Trading Licenses Order, 1975.

This Order, comprising 21 articles, regulates businesses and trade, specifying that (i) a person is considered to be conducting business if they own or control it; (ii) the Minister has the authority to declare or revoke general business areas and specify goods via the Gazette; (iii) business operations will be restricted after a set date unless licensed, located within a designated business area, or authorized by the Minister; (iv) businesses dealing in specified goods must be licensed; (v) violations are punishable by fines, imprisonment for up to one year, or both, and may result in license revocation or a ban on future licenses. Article 7 addresses applications for the granting, amendment, or transfer of licenses, while Article 10 sets the following conditions for licenses: (i) a license must specify the business premises; (ii) separate licenses are required for each location if the business operates at multiple sites; (iii) licenses expire on December 31st of the year granted or renewed; (iv) licensees can renew their licenses by submitting a prescribed form and paying the annual fee, but the renewal may be denied if the form is incomplete. Article 15 allows licensing officers, customs officials, police officers, or authorized administrative officers to inspect premises to ensure compliance, with obstruction being an offense. Article 17 holds a licensee accountable for offenses committed by their partner, agent, or servant unless they prove reasonable steps were taken to prevent the violation. Making false statements in applications or to officers and forging a trading license are also offenses, with severe penalties for forgery.