How to Register Your Pharmacy Business in the Philippines

Starting a pharmacy in the Philippines requires more than just securing a business permit. Because drugstores handle regulated products and medicines, they must comply with additional requirements from the FDA (formerly BFAD), the PRC, and local government units. Below is a complete, updated guide to help aspiring pharmacy owners understand the process.

Requirements for Single Proprietorship

1. Business name registration (DTI)

Register your business name with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the nearest provincial office or via the online portal at bnrs.dti.gov.ph.

Validity: 5 years

Requirements:

• Accomplished Business Name Registration Form
• Registration fee: ₱300

This step legally establishes your business identity and allows you to operate under a chosen trade name.

2. Mayor’s Permit / Business Permit

Secure your business permit from the local municipality or city hall where your pharmacy will operate.

Validity: 1 year

Requirements:

• Accomplished Business Permit Application Form
• DTI Business Name Certificate
• Location sketch
• Two (2) pcs. 2×2 ID photo
• Registration fee (varies per LGU)

Local governments may also require:

• Fire Safety Inspection Certificate
• Sanitary Permit
• Barangay Clearance
• Waste Disposal Contract (especially for expired medicines)

3. Tax identification number (TIN) and BIR registration

Register your pharmacy with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Requirements:

• BIR Form 1901
• Mayor’s Permit
• Registration fee: ₱500

You will also need to:

• Register your books of accounts
• Apply for an official receipt/invoice authority
• Display your BIR Certificate of Registration (COR) inside the pharmacy

4. Social Security System (SSS) registration

Required for employers and businesses with employees.

Requirements:

• Accomplished R1 Form
• DTI Certificate
• Mayor’s Permit

This ensures your employees receive mandatory benefits.

5. DOLE Registration (for businesses with 5+ employees)

Register with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Requirements:

• Accomplished Rule 1020 Form
• Business layout
• Vicinity map

This step ensures compliance with labor standards and workplace safety.

Requirements for partnerships

Partnerships must register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Requirements:

• Verification Slip (proposed business name)
• Registration Data Sheet
• Articles of Partnership
• Written Undertaking to Change Name (if needed)
• Deed of Assignment (if capital includes real property)

Requirements for corporations

Corporations must also register with the SEC.

Requirements:

• Articles of Incorporation & By‑Laws
• Verification Slip
• Registration Data Sheet
• Treasurer’s Affidavit
• Bank Certificate of Deposit
• Authority to Verify Bank Accounts
• Subscriber’s Information Sheet
• Additional documents if capital includes real property
• Registration fee: ₱360

FDA (formerly BFAD) licensing requirements

Pharmacies must secure a License to Operate (LTO) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is one of the most important steps.

Basic Requirements

• Notarized Petition Form / Joint Affidavit of Undertaking
• Tentative list of products (generic and branded)
• Minimum floor area: 15 sqm
• Generic white labels
• Dry seal or rubber stamp

Pharmacist Requirements:

• PRC ID
• Valid PTR
• ID photo
• Certificate of attendance to FDA‑accredited seminar
• Business documents (DTI/SEC)
• Lease contract or proof of ownership
• Photo of drugstore with signboard
• Location plan and floor plan with dimensions
• Required Reference Books
• Philippine National Drug Formulary
• RA 3720 (Food, Drugs & Devices & Cosmetics Act)
• RA 6675 (Generics Act)
• RA 5921 (Pharmacy Law)
• RA 8203 (Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs)

Optional but Recommended Reference Books

• USP‑NF (latest edition)
• Remington’s Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Goodman & Gilman’s Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics
• Prescription record books registered with FDA

Fee: ₱1,000

Additional requirements for operating a pharmacy

Hiring a Licensed Pharmacist

A pharmacy cannot operate without a licensed pharmacist on duty.

• Required during operating hours
• Must sign prescriptions, inventory logs, and regulatory documents

Many drugstores hire:

• A full‑time pharmacist
• A reliever pharmacist for weekends or extended hours

Storage and Handling Requirements

Pharmacies must comply with proper storage standards:

• Temperature‑controlled storage for sensitive medicines
• Locked cabinets for dangerous drugs
• Proper segregation of expired or damaged medicines
• Daily temperature logbook

Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Compliance

If the pharmacy will sell regulated medicines (e.g., tramadol, benzodiazepines), additional requirements apply:

• Dangerous Drugs License
• Special prescription forms
• Strict inventory and reporting

Environmental and Waste Disposal Compliance/

Expired medicines must be disposed of through accredited waste disposal companies.
LGUs may require:

• Waste disposal contract
• Environmental compliance certificate (for larger drugstores)

Choosing a location for your pharmacy

Ideal locations include:

• Near hospitals and clinics
• Inside commercial centers
• High‑foot‑traffic barangays
• Residential communities with limited access to drugstores

Avoid areas with:

• Oversaturation of existing pharmacies
• Poor visibility
• Limited parking or access

Capital requirements (typical range)

Starting a pharmacy usually requires:

• ₱300,000 – ₱1,000,000 for independent drugstores
• Higher for branded franchises

Major expenses include:

• Initial inventory
• Pharmacy fixtures (shelves, counters, refrigerators)
• Rent and renovation
• Pharmacist salary
• Licensing and permits

Inventory planning

A typical starting inventory includes:

• Maintenance medicines (hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol)
• Antibiotics (regulated)
• Vitamins and supplements
• OTC medicines
• First‑aid supplies
• Medical devices (BP monitors, nebulizers)
• Personal care items
• Baby products

Daily operations and compliance

Pharmacies must maintain:

• Prescription logs
• Dangerous drug logs (if applicable)
• Temperature logs
• Inventory records
• Expiry monitoring system
• Customer counseling area

Tips for First‑Time Pharmacy Owners

• Hire a reliable pharmacist — they are your compliance backbone
• Maintain good relationships with suppliers
• Track expiry dates weekly
• Offer generic alternatives
• Provide excellent customer service
• Use digital POS systems for accuracy
• Monitor competitor pricing
• Keep the store clean and well‑lit

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