In a major ease-of-doing-business reform, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has rolled out a new policy allowing shops with a built-up area of less than 500 square feet to obtain trade licenses on the same day through self-certification. This streamlined process removes the burden of inspections and delays, offering instant business compliance for small traders.
Under the new framework, applicants can now submit a self-declaration online, ensuring adherence to fire safety, building, and sanitation norms. If all details are accurate and no risk parameters are flagged, the trade license is issued immediately.
Empowering Small Business Owners
This move is especially beneficial to micro-enterprises and individual entrepreneurs, such as tailors, grocery stores, florists, and mobile shops, which often operate in compact commercial spaces. By removing the need for pre-approval inspections, the initiative fosters a more business-friendly environment while maintaining regulatory accountability.
Key Highlights:
Eligibility: Shops below 500 sq. ft (excluding high-risk categories)
Application Mode: Fully online via GCC portal
Verification: Random post-issuance inspection
Timeline: Same-day license issuance upon successful submission
Government’s Vision
This reform aligns with the Tamil Nadu government’s larger push toward digital governance and urban ease-of-doing-business enhancements. By reducing red tape and promoting a trust-based compliance system, authorities aim to increase formalization of small businesses while encouraging entrepreneurship.
India Advocacy Insight:
This is a valuable opportunity for small-scale retailers and startups to legally register their business without delay. Ensure that your business adheres to the guidelines mentioned during self-certification to avoid penalties during random inspections.
For guidance on trade license registration or compliance in Chennai and across Tamil Nadu, reach out to our experts at India Advocacy.
