I WANT TO

How to obtain a trade licence

Procedure to obtain a Trade Licence

1. Obtain application form for Trade licence and No Objection Certificate for Trade from the website or Regional Trade & Industry Office.

2. Attach a copy of your No Objecting Certificate and Citizenship Identity Card.

3. Submit the completed form with attachments to Regional Trade & Industry Office and on approval submit 2 copies of passport size photographs for Retail and Wholesale licence.

4. Those applying for Retail and Wholesale trade licence shall pay the applicable registration and licence fees and cost of licence booklet.

5. However, those applying for Micro Trade registration certificate are exempted from the above fees (registration fee, licence fee and cost of licence booklet).

6. Application for Wholesale dealership shall be submitted to the Department of Trade for approval along with the letter of appointment and contractual agreement with the principal company

Note

Issuance and renewal of all licences are done by the Regional Trade & Industry Office for all the respective regions. Retail and Wholesale Licences are cancelled automatically if not renewed after one year of expiry and Micro Trade Registration Certificate after three years. Application for name transfers, activity conversions and location shifting for expatriate licence holder will require to submit applications, along with other necessary documents for approval from the Department of Trade.

For any clarification, advice or assistance regarding Trade-Licensing procedures contact the Department of Trade, Ministry of Economic Affairs or Regional Trade & Industry Office.

APPLY FOR IMPORT LICENCE.

Trading companies, firms and business establishment who intend to engage in import business are required to register themselves with the Department of Trade, Ministry of Economic Affairs. Only registered Import Houses shall be granted Import Licence to import goods from third countries for trading purposes.

Eligibility criteria: Registration For Import House in Bhutan.
a) The applicant must be a Bhutanese National, or a company registered in Bhutan.
b) The applicant must have a valid Trade Licence issued by the Ministry of Economic Affairs
c) The application must be endorsed by the respective RTIOs and submitted to the Department of Trade along with a copy of Trade Licence and a copy of citizen identity card.

Application: Application for Import Licence must be submitted to the Department in the prescribed form along with a copy of the supplier's pro-forma invoice or any other documentary evidence, such as correspondence with the supplier indicating the cost of the goods. In case the goods to be imported are on the list of restricted items, the original copy of the permit issued by relevant agency must be attached with the application. .

Contact person: Mr. Wangchuk Loday
Trade Officer
Tel: +975-2-325588
Fax No: +975-2-321338
e-mail: importlic@druknet.bt