What is MCD Health Trade Licence?
MCD Health Trade Licence (HTL) is a municipal licence required for businesses carrying out trades covered under MCD’s Public Health licensing policy.
It applies to various businesses involved in food, eating establishments, lodging, storage/sale of food items, manufacturing and other public-health related activities. The requirement arises under Section 417 of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957.
Who Needs Health Trade Licence?
Depending on the nature of business, Health Trade Licence may be required for:
- Restaurants & Eating Houses
- Dhaba
- Catering Business
- Coffee House
- Food Court
- Banquet Hall
- Canteen
- Take Away / Food Outlet
- Fruit Juice Shop
- Sweet Meat / Namkeen Shop
- Food Storage & Sale
- Hotels
- Guest Houses / Lodging Houses
- Manufacturing Units covered under HTL
- Gyms / Fitness Centres / Health Clubs
- Spas
- Other trades covered under MCD Public Health Policy
MCD maintains a detailed category-wise list of Health Trade activities.
Important: Every business does not require the same licence. The applicable licence depends on the nature of the activity.
Documents Required
The exact documents depend on the type of trade and premises.
Common documents include:
- Applicant’s ID Proof
- Recent Photograph
- Ownership / Occupancy Proof
- Rent / Lease Agreement, where applicable
- Owner’s NOC, where applicable
- Photograph of the Trade Premises
- Site / Layout Plan, where applicable
- Fire NOC, where applicable
- DPCC Consent, where applicable
- FSSAI Licence/Registration, where applicable
- Medical Certificate, where applicable
- Other trade-specific documents
MCD provides a separate document checklist because requirements vary according to the type of Health Trade.
How to Apply for MCD Health Trade Licence?
Step 1 – Register/Login
Register on the MCD Health Trade Licence portal and login to your account.
Step 2 – Select New Licence
Select “Apply New License”.
Step 3 – Select Your Trade
Select the applicable Trade Classification and Trade Name.
Step 4 – Enter Business Details
Enter the required details of the applicant, business and premises.
Step 5 – Upload Documents
Upload the documents applicable to your particular trade.
Step 6 – Submit Application
Verify the information and submit the application.
Step 7 – Pay Government Fee
Pay the applicable registration/licence fee online.
Step 8 – MCD Processing
MCD processes the application according to the applicable Health Trade category and requirements.
Step 9 – Download Licence
After approval, the Health Trade Licence can be downloaded from the MCD portal.
MCD’s current portal also provides options for New Licence, Renewal, Amendment and Surrender.
MCD Health Trade Licence Fees
The fee depends on the type of trade. MCD has a separate registration charge and annual licence fee for different categories.
The current fee structure applicable for FY 2025–28 reflects a 15% increase in annual licence fees from the previous three-year cycle.
Popular Health Trade Categories
| Trade | Registration Fee | Annual Licence Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Banquet Hall – up to 250 seats | ₹10,000 | ₹17,250 |
| Banquet Hall – above 250 seats | ₹20,000 | ₹28,750 |
| Canteen & Refreshment Room | ₹15,000 | ₹9,200 |
| Catering | ₹10,000 | ₹11,500 |
| Coffee House | ₹10,000 | ₹11,500 |
| Non-Alcoholic Beverage / Soft Drink | ₹10,000 | ₹6,900 |
| Dhaba | ₹15,000 | ₹6,900 |
| Eating House – up to 20 seats | ₹10,000 | ₹11,500 |
| Eating House – 21–50 seats | ₹15,000 | ₹23,000 |
| Eating House – above 50 seats | ₹20,000 | ₹28,750 |
| Fruit Juice | ₹10,000 | ₹5,750 |
| Take Away / Others | ₹15,000 | ₹6,900 |
| Sugarcane Crusher | ₹10,000 | ₹8,050 |
| Food Court – up to 100 seats | ₹10,000 | ₹46,000 |
| Food Court – above 100 seats | ₹15,000 | ₹92,000 |
| Guest House/Lodging House with Dining | ₹10,000 | ₹11,500 |
| Lodging House – up to 20 beds | ₹10,000 | ₹23,000 |
| Lodging House – above 20 beds | ₹15,000 | ₹34,500 |
| 3 Star Hotel | ₹25,000 | ₹1,15,000 |
| 5 Star Hotel | ₹50,000 | ₹5,75,000 |
| Independent Food House/Kitchen | ₹20,000 | ₹575/sq. ft. |
These figures are from MCD’s current FY 2025–28 fee schedule.
Important
This is not the complete 80+ trade fee table. MCD has many additional Health Trade categories, including manufacturing, storage/sale and miscellaneous activities. The final government fee depends on the exact trade selected.
Processing Time
Average Processing Time: 1 Day
MCD’s current Health Trade Licence portal displays an average application processing time of 1 day.
However, actual processing can vary depending on:
- Trade category
- Documents
- Applicable approvals
- Deficiency
- MCD scrutiny
Therefore, The Cafe should not guarantee approval in exactly 1 day.
Licence Validity
Health Trade Licence is subject to the applicable MCD validity and renewal provisions.
MCD currently provides renewal for FY 2026–27 onwards, and the portal supports renewal of applicable licences.
Important Things to Know
- The applicable documents depend on your trade.
- FSSAI may be required separately for food businesses.
- Fire NOC is required wherever applicable.
- DPCC Consent may be required depending on the activity.
- Certain trades require additional certificates/permissions.
- The licence does not replace other mandatory government approvals.
- Incorrect or incomplete information can result in deficiency or rejection.
- MCD states that the applicant should have all required documents and certificates before applying.
Apply Through The Cafe
Need Help Applying for MCD Health Trade Licence?
Don’t want to handle the complete online application yourself?
The Cafe can assist you with:
✔ Trade Category Selection Assistance
✔ Application Form Filling
✔ Document Checking
✔ Online Application Submission
✔ Document Upload
✔ Government Fee Guidance
✔ Application Status Assistance
✔ Licence Download Assistance
CLICK HERE TO APPLY THROUGH THE CAFE
Submit your business details and documents to The Cafe, and our team will assist you with your MCD Health Trade Licence application.
MCD Government Fee and The Cafe Service Charges are separate.
Sample Licence Certificate
Sample image is for reference only. Actual licence format, number, validity and conditions may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Health Trade Licence mandatory?
For trades covered under MCD’s Public Health licensing policy, a Health Trade Licence is required under the applicable provisions of the DMC Act.
Can I apply online?
Yes. MCD provides an online Health Trade Licence portal.
How much does a Health Trade Licence cost?
There is no single fixed fee. The registration and annual licence fee depend on the type and size/capacity of the trade.
How long does it take?
MCD currently displays an average processing time of 1 day, but actual disposal may vary according to the trade and scrutiny.
Do restaurants need Health Trade Licence?
Restaurants/eating establishments covered under MCD’s Health Trade categories require the applicable Health Trade Licence.
Do I also need FSSAI?
For applicable food businesses, FSSAI registration/licence is a separate requirement. Health Trade Licence does not automatically replace FSSAI.
Can The Cafe apply for my Health Trade Licence?
Yes. Click “Apply Through The Cafe” above and submit your details and documents.
Is The Cafe’s service charge included in MCD fees?
No. MCD government fees and The Cafe’s service charges are separate.