The Government of Himachal Pradesh on November 27, 2025, issued the Himachal Pradesh Municipality, (Grant of Trade License for Trade Activities, Use of Premises and Storage of Articles in a Premises) Byelaws 2025.
The byelaws outline the framework for issuance and regulation of trade licenses within the Municipal Council area. A temporary trade license is issued for short durations (1–30 days) for activities at fairs, events, or mobile vending setups, while regular trade licenses are granted for one year and must be obtained by applying to the Executive Officer in the prescribed format. The municipal area is treated as a single zone, and definitions are provided for various business types such as superstores, e-commerce, and cloud kitchens.
The process includes provisions for renewal, transfer, closure, and modification of licenses. Licenses can be renewed within specified timelines with applicable penalties for delays, and no additional documents are required except a no-dues certificate. Transfer is generally restricted except in case of death of the licensee, while modifications are allowed for limited changes like mobile number, subcategory, or address within the same ward. Temporary licenses are also available for vendors and event-based activities, with prescribed fees.
The byelaws further specify fees and charges, including nominal fees for transfer, closure, and temporary licenses, as well as separate charges for film shooting permissions based on budget categories.
Various conditions for grant of license are also prescribed, such as mandatory registration with the Labour & Employment Department, compliance with permitted trade activities, maintenance of records, payment of municipal dues, and adherence to inspection requirements. The Executive Officer has the authority to impose conditions, and licensees must ensure no encroachment on public spaces and display the license prominently at business premises.
[Notification No:-MC/JWL/Trade.Bye-Laws-2025- 1145]
