Setting up a manufacturing unit in Maharashtra requires strict compliance with legal and safety standards. Among the most critical requirements are obtaining a Factory License and getting DISH Plan Approvals. These two approvals are mandatory for industrial units and ensure worker safety, health compliance, and operational legality under the Factories Act, 1948.
What is a Factory License?
A Factory License is an official permit issued by the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH), Maharashtra. It certifies that a factory is operating in accordance with the health, safety, and welfare regulations laid out by the government. Any industrial unit employing 10 or more workers with power, or 20 or more without power, must secure this license before starting operations.
Why is a Factory License Important?
A factory license is not just a legal requirement but also an operational safeguard. It helps in:
Avoiding penalties or legal action
Ensuring workers' safety and rights
Building credibility with government authorities and clients
Maintaining business continuity in the event of audits or inspections
For complete assistance with your Factory License and DISH Plan Approvals, it's recommended to work with professional consultants who understand the process and the paperwork involved.
Understanding DISH Plan Approval
DISH Plan Approval is a prerequisite for constructing or modifying a factory layout. Before starting any development or installing machinery, the factory layout must be approved by the DISH department. The department checks if the design meets safety norms such as emergency exits, ventilation, fire-fighting systems, and hazard zones.
This step ensures your infrastructure is compliant before you invest time and capital in setup. For faster DISH license approval, expert help can significantly reduce rework and delays.
Documents Required for Factory License and DISH Plan Approvals
For Factory License
Factory layout plan
List of machinery
Details of the workforce
Ownership documents or lease agreement
Safety and welfare measures
For DISH Plan Approval
Certified architectural drawings
Equipment layout
Fire safety provisions
Hazardous process documentation
Factory License Renewal Process
Factory licenses are not issued permanently. They require periodic renewal based on the selected validity term, usually ranging from one to ten years. If a license expires, the factory may face operational restrictions or even closure notices. To prevent this, start your factory license renewal process well in advance. A professional can help submit the correct paperwork and handle inspection queries efficiently.
Role of Factory Compliance Consultants
Navigating government departments can be time-consuming and confusing. Hiring an experienced factory compliance consultant can ease the process of obtaining licenses, submitting layout plans, and passing inspections. They help in:
Document preparation and submission
Coordination with DISH authorities
Compliance audits and renewals
Managing plan modifications or layout changes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting incomplete or incorrect factory layouts
Ignoring required changes suggested by DISH
Missing the renewal date of your license
Not updating DISH on structural or machinery changes
Such mistakes can lead to delays and fines. Working with an expert for layout plan approval can help you stay ahead of such issues.
Final Thoughts
Factory License and DISH Plan Approvals are not just regulatory formalities but essential pillars of factory safety and legal operations. They should be obtained before initiating production and must be renewed and updated in line with any structural or operational changes. Whether you're a startup in an MIDC zone or an established manufacturer planning expansion, working with professionals who specialize in Factory License and DISH Plan Approvals will ensure your setup is smooth, timely, and fully compliant.
