof of Business Address (Utility bill, Rent Agreement, Lease Deed)
PAN of the Business (if available)
Cancelled Cheque and Bank Account Details
Identity Proof, PAN, and Address Proof of Proprietor/Partners/Directors
Photographs of Owners and/or Establishment
Details of Employees and Managers (if applicable)
In case of Companies: Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association (AOA), and list of directors
As a trusted Chartered Accountancy firm, we offer:
State-wise compliance advisory
End-to-end registration and follow-up
Expert documentation and application assistance
Timely updates and renewal reminders
Legal support for compliance with labour laws