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Wed, Jul 30 2025
Shubham Bansal
The healthcare sector in India is rapidly going digital, and online pharmacies are at the center of this revolution. With increased demand for doorstep medicine delivery, launching an e-pharmacy can be highly profitable — but only if done legally and compliantly.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting an online pharmacy license in India, including regulatory authorities, eligibility, documentation, CDSCO compliance, and key legal requirements as per 2025 rules.
An online pharmacy, also known as an e-pharmacy, is a digital platform that allows users to purchase medicines, healthcare products, and devices online through websites or apps. These businesses must follow strict regulatory norms to ensure public health and safety.
Online pharmacies are regulated under:
Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
Information Technology Act, 2000
Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945
Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) guidelines
Draft E-Pharmacy Rules (2018, pending finalization)
Despite pending legislation, all online pharmacies must comply with existing offline drug rules, and obtain necessary licenses to operate legally.
To legally start an online pharmacy in India, you must obtain:
For businesses that store and dispatch medicines
Mandatory for sale of goods and filing returns
Legal business structure with PAN, TAN, and incorporation certificate
A registered pharmacist must verify and dispense all prescriptions
For listing on national e-pharmacy platforms and approval for online medicine sales.
Incorporate a Pvt. Ltd, LLP, or Proprietorship
Get PAN, TAN, and Bank Account
Set up a compliant warehouse with cold storage if needed
Install refrigeration for temperature-sensitive medicines
Submit application (Form 20/21) to State Drug Control Dept
Include pharmacist details, premises layout, and rent/ownership proof
Register as a distributor/seller with CDSCO portal
Mention APIs, drugs sold, and pharmacist-in-charge
Secure HTTPS domain
Integrate prescription upload and order tracking
Ensure pharmacist verification before delivery
Follow data privacy under IT Act & Rules
Note: CDSCO may inspect your premises before approval.
Medicines must not be sold without prescription
Prescription must be verified by a licensed pharmacist
Narcotic and Schedule X drugs cannot be sold online
All sales and invoices must be stored digitally
Helpline number must be available for customer support
Pharmacy name and license number must be displayed on the website
Packaging must follow Drugs & Cosmetics Rules
Customer data must be protected as per IT Act & Data Privacy Rules
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) ensures compliance, inspections, and drug safety for online players. As of 2025, online pharmacy platforms are expected to:
Register with CDSCO
Maintain traceability of each drug sold
Follow all guidelines under the proposed E-Pharmacy Rules
Report adverse reactions or recalls if needed
Operating without a valid Drug License can result in:
Imprisonment (up to 3 years)
Fines (₹50,000 or more)
Seizure of stock and website shutdown
Blacklisting from CDSCO and State Drug Departments
Setting up an online pharmacy requires expert coordination with CDSCO, State Drug Departments, and technical setup. PSR Compliance offers:
Expert consultation
License application filing
Pharmacist onboarding support
Documentation assistance
Website/app compliance review
Ready to launch your online pharmacy? Contact PSR Compliance for a FREE consultation.
🅰️ No, you need a registered premise with a Drug License for storage.
🅰️ Yes, every order must be approved by a registered pharmacist.
🅰️ Yes, CDSCO registration is mandatory under current norms.
🅰️ Yes, but you’ll need Ayush License separately.
🅰️ On average, 30–60 days, depending on the state and application quality.
Wholesale Drug License in India
GST Registration Process
Types of Drug Licenses in India