🏷️ 1. Introduction
In Maharashtra, the sale and import of wine at the wholesale level requires a specific license under the Maharashtra Foreign Liquor Rules, 1963. The Form F.L.W.I (Wholesale Wine Licence) authorizes import, removal from customs frontier, and wholesale vending of wine (not to be consumed on the premises).
📌 This guide breaks down the entire registration process for the Form F.L.W.I licence in a clear, step-by-step format.
📂 2. Types of Licenses Offered
The Maharashtra Excise Department offers several licences related to wine, including:
- Form F.L.W.I 🍷 – Wholesale wine import & trade
- Form F.L.W.II 🍇 – Retail off-premises sale of wine
- Form F.L.W.III 🏪 – Wine sale for consumption on the premises (restaurants)
Our focus here is on Form F.L.W.I, which is a business-to-business (B2B) wholesale license.
👤 3. Who Needs These Services?
You’ll need a Form F.L.W.I license if:
- You’re a distributor or importer of bottled wine
- You’re planning to import wine through customs for wholesale to licensed retailers or restaurants
- You want to set up a warehouse or depot to stock imported wines in Maharashtra
✅ This license does not permit retail or on-premises sale.
🤝 4. Why Choose a License Registration Service Provider?
An experienced consultant ensures:
✅ Smooth documentation & submission
✅ Fast-track approval process
✅ Guidance on inspection requirements
✅ Updates on 2024-2025 rule changes
✅ Minimizing rejection chances due to legal technicalities
💡 A reliable registration partner can reduce time-to-market by 30–40%.
📝 5. Registration Process
Follow these 8 steps to register for the Form F.L.W.I license:
- Register
- Select “Form F.L.W.I” from the application options
- Fill details: business, location, storage capacity, import intent
- Upload required documents
- Pay the applicable fees online
- Schedule and undergo excise site inspection
- Submit physical verification documents (if requested)
- Receive final approval or query via online dashboard
🔄 Track your application online 24/7.
📑 6. Required Documents
Keep these documents ready:
- PAN, Aadhaar of proprietor/partners/directors
- Company registration docs (GST, MOA/AOA, Partnership deed)
- Ownership or rental agreement of premises
- Warehouse layout & capacity details
- Customs registration or import authorization
- Fire, police, and municipal NOCs
- Proof of wine source/manufacturer agreement
- Declaration of compliance with Maharashtra Excise Act
🗂️ All documents must be scanned clearly and uploaded in PDF format.
💸 7. Cost Involved
Here’s the approximate cost structure:
| Fee Type | Amount (₹) |
| Application Fees | ₹25,000 – ₹50,000 |
| Security Deposit | ₹1,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 |
| Site Inspection | ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 |
| Consultant Charges | ₹20,000 – ₹50,000 |
💰 Fees may vary based on district or annual turnover.
⏳ 8. Time Taken
Here’s the expected timeline:
- Documentation & Preparation: 3–5 Days
- Online Submission & Fee Payment: 2–3 Days
- Excise Inspection & Review: 7–14 Days
- Final Approval: 10–15 Days
⏱️ Total Time: Approx. 20–35 working days
⚠️ 9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these errors that commonly delay registration:
🚫 Submitting incomplete customs documentation
🚫 Failing to obtain a fire safety certificate
🚫 Providing wrong business structure details (proprietor vs. company)
🚫 Missing warehouse layout verification
🚫 Not listing the specific types of wine or countries of import
✅ Double-check documents and consult a professional if unsure.
📞 10. Call-to-Action (CTA)
Want expert help with your Form F.L.W.I Wholesale Wine Licence in Maharashtra?
📧 Email: opriyatrendingpvtltd@gmail.com
📱 WhatsApp: +91 7588756518
🌐 Website: www.opriyatrending.in
👉 We handle everything—from paperwork to inspection support!
❓ 11. FAQs
Q1. Can one license holder deal in both wine and spirits?
No. Form F.L.W.I is exclusively for wine. Use other FL forms for spirits.
Q2. Is this license valid outside Maharashtra?
No, it’s jurisdiction-bound to Maharashtra. Separate licences needed in other states.
Q3. Can I store imported wine in my retail shop?
Only with a valid warehouse linked to your Form F.L.W.I licence.
Q4. What if my warehouse location changes?
You must apply for a modification and get fresh inspection approval.
Q5. Is there a limit to how much wine I can import?
It depends on your warehouse capacity and declared monthly import plan.
