What is Form 20 License?

Form 20 is a retail drug license issued for the sale of general allopathic medicines that are not part of Schedule C and C1.

What is Form 21 License?

Form 21 is a license authorizing the retail sale of Schedule C and C1 drugs, such as vaccines and injectables.

Who needs Form 21 License?

Any pharmacy or chemist shop selling Schedule C and C1 drugs like biological products, insulin, and vaccines must have Form 21.

Illustration showing a pharmacist providing medicine to a customer, with icons representing Form 20 and Form 21 drug licenses in India.

Form 20 & Form 21

Wed, Jul 09 2025

Shubham Bansal

What is Form 20 & Form 21? – Retail Drug Licenses

Introduction

Retail pharmacies and chemist shops are a critical part of India’s healthcare system. To legally sell medicines to end consumers, every pharmacy must obtain proper licensing under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

Among the most common retail licenses are Form 20 and Form 21. This blog explains what these licenses are, who needs them, and how they differ.

What is Form 20?

Form 20 is a license granted by the State Drug Control Department to authorize the retail sale of general allopathic drugs that are not included in Schedule C and C1.

This includes most commonly used prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

Who Needs Form 20?

Form 20 is mandatory for any business involved in:

Retail sale of general allopathic medicines
Operating a chemist shop or pharmacy
Stocking drugs for sale directly to consumers

Examples of businesses that require Form 20:

Medical stores in residential areas
Hospital pharmacies selling to walk-in patients
Standalone chemists selling tablets, syrups, ointments, etc.

What is Form 21?

Form 21 is also a retail drug license but is specifically for selling Schedule C and C1 drugs, which are considered sensitive and require stricter control.

Schedule C and C1 drugs include:

Biological products
Vaccines and sera
Insulin
Injectable antibiotics

Who Needs Form 21?

You need a Form 21 license if you plan to:

Sell vaccines or injectable drugs to consumers
Stock and distribute biological medicines
Operate a pharmacy selling Schedule C/C1 products

Key Features of Form 20 & Form 21 Licenses

Aspect	Form 20	Form 21
Applicable Drugs	General allopathic drugs	Schedule C & C1 drugs
Issuing Authority	State Drug Control Department	State Drug Control Department
Suitable For	General pharmacies and chemist shops	Pharmacies selling vaccines, injectables
Storage Requirements	Standard storage	Refrigeration and cold chain as needed
Qualified Personnel	Registered pharmacist or competent person	Registered pharmacist or competent person
Validity	Typically 5 years, renewable	Typically 5 years, renewable

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for either Form 20 or Form 21, your business must meet certain requirements:

Premises: Minimum area as per state norms (often 10 sq. meters for retail)
Personnel: A registered pharmacist OR a qualified person with required experience
Storage: Adequate facilities for safe storage and handling of drugs

Difference Between Form 20 and Form 21

In simple terms:

Form 20 = Retail sale of general medicines.
Form 21 = Retail sale of Schedule C & C1 drugs requiring special handling.

Why Are These Licenses Important?

Legal Compliance: You cannot sell any drugs without a valid license.
Public Safety: Ensures medicines are genuine and stored correctly.
Consumer Trust: Builds confidence among customers that your pharmacy meets regulatory standards.

Conclusion

If you plan to open a pharmacy or chemist shop in India, obtaining the correct retail drug licenses is the first step. Form 20 and Form 21 are essential approvals that allow you to legally sell a wide range of medicines, ensuring you comply with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

Understanding the difference between these licenses helps you plan your business operations effectively and avoid regulatory issues.

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