The Government of Manipur has introduced a unified, digital, and risk-based licensing framework for businesses across the State, replacing multiple licences for the same business activity with a single licence
The following has been stated:
• A single Unified Trade, Shop and Establishment Licence will apply to the same business activity, with online self-declaration and digital processing.
• Low-risk businesses get immediate automated approval; medium-risk applications are deemed approved if no deficiency is communicated within 21 working days. High-risk businesses require prior clearances.
• Licence validity: Low-risk – lifetime; Medium-risk – 10 years; High-risk – 5 years, subject to applicable annual fees.
• Inspections will be risk-based; low- and medium-risk businesses generally have no inspection for the first two years, while high-risk businesses require pre-inspection and annual inspection.
• False declarations may attract monetary penalties, suspension/cancellation, or blacklisting. Appeals can be filed within 30 days.
The Act extends to the whole of Manipur and comes into force from its publication in the Official Gazette.
