Factories Act 1948

Applies to

Historically governed 'factories' under Section 2(m): premises with ≥10 workers with power, or ≥20 without. REPEALED and subsumed by the OSH Code 2020 with effect from 21 November 2025, which raises the factory thresholds to ≥20 with power / ≥40 without. Retained for reference — current obligations flow from the OSH Code and state rules.

Key points

• Repealed and subsumed by the OSH Code 2020 from 21 November 2025 — see the OSH Code entry for current obligations.
• Historic factory thresholds: 10 workers with power / 20 without (the OSH Code raises these to 20 / 40).
• State Factories Inspectorate issued the licence (Section 6); hazardous-process duties (Sections 41A–41H) now carry over to the OSH Code.

Applicability triggers

• Historic: ≥10 workers with power, or ≥20 without power (now superseded by the OSH Code's 20/40)
• Manufacturing process carried on at the premises

Practitioner questions

• Do my existing Factories Act licences carry over under the OSH Code, and has my state notified its OSH rules?
• Which hazardous-process duties (old Sections 41A–41H) map to which OSH Code provisions?

Sources

• Factories Act 1948 (India Code)
• Ministry of Labour & Employment