Every factory operating in the State of Maharashtra is required to be registered and obtain a valid Factory Registration and Grant of License in Maharashtra before commencing any manufacturing activity. This requirement applies whether the factory is involved in ordinary manufacturing or in processes involving hazardous substances. The registration and licensing process is governed by the Factories Act, 1948, and the Maharashtra Factories Rules, 1963, and is administered through the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH) via the MAITRI online portal.
The procedure, compliance burden, and documentation vary depending on whether the factory falls under the category of a hazardous factory or a non-hazardous (non-hazardous) factory.
Classification of Factories
1. Hazardous Factory
A factory is classified as a hazardous factory if its manufacturing activities involve the use, storage, handling, or processing of dangerous substances. These include flammable, toxic, explosive, highly reactive, or corrosive chemicals, as defined under the Maharashtra Factories Rules, the Industrial Major Accident Hazard Rules, and Schedule XII of the Principal Rules. A factory is also considered hazardous if such substances are generated or evolved during the manufacturing process, even if they are not directly used as raw materials.
Because of the serious risk to workers, the public, and the environment, hazardous factories are subject to stricter scrutiny, additional documentation, and longer approval timelines.
2. Other Than Hazardous Factory
Factories that do not deal with any hazardous, flammable, explosive, toxic, reactive or corrosive chemicals are classified as Other Than Hazardous Factories. These typically include light manufacturing, assembly units, packaging units, food processing without dangerous chemicals, garment units, etc.
Although these factories still require registration and a licence, their compliance requirements are comparatively simpler and the approval timelines are shorter.
Online Procedure for Factory Registration and Grant of License
The entire process is completed through the Government of Maharashtra’s MAITRI Portal operated by Maha Online.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- The applicant must visit the website www.lms.mahaonline.gov.in.
- Click on “Create Employer User Profile” to create a login for the factory or company.
- Complete the employer registration on the MAITRI Portal by filling in the basic details of the business, such as name, address, nature of activity, and contact details.
- After registration, log in and fill the Common Application Form (CAF).
- From the list of services, select “Registration and Grant of License” under the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH).
- Fill Form No. 1, which contains detailed information about the factory, its occupier, workers, manufacturing process, machinery and safety arrangements, and upload a duly signed copy.
- Upload the recent photograph and signature of the Occupier (the person having ultimate control over the factory).
- Upload all supporting documents as prescribed.
- Pay the prescribed government fee online and submit the application.
- The department examines the application:
- For Non-Hazardous Factories, a conditional licence is generally issued within 7 days if the documents are in order.
- For Hazardous Factories, detailed scrutiny is carried out and conditional approval may take up to 60 days.
- Once approved, the licence certificate can be downloaded from the same login.
- If the application contains wrong, incomplete or misleading information, it will be rejected.
- If rejected, a fresh application may be filed within 30 days after correcting the deficiencies.
Documents Required for Factory Registration and Grant of License
To obtain a Factory License in Maharashtra, the applicant must upload a complete set of documents. These documents help the Department verify the identity of the occupier, the legal status of the business, the ownership of the factory premises, the nature of the manufacturing process and, most importantly, the safety of workers.
The documents required are as follows:
1. Photograph and Signature of the Occupier
A recent passport-size photograph and the signature of the Occupier must be uploaded. The Occupier is the person who has ultimate control over the factory’s operations and is legally responsible for compliance.
2. Identity Proof of the Occupier
Any one government-issued identity document must be submitted to establish the identity of the Occupier. This may include:
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card
- Driving Licence
- Passport
- Voter ID
3. Business Constitution Documents
These documents depend on the type of organisation running the factory.
For a Company (Private or Public Limited):
- List of all directors along with their residential addresses
- Memorandum of Association
- Form 32 / DIR-12 showing appointment of directors
- A Board Resolution appointing one Director as the Occupier, certified by the Company Secretary
For a Partnership Firm:
- Registered Partnership Deed
- No-objection certificate from the other partners authorising one partner to act as Occupier
For Central or State Government Organisations:
- Official Government Order or notification nominating the Occupier
4. Sexual Harassment Committee Details
If women are employed in the factory, details of the Internal Complaints Committee formed under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act must be provided.
5. List of Materials and Products
A complete list of all raw materials, intermediate products, by-products and finished goods must be submitted along with their quantities.
