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Haryana Shops and Commercial Establishments Act 2025
Haryana notifies major amendments to the Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, effective 5 February 2026 with retrospective impact from 12 November 2025. Review new workforce thresholds, working hour limits, registration rules, penalties, and employer obligations.
Original publication: 2026-02-23
LEGAL & COMPLIANCE UPDATE
Haryana Shops & Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Act, 2025
Notification dated 5 February 2026 introduces key compliance changes for establishments in Haryana, with retrospective effectiveness linked to 12 November 2025.
WORKFORCE THRESHOLD
20+ employees: comprehensive provisions apply
Online registration required under Section 13 for establishments with 20 or more workers.
SIMPLIFIED COMPLIANCE
Less than 20 employees: online intimation
Section 13A introduces a simplified regime—online intimation within one month of starting business.
RETROSPECTIVE LINK
Effective date referenced as 12 November 2025
The 5 February 2026 notification operationalises changes with reference to the earlier amendment date.
What the 5 February 2026 Notification Covers
The Haryana government has introduced changes aimed at simplifying compliance—making the Act fully applicable for establishments with 20 or more employees, while establishments with less than 20 employees are guided by intimation-based requirements.
Key Legislative Changes
Dual regulatory framework
The Act distinguishes between establishments based on workforce size: 20+ workers follow comprehensive provisions, while establishments with less than 20 workers follow Section 13A with simplified compliance.
Working hours and overtime
Maximum daily working hours increase from 9 to 10 hours; quarterly overtime limit increases from 50 to 156 hours; continuous work before a mandatory rest break extends from 5 to 6 hours.
Registration and compliance workflow
Section 13 mandates online registration for establishments with 20+ workers. Section 13A requires online intimation for establishments with less than 20 workers, including change updates and closure notifications with graded penalties.
Employer obligations
New Sections 20A and 20B mandate issuance of appointment letters and identity cards to all employees. Section 19 updates references to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Revised penalty framework
Sections 21 and 26 introduce minimum and maximum fines, shifting minor violations toward monetary penalties. First violations attract ₹3,000–₹10,000; repeat violations ₹5,000–₹25,000, plus ₹500 per day for continuing defaults.
Action required
Establishments in Haryana should review compliance status, update registration or intimation processes, revise employment documentation, and align HR policies with revised working-hour limits. The Amendment repeals the earlier 2025 Ordinance.
Exemptions and Record Management
Exemptions under the Act
Offices and establishments under State and Central government; establishments under RBI, local authorities, railway administration; railway services, water transport, airway services, telephone/telegraph services, tramway and air service; sanitation or public conservancy; lawyers’ chambers; power or water supply businesses; establishments of petition writers or stamp vendors; and persons working in ceaseless services.
Management of records
Employers must record necessary employment details and maintain attendance registers.
Photographs of employees who have completed 3 months in the establishment should be maintained.
A notice of weekly closing must be displayed at a visible location in the premises.
Form B should be maintained for display notices.
Form F should be maintained for statements/records for registration.
Form G should be maintained for change in previously provided information.
Form H should be maintained for registration of the establishment.
Quick context note
The amendment is referenced as the Haryana Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Act, 2025, and is also described in the update as linked with the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958 framework.
Need support to align your establishment with Haryana’s updated Shops compliance?
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© Karma Global. This update is an informational communication for awareness and operational preparedness.