The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) has welcomed recent licensing reforms introduced by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), with support from the Delhi Government, aimed at simplifying regulatory processes for restaurants.
Under the revised framework, food establishments operating within NDMC jurisdiction will no longer need a separate municipal health trade licence if they hold a valid registration from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The FSSAI licence will now be treated as a deemed health and trade licence under NDMC provisions.
The reform is expected to reduce duplication, streamline compliance requirements, and improve ease of doing business for both existing operators and new entrants in Delhi’s food service sector. Similar relief has been extended to other commercial establishments, where GST registration will be recognised as a general trade licence.
Sagar Daryani, President, NRAI, stated: “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.
On behalf of NRAI, we sincerely thank Lieutenant Governor Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena and Hon’ble Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta for enabling this progressive and industry-friendly reform. This landmark decision not only streamlines processes in Delhi but also sets a strong precedent for other municipal corporations across India to rationalise and modernise their licensing frameworks.”
Sandeep Anand Goyle, NRAI Delhi Chapter Head, added: “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 Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Shri 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.
He further added, “For years, the licence required annual renewals and often resulted in procedural delays, despite establishments already complying with FSSAI, fire and excise norms. This move will ease operational pressures, encourage new openings, generate employment and enable restaurateurs to focus on quality, innovation and growth rather than paperwork.”
The NRAI stated that it will continue to work with authorities to support a transparent and efficient regulatory environment for the sector.