Under the Assam Shops and Establishments Act, 1971, every shop, office, restaurant, warehouse, or service centre operating in Assam must register within 30 days of commencing business. Before applying, a Unique Business Identification Number (UBIN) is required. This license ensures legal compliance related to employee working conditions, wages, leave, and workplace safety.

Why Registration Matters in Assam

• Legal Recognition & Compliance:
  Grants your business legal recognition under state labour laws and helps meet statutory obligations.
• Bank & GST Registration:
  Mandatory for opening current accounts and registering for GST and other government licenses.
• Protects Employee Rights:
  Safeguards fair pay, leave, holidays, working hours, and health and safety at the workplace.
• Eases Government Inspections:
  A valid license simplifies labour audits and compliance checks by government authorities.
• Builds Credibility:
  Helps access vendor contracts, state tenders, and government schemes, building business trust.

Who Must Register?

The following establishments must register under the Act:

• Retail shops, boutiques, grocery store.
• Warehouses, storerooms, godowns
• Restaurants, cafés, lodges, eateries
• Offices, coworking spaces, BPOs
• Home-run businesses and freelancers
• Private schools, coaching centres
• Entertainment venues, theatres
• Workshops not covered under the Factories Act

Even if you don’t have employees yet, registration is required within 30 days of starting operations.

Exemptions from Shop & Establishment Registration in Assam

Certain categories are exempt under the Act:

• Government bodies – Central/State Government offices
• Public authorities – Local bodies, railways, cantonment boards, RBI
• Factories – Covered under the Factories Act, 1948
• Temporary fairs or exhibitions – Charitable or seasonal setups
• Specific sectors – Oilfields, mines, medical homes, barbers, vendors of vegetables, milk, or newspapers
• Certain workers – Employees in managerial roles, caretakers, messengers, watchmen, and travelling staff

Key Definitions (as per the Act)

• Shop: A premise where goods are sold or services offered (includes godowns or warehouses).
• Commercial Establishment: Any business related to trade, banking, insurance, or brokerage.
• Establishment: Includes shops, commercial spaces, and public amusement facilities.

Documents Required

To register your establishment in Assam, you’ll need:

• PAN and Aadhaar/ID proof of owner/partner
• Address proof (rent/sale deed)
• Utility bill (not older than 2 months)
• Passport-size photograph of the owner
• Employee list (if applicable)
• Partnership deed or incorporation certificate (for LLP/Pvt Ltd)
• Trade license (if available)
• UBIN (Unique Business Identification Number)

Step-by-Step: How to Register and Get a UBIN in Assam

Follow these steps to register your business and apply for a 365-day opening license under the Assam Shop and Establishment Act:

Step 1: Create an Account on Assam EoDB Portal

1.If you already have an account, you can log in here 

2.Visit the Assam Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) portal to register

3.Fill in the required information to create your account.

Step 2: Generate Your UBIN (Unique Business Identification Number)

1.Other enterprise-related details

2.After logging in, go to “Apply for Services” and click on “View All Available Services”.

3.Select Common Application Form.

-Fill in all required details, including:

-PAN of the enterprise

-Date of commencement

-Business address

4.Submit the form.

Once verified, a Unique Business Identification Number (UBIN) will be issued. This serves as a single State Registration ID for all online application forms submitted through the Single Window Clearance System.

Step 4: Upload Documents & Pay Fee
Attach all required documents and pay fees based on employee strength (see fee table below).

Step 3: Apply for 365-Day Opening License under the Assam Shop and Establishment Act

1. Go back to “Apply for Services” and click on “View All Available Services”.
2. Select the service:
   Auto Renewal Form for Obtaining 365 Days Opening License under the Assam Shop and Establishment Act (Department of Labour and Welfare)
3. Fill in the application with the following details:
   • Your UBIN
   • PAN of the enterprise
   • Address of the establishment
   • Name and residential address of the employer
   • Mode of payment: Online via EGRAS
4. Submit the form.