6. Proof of Factory Premises
Any one of the following documents can be submitted to establish lawful possession of the factory premises:
- Sale deed or registered leave and licence agreement
- MIDC allotment letter
- 7/12 land record
- Property tax receipt
7. Local Authority / Pollution NOC
Any one of the following approvals is required:
- NOC from Gram Panchayat
- NOC from Municipal Corporation or Municipal Council
- MIDC NOC
- Consent from Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB)
8. Electricity Connection Proof
Either an electricity bill or a sanctioned load letter showing power supply to the factory must be uploaded.
9. Declaration
A formal declaration confirming that the information submitted is true and correct must be provided.
10. Acceptance Letter of Occupier
The appointed Director or partner must give a written acceptance confirming that they agree to act as the Occupier of the factory.
11. Process Flow Chart
A flow chart showing how raw materials are converted into finished goods through various stages of production must be submitted.
12. Description of Manufacturing Process
A detailed explanation of how manufacturing is carried out, including machinery, operations and production stages, must be provided.
13. Factory Layout with Emergency Exits
A rough sketch or layout plan of the factory building showing emergency exits, working areas and movement pathways must be uploaded.
14. Raw Material & Storage Details (Hazardous Factories)
Factories handling chemicals or dangerous substances must submit a list of all such materials along with their maximum storage limits and the method of storage and handling.
15. Finished Products & By-products (Hazardous Factories)
Details of finished goods, intermediate products, toxic emissions and by-products must be given along with quantities and transport methods.
16. Hazard Identification and Control Measures
A report identifying possible hazards in the factory and explaining how they are controlled or prevented must be provided.
17. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Safety data sheets for each hazardous chemical used or stored in the factory must be submitted.
18. Process & Instrumentation Diagram
A technical diagram showing the equipment, piping, controls and safety instruments used in the manufacturing process must be uploaded.
19. Chemical Reaction Details
If chemical reactions are involved, their nature, inputs and outputs must be clearly explained.
20. Health and Safety Policy
A detailed written policy explaining how the company protects the health and safety of its workers must be submitted.
21. Signed Form No. 1 (Hazardous Factories)
A duly filled and signed Form No. 1 containing full factory and safety details must be uploaded.
22. Any Additional Documents
Any other document that the department considers necessary for safety, legal compliance or clarification may also be required to be uploaded.
Factory Registration and Grant of License in Maharashtra is a mandatory compliance for manufacturing units operating with workers and machinery. It ensures adherence to safety, health, and welfare standards prescribed under the Factories Act. Understanding the applicable fees in Maharashtra helps businesses plan costs efficiently and avoid delays. With the online registration system, applying for factory registration and license has become more transparent and time-saving. Timely registration and renewal protect businesses from penalties, legal actions, and operational disruptions. Therefore, obtaining a valid factory license is essential for smooth operations, legal security, and sustainable industrial growth in Maharashtra.
FAQ Corpzo
Question 1: What is Factory Registration and Grant of License in Maharashtra?
Answer: It is a legal approval required to start and operate a factory in Maharashtra under the Factories Act.
Question 2: Who is required to obtain factory registration in Maharashtra?
Answer: Any manufacturing unit employing workers and using power or machinery must obtain factory registration and a license.
Question 3: What are the fees for factory registration in Maharashtra?
Answer: Fees in Maharashtra depend on the number of workers, installed power capacity, and license validity period.
Question 4: How can I apply for factory registration and license in Maharashtra?
Answer: You can apply online through the Maharashtra Labour Department’s official portal by submitting documents and paying fees.
Question 5: What documents are required for factory license registration in Maharashtra?
Answer: Common documents include identity proof, factory layout plan, ownership or lease deed, and machinery details.
Question 6: How long does it take to get a factory license in Maharashtra?
Answer: Generally, it takes 15–30 working days after successful submission and verification.
Question 7: What is the validity of a factory license in Maharashtra?
Answer: A factory license can be issued for one year or multiple years, depending on the fee paid.
Question 8: Is renewal mandatory for factory licenses in Maharashtra?
Answer: Yes, renewal is mandatory before expiry to avoid penalties or suspension of operations.
Question 9: What happens if a factory operates without registration in Maharashtra?
Answer: Operating without registration may lead to fines, legal action, or closure of the factory.
Question 10: Can factory registration fees in Maharashtra change over time?
Answer: Yes, government-prescribed fees may change based on policy updates and regulatory amendments.
