Checklist
Documents required
- 1Site and building plan approved by the competent local authority
- 2Detailed manufacturing process flow chart
- 3List of machinery with horse power (HP) and installed capacity
- 4Schedule of raw materials and finished goods
- 5Number of workers with shift-wise break-up (male / female / adolescent)
- 6Stability certificate from a Chartered Structural Engineer
- 7Fire NOC from J&K Fire & Emergency Services
- 8Pollution Consent (CTE / CTO) from J&K PCC
- 9Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership Deed
- 10PAN and Aadhaar of the occupier and factory manager
Process
Step-by-step process
- 1Apply for Plan Approval in Form 1 with site plan, building plan and machinery layout
- 2Inspectorate of Factories examines the plans within 30 days
- 3Receive Plan Approval — construct the factory strictly as per approved plans
- 4Install all machinery, safety equipment (guards, exhaust, drinking water, sanitation) and fire-fighting systems
- 5Apply for Factory License in Form 2 along with appointment letter of the Factory Manager (Form 4)
- 6Pay the licence fee based on installed power (HP) and number of workers
- 7Site inspection by the Factory Inspector to verify safety, hygiene and welfare provisions
- 8Receive Factory Licence in Form 4 — valid for 1 to 10 years (applicant's choice)
- 9Display the licence and the abstract of the Factories Act in every workplace
- 10File annual return in Form 22 by 1 February and half-yearly return in Form 21 by 31 July
As of 2026
Fees & timeline
| Up to 20 workers / up to 50 HP | ₹2,500–7,500 per year |
|---|---|
| 21–100 workers / 51–250 HP | ₹7,500–25,000 per year |
| 101–500 workers / 251–1,000 HP | ₹25,000–60,000 per year |
| 501+ workers / above 1,000 HP | ₹60,000–1,50,000 per year |
| Plan approval processing time | 30 days |
| Factory licence processing time | 30–45 days after inspection |
| Validity | 1 to 10 years (applicant's choice) |
Figures reviewed as of September 2026. Government fees may change without notice.
Frequently asked questions
- A factory licence is required once a premises employs 10 or more workers with the aid of power, or 20 or more workers without power. The state government may, by notification, extend it to premises with fewer workers in hazardous trades.
- Yes. Under Section 6 of the Factories Act, prior plan approval in Form 1 is mandatory before any construction or extension of factory premises. Construction without prior approval can lead to prosecution and demolition orders.
- The occupier must appoint a Factory Manager in Form 2A who satisfies the qualifications notified by the J&K Government — typically a diploma / degree in engineering with 2–5 years of factory experience, depending on the size of the factory.
- The applicant may choose any validity from 1 to 10 years at the time of application, paying the licence fee for the chosen period upfront. Renewal must be applied for at least 2 months before expiry to avoid late fees.