Step 4: Download Acknowledgement and Track Application

1. Once submitted, download the Acknowledgement for your records.
2. To track or download your certificate:
   • Go to “View Status of Application”
   • Click on “Track Application Status”

Step 5: Payment & Troubleshooting via EGRAS Assam

Online payment will be made through EGRAS Assam.

In Case of a Failed Transaction:

• Go to View Status of Application → Re-Validate Payment
• Click on the Application ID
  (The application will shift to View Incomplete Application)
• Go to View Status of Application → View Incomplete Application
• Re-submit the application and make a fresh payment

In Case of a Successful Transaction but Acknowledgement Not Generated:

• Go to View Status of Application → Re-Validate Payment
• Click on the Application ID
  (This will immediately generate the Acknowledgement Receipt)

Once submitted, download the Acknowledgement for your records.

To track or download your certificate:

• Go to “View Status of Application”

Click on “Track Application Status”

Assam Shop & Establishment Registration Fee Table

Note: Renewal is required annually. Late renewals attract penalties.

Step 5: Inspector Verification
The Labour Inspector reviews the form and documents. On approval, you will receive your registration certificate, which must be displayed at your place of business.

Key Labour Provisions in Assam Shops & Establishments Act

• Working Hours
  Employees may work up to 8 hours/day or 48 hours/week. Overtime is allowed with double wages.
• Mandatory Breaks
  No employee can work more than 5 consecutive hours without a 30-minute rest interval.
• Weekly Holidays
  Every shop must close at least one day per week, and the weekly off should be displayed.
• Leave Entitlements
  Employees are entitled to casual, medical, and earned leave as per rules.
• Wages and Termination
  Employers must ensure timely wages, give notice before termination, and allow appeal mechanisms.
• Appointment Letters
  Issuing appointment letters to employees is mandatory.
• Prohibition of Child Labour
  Children below 14 years are not allowed to be employed.
• Women & Minor Safety
  Women and minors (aged 14–17) have restricted working hours for safety and welfare.
• Records & Registers
  Employers must maintain attendance, wage registers, and display required notices on-site.

Penalties & Compliance

• Registration must be completed within 30 days of starting operations.
  
• Renewal is annual. Late renewal leads to fines.
  
• Any change in address, ownership, or number of employees must be updated promptly.
  
• Closure of business must be informed to the department to avoid liabilities.
  
• Non-compliance can lead to penalties, suspension, or even cancellation of registration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When should I apply for Assam shop and establishment registration?

You must apply within 30 days of starting your business operations in Assam.

2. Do freelancers or home-based businesses need registration in Assam?

Yes, if you operate from a fixed location and offer goods or services, registration is required.

3. What is the validity of the shop act certificate in Assam?

The certificate is valid for 1 year and must be renewed annually.

4. Can I complete registration in Assam online?

Yes, registration and renewal can be completed online through the Assam Labour Department portal.

5. What if I change my business address or ownership?

You must inform the Labour Inspector within 15 days to update your registration.

6. What are the working hour limits under Assam Shops and Establishments Act?

Employees can work up to 8 hours/day and 48 hours/week. Overtime is permitted with double wages.

7. Are there work restrictions for women or minors?

Yes, working hours are regulated for women and minors to ensure safety.

8. Who is exempt from shop act registration Assam?

Government offices, fairs, oilfields, and certain seasonal/charitable setups are exempted.

9. What is the fee for Assam shop act registration?

Fees range from ₹100 to ₹2,000 depending on the number of employees.

10. What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Delays, failure to renew, or not reporting changes can result in fines or cancellation.

Need Help with Assam Shop & Establishment Registration?

Instafiling makes it easy. Connect with our experts today and get your Shop & Establishment Certificate without the hassle.

Professional service providers can assist you with documentation, online form filing, UBIN generation, and ensuring timely renewals so your business stays fully compliant.

Note: This guide is accurate as of July 2025. For official updates, refer to the Assam Labour Department website