How to get factory plan approval in Kerala?

Factory plan approval in Kerala is provided by the Factories and Boilers Department.

Documents Required

The following documents are required to obtain factory plan approval in Kerala.

• Flowchart of the manufacturing process

• Description of the manufacturing process in various stages

• 1:400 scale plan of the site of the factory and surroundings

• Plan, elevation and cross-section of the buildings of the factory in 1:200 scale

• Drawings of machinery layout in 1:200 scale

• Drawings of rainwater harvesting plant

• NOC from pollution control board (Hazardous industries only)

• NOC from Chief Town Planner (Hazardous industries only) 

Apply Online for Factory Plan Approval

Follow the below steps to apply online for factory plan approval in Kerala.

• Register in KSWIFT website. Kerala Single Window Interface for Fast and Transparent (KSWIFT) is the platform for all transactions with the Government of Kerala on the issue of granting licenses and approvals in a time-bound manner. KSWIFT is expected to reduce the physical touchpoints in the entire clearance process, thereby making the entire process more efficient and effective.

• Once registered, Login to KSWIFT website.

• Click on New Project to enter details about your enterprise

• Fill the questionnaire on a proposed enterprise

• List of approvals required will be displayed

• Fill the Common Application Form

• Upload Supporting Documents

• You have to make the required fee for the processing of your application

• The processing of the application will be done by relevant departments/agencies.

• Approvals will be issued by departments/agencies after due verification.

Inspection Procedure

Pre-Inspection

1. A quality check shall be done on the documents submitted by the applicant in terms of completeness and correctness of the information furnished with respect to the type of industry.

2. The inspector shall collect background information and previous compliance history (if available) of the applicant. This will enable the inspector to be familiar with the nature of operations of the industry and note down specific areas that may require more detailed

   investigation or verification during the inspection process.

3. The inspector shall obtain the following information about the industry from the Regional Office or the Head Office:

   • Location of the industry

   • Past consents issued to the industry

   • Previous inspection reports

   • Notices issued to the industry for non-compliance and track record of the industry with respect to carrying out orders from the Department

   • Line of activity of the industry

   • The manufacturing process of the industry

Inspection

1. The inspection shall be made during regular working hours of the establishment/industry except when special circumstances indicate otherwise.

2. At the beginning of the inspection, the inspector shall locate the occupier/representative of the occupier/person in charge of the industry and information about the purpose of the proposed inspection.

3. The inspector shall inspect the following:

   A. Boundaries of the site and compliance in terms of access, setback, etc.

   B. Height of the building

   C. Manufacturing area

   D. Working conditions of the laborers

   E. Storage area of raw materials and finished goods.

   F. Disposal of wastes and effluents

   G. Ventilation, lighting and temperature

   H. Availability of drinking water

   I. Availability of adequate, functional latrines and urinals

   J. Fire-prevention precautions and fire-fighting mechanisms.

   K. Maintenance of mandatory records and forms as stipulated by the Kerala Factories Rules and Factories Act

   L.  Department to mention other inspection items

4. The inspector should collect photographic evidence if any non-compliance has been observed.

5. The inspector may seek information/clarifications or documentary evidence from the representative or occupier to ascertain the correctness of the application.

6. If any representative/occupier of the industry willfully delays or obstructs the inspector in carrying out an inspection, the same shall be recorded in the inspection report for taking further necessary action in the matter.

7. At the end of the inspection, the Inspector may inform the representative of the industry about apparent non-compliance observed during the inspection so that the industry may initiate necessary corrective action wherever required.

Post Inspection

1. The inspection report should be submitted within 48 hours of completion of the inspection and a copy of the same should be issued to the factory.

2. All observations of the inspection along with photographic evidence of non-compliance should be included as part of the report.

3. Noncompliance areas should be listed in the report along with additional measures that need to be taken by the applicant to ensure compliance.

4. Noncompliance areas should be listed along with the relevant section of the Act/Rule or G.O. which is a violation of.

Application Status

Application status can be tracked through K-Swift website.

Time Required

90 days from the date of submission of a completed application in Kerala for Factory plan approval.