Punjab Shop Act Registration

Introduction

Shops and Commercial Establishments Registration is a mandatory legal requirement for businesses operating across India. This registration ensures adherence to local labor laws, safeguarding the rights and responsibilities of both employers and employees. Since the Shops and Commercial Establishments Act is state-specific, each state enforces its own regulations regarding registration, working hours, wages, holidays, and leave policies.

In Punjab, businesses must comply with the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958, making registration under this Act essential for lawful operation. Registering your shop or establishment not only ensures compliance but also secures your business’s legal standing and credibility.

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Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Registration

The Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958 was introduced to regulate employment conditions in shops and commercial establishments throughout the state. This legislation ensures fair working conditions, protects employee rights, and maintains compliance across various businesses including shops, offices, restaurants, theatres, and other commercial entities.

Under this Act, Shop Act registration is mandatory in Punjab for any business intending to operate legally

Key Provisions of the Punjab Shop Act

1. Working Hours

Maximum Hours: Employees are permitted to work a maximum of 9 hours per day or 48 hours per week.
Overtime: Allowed in exceptional cases, limited to 50 hours per quarter, and must be compensated at twice the standard wage.

2. Rest Intervals

A 30-minute break is required after every 5 hours of continuous work, in compliance with the Act.

3. Weekly Holiday

Every establishment must remain closed for at least one day per week, typically a Sunday. This must be mentioned in the registration documents.

4. Employment of Women

Women are prohibited from working between 8 PM and 6 AM, except under specific conditions approved by the authorities.

5. Employment of Young Persons

Individuals aged 14 to 18 can work a maximum of 5 hours a day and 30 hours per week.

6. Leave Entitlement

One paid leave for every 20 days of work.
Additionally, 7 days of casual leave and 7 days of sick leave are granted annually.

7. Public Holidays

Mandatory paid holidays on Independence Day, Republic Day, and Gandhi Jayanti.
Employees working on these days must be paid double wages

Applicability of the Punjab Shop Act

This Act applies across all commercial establishments in Punjab, including:

Retail shops
Service centers
Offices
Businesses engaged in trade, commerce, or entertainment

Every new establishment must complete registration within 30 days of starting operations.

Definitions:

Shop: Any premises where business or services are provided to customers.
Commercial Establishment: Premises used for business, trade, profession, or public entertainment

Requirements for Shop Act Registration in Punjab

To register under the Act, the employer must submit an application with the following details:

Name of the employer/manager
Name and address of the establishment
Number of employees
Applicable registration fees

Once verified, the authority will issue a Shop and Establishment Registration Certificate, valid for one year and renewable annually

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply may result in:

A fine of ₹100 for the first offence
₹300 for subsequent offences
Continued non-compliance may lead to suspension of the registration certificate

Documents Required for Registration

Employer/Manager’s details
Establishment name and address
Number of employees
Certificate of Incorporation (for companies)
Partnership Deed (if applicable)
Bank account details
Proof of fee payment

Online Shop Registration Process in Punjab

Punjab has streamlined the registration process through its Labour Department portal:

Visit the Official Portal
Select “Online Registration” under the Punjab Shops and Establishments Act
Fill in Required Details
Upload Documents and Employee Info
Submit the Application and Pay Fees
Receive the Registration Certificate upon approval

Shop License Renewal in Punjab

The Shop Act registration certificate must be renewed annually before expiration. This involves submitting a renewal application and paying the renewal fee to avoid penalties or disruption in operations

How Auriga Accounting pvt. ltd. Can Help

Auriga Accounting pvt. ltd. simplifies the registration and renewal process by:

Assisting with documentation and application submission
Ensuring compliance with the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act
Handling annual renewals to avoid lapses in certification

Let IndiaFilings handle your Shop Act registration while you focus on growing your business with confidence

About the Author

Rohit

Rohit is an experienced legal writer who specializes in simplifying complex legal concepts into clear, actionable insights. His content empowers entrepreneurs to confidently meet legal requirements, enabling them to start, manage, and grow their businesses with ease.

January 8, 2026