The NDMC has decided that FSSAI-registered restaurants and cafes operating in its jurisdiction would no longer be required to apply for a separate health trade permit from the local body
The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) has welcomed the licensing reforms by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), which exempt restaurants and food establishments from obtaining separate municipal health trade licences if they possess a valid registration/licence under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
In a major step towards improving Ease of Doing Business (EoDB), the NDMC has decided that FSSAI-registered restaurants and cafes operating in its jurisdiction would no longer be required to apply for a separate health trade permit from the local body. Instead, the FSSAI licence will be treated as a presumed health and trade licence under the applicable NDMC Act provisions.
“This is a historic reform for Delhi’s restaurant community and a proud moment for the NRAI Delhi team. Restaurants operating in NDMC areas will no longer require a separate municipal Health Trade Licence, with FSSAI registration now recognised as the primary statutory requirement. The removal of this additional compliance layer marks a significant step toward regulatory simplification and ease of doing business,” stated Sagar Daryani, President, NRAI.
The decision also extends similar relief to other commercial establishments within NDMC limits, where valid GST registrations will be recognized as deemed general trade licenses. NRAI said that the reform minimises redundancy, streamlines regulatory requirements, decreases procedural delays and will benefit both incumbent businesses and new entrants in Delhi’s thriving food service industry. Inspections by civic authorities will continue to ensure compliance with public health, hygiene, and sanitation standards.
“This reform marks a defining moment for Delhi’s restaurant community and significantly strengthens the capital’s ease of doing business framework. As highlighted by Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, the removal of the mandatory MCD Health Trade Licence eliminates a redundant compliance layer for restaurants. We now look forward to the formal notification and operational clearance from the MCD to fully implement this progressive decision,” highlighted Sandeep Anand Goyle, NRAI Delhi Chapter Head.
