Kerala Shops and Establishment Registration

Shop and Establishment Registration in Kerala

Key Rules Under the Kerala Shops and Establishment Act

• The Act prohibits the employment of children.
• Women and young individuals (under 17) cannot work before 6 AM or after 7 PM.

• Employees cannot work more than 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week.
• Overtime must not exceed 10 hours per day, and no employee can work more than 4 hours without a break.

• Pregnant women are exempt from working before and after delivery and are also restricted from carrying heavy loads during pregnancy.

• Every shop must remain closed for at least one day a week. This closing day must be displayed prominently in the shop and cannot be changed more than once every three months.

• Employees are entitled to 12 days of leave with wages after completing 12 months of continuous service. Sick leave with wages is also allowed in case of accidents or illness.

• Employers cannot terminate employees who have served less than six months without a valid reason. A one-month notice must be provided to employees who have served more than six months.

• Employees working overtime must be paid double the regular wages for the extra hours worked.

• Businesses must maintain proper records as part of compliance with the Kerala Shops and Establishments Act. Some of the key records that must be maintained include:
• Form A or B: For employment records.
• Form D: To record total working hours.
• Form E: To record holidays for employees.
• Inspection Book: For official inspections.
• Notice of Holidays: Displayed prominently in the establishment.

Benefits of Kerala Shops and Establishment Registration

• Legal Proof of Business: The registration certificate acts as legal proof for shop and establishment owners, ensuring their business is recognised by the state government.
• Business Bank Account: The certificate enables business owners to open a current business account with any bank.
• Government Inspections: With proper registration, businesses can successfully navigate and pass government inspections.
• Access to Government Benefits: Small business owners can avail of various government schemes and benefits by being registered under the Act.
• Employee Rights Protection: Registration ensures compliance with labour laws, protects employees’ rights, and provides them with legal benefits such as holidays, maternity leave, and fair wages.

Eligibility Criteria for Kerala Shop and Establishment Registration

• Shops
• Hotels, restaurants, and cafés
• Residential lodges
• Theatres and entertainment venues
• Public amusement places
• Trading, industrial, and banking establishments
• Whether small, medium, or large, businesses involved in selling goods or offering services must register under the Kerala Shops and Establishments Act 1960. 

Establishments Exempted from Registration

• Employees in Managerial Positions: Those who have ultimate control over business decisions.
• Service Providers Involving Travel: Workers whose jobs require frequent travel.
• Central or State Government Undertakings: Public sector establishments under government control.
• Local Authorities: Municipal corporations and other local government bodies.
• Establishments under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI): Banks and financial institutions governed by RBI.
• Temporary Fairs: Shops or stalls set up for short durations during fairs or festivals.
• Establishments covered by the Factory Act, 1948: Businesses regulated by the Factory Act do not need separate registration under the Shops Act.

Documents Required for Kerala Shops and Establishment Registration

• Employer or Manager Details: Including full name, contact details, and address.
• Partnership Deed or Trust Deed: For partnerships or associations.
• Bank Details: Including account number, bank name, and IFSC code.
• Rental Deed: If the premises are rented, a rental agreement must be provided.
• Details of Directors/Partners: Including names and addresses.
• PAN and Aadhaar Details: For the owner or applicant.
• List of Employees: Including names, addresses, date of birth, workplace designation, and joining date.
• MOA or 1: For registered companies.
• Certificate of Incorporation: If applicable.

Procedure for Kerala Shops and Establishment Online Registration

• Visit the Official Portal: Go to the Kerala Labour Department’s official website for Kerala shops and online registration for establishments.
• Select “Online Registration”: Click on the "Online Registration" option and read the guidelines. Then, click on "Proceed."
• Choose the Appropriate Act: Select "Kerala Shops and Establishments Act, 1960" from the dropdown menu. Choose your district and the office for registration.
• Fill in Essential Information: Enter all required details, including:
  • Name of the employer and manager
  • Name and postal address of the establishment
  • Nature of the business
  • Number of male and female workers
  • Business owner's mobile number, etc.
• Submit Employee Details: Download the employee details format from the portal, fill in the necessary fields, and upload the document.
• Submit the Application: After entering all required details, click "Submit Application."
• Note Registration Numbers: After submitting the form, take note of your application number and temporary registration number.
• Make Payment: Pay the requisite registration fee online.
• Print Application: Use the temporary registration number to print a copy of your application for future reference.

Validity of Kerala Shop License Online

Shop License Renewal Kerala – How to Renew Shop Licence in Kerala Online?

Penalties for Non-Compliance with the Kerala Shops and Establishment Act

How Can IndiaFilings Help with Your Shop Act Registration in Kerala?

• Expert Guidance: Our professionals provide step-by-step assistance to ensure your business complies with the Kerala Shops and Establishments Act.
• Documentation Support: We help you gather and submit all the necessary documents, including employee details, business information, and legal paperwork.
• Seamless Online Registration: Our team will manage the entire Kerala shops and commercial establishment online registration process, saving you time and hassle.
• Compliance Management: We ensure your business adheres to all labour laws and regulations, including working hours, holidays, and employee benefits, to avoid penalties.
• Shop License Renewal: We can assist with shop license renewal in Kerala, ensuring your registration remains valid without any interruptions to your business operations.