Bihar Extends Fee-Free OSHWC Registration Deadline to 31 December 2026: Important Update for Employers

Is Your Establishment in Bihar Still Pending OSHWC Registration? Take Advantage of the Extended Deadline!

Employers operating establishments in Bihar have received an important compliance relief. The Bihar Government has extended the deadline for fee-free registration under the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSHWC) Code, 2020, until 31 December 2026.

This extension provides an additional opportunity for eligible establishments that were already in existence before 21 November 2025 but have not yet completed their registration formalities.

Businesses should take advantage of this extended period to review their registration status, complete pending applications and strengthen their statutory compliance.

1. What Is the Latest Bihar Government Update?

The Bihar Government has announced an extension through Notification S.O. 243 dated 30 October 2026, published in the Bihar Gazette (Extraordinary), Patna No. 1329, under reference number 01/OSHC-08/2026.

The notification extends the period during which eligible establishments can apply for registration without paying the prescribed registration fee.

The extension is effective from 1 July 2026, corresponding to the date on which the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Bihar) Rules, 2026 came into force.

Important Deadline: 31 December 2026

Eligible establishments should complete their registration applications on or before this date to avail themselves of the fee exemption.

2. What Has Changed Under the New Notification?

Section 3 of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, provides for the registration of establishments covered under the Code.

Under Rule 3(10)(1) of the Bihar Rules, establishments that existed before the commencement of the Code were initially provided with a 60-day period to apply for registration without paying the registration fee.

However, considering transitional arrangements, including the development of the registration portal, notification of registering authorities and representations received from industry associations, the Bihar Government exercised its powers under Rule 93 to extend the fee-free registration period.

The revised deadline is now 31 December 2026.

This gives eligible employers additional time to complete their registration requirements without the applicable registration fee.

3. Which Establishments Are Eligible for Fee-Free Registration?

The benefit of this extension is not applicable to every establishment. Eligibility depends on when the establishment came into existence and whether it is covered under the Code.

Eligible Establishments:

• Establishments covered under the OSHWC Code, 2020.

• Establishments that existed before 21 November 2025.

• Establishments that have not yet completed the required registration.

• Establishments applying within the extended period ending 31 December 2026.

Important Clarification for New Establishments

Establishments that came into existence after 21 November 2025 are not automatically eligible for the fee exemption under this extension.

For example, an establishment commencing operations in December 2025 will remain subject to the applicable registration fee prescribed under Rule 3, even if it submits its application before 31 December 2026.

Employers should therefore verify the establishment's date of commencement and applicable registration requirements before applying.

4. What Should Employers Do Now? – Compliance Checklist

To avoid last-minute complications, employers should take the following steps:

Step 1: Identify Covered Establishments

Review all business locations and establishments operating in Bihar to determine whether they fall within the coverage of the OSHWC Code, 2020.

Step 2: Verify the Establishment's Date of Commencement

Maintain documentary evidence establishing when the business or establishment commenced operations. This is particularly important for determining eligibility for fee-free registration.

Step 3: Check Existing Registration Status

Verify whether the establishment already holds a valid registration certificate or has an application pending. Where registration is already on record, confirm the applicable process before submitting a fresh application.

Step 4: Arrange Required Documents

Keep relevant establishment details, employer information, address details, existing registration records and other prescribed documents ready for submission.

Step 5: Complete Registration Before the Deadline

Eligible establishments should submit their pending applications on or before 31 December 2026.

Step 6: Maintain Filing Acknowledgement

After submission, retain the dated application acknowledgement and follow up with the concerned registering authority for the registration certificate.

5. Why Should Employers Not Delay OSHWC Registration?

Timely registration is an important part of statutory labour law compliance.

Delaying registration may result in avoidable administrative complications and difficulties in demonstrating compliance with applicable legal requirements.

Completing the registration process within the extended period can help employers:

• Avail the applicable fee-free registration facility.

• Meet statutory registration obligations.

• Maintain proper establishment records.

• Reduce the risk of compliance-related complications.

• Improve overall labour law compliance management.

Our Recommendation: Employers should not wait until the last few days of December. Review eligibility and initiate the registration process well in advance.

6. Key Highlights at a Glance

7. How Sankhla & Co. Can Help Your Business

Understanding labour law requirements and completing statutory registration procedures can be challenging for employers managing multiple establishments and business locations.

Sankhla & Co. – Advocates & Labour Law Advisors provides professional assistance in labour law compliance, establishment registrations, statutory compliance management and advisory services.

Our areas of assistance include:

• OSHWC Code registration guidance.

• Establishment compliance and statutory registrations.

• Labour law compliance audits.

• Payroll and statutory compliance.

• Labour law advisory and compliance management.

We help businesses understand applicable statutory requirements and manage their labour law compliance responsibilities effectively.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the extended deadline for fee-free OSHWC registration in Bihar?

The Bihar Government has extended the fee-free registration deadline to 31 December 2026 for eligible establishments.

Q2. Which establishments can avail of the fee exemption?

Covered establishments that existed before 21 November 2025 and have pending registration requirements may qualify for the exemption.

Q3. Are establishments established after 21 November 2025 eligible?

No. The extension does not automatically cover new establishments established after the specified date. They remain subject to the applicable registration fee under Rule 3.

Q4. Which notification announces this extension?

The extension was announced through Bihar Government Notification S.O. 243 dated 30 October 2026, published in the Bihar Gazette (Extraordinary), Patna No. 1329.

Q5. What should employers do before 31 December 2026?

Employers should verify their eligibility, check existing registration status, arrange the required documents and submit pending applications within the extended period.

Conclusion: Act Now to Avail the Fee-Free Registration Window

The Bihar Government's extension provides eligible establishments with an additional opportunity to complete their OSHWC registration without paying the prescribed registration fee.

However, employers should carefully verify their eligibility, review their establishment records and complete all required formalities before 31 December 2026.

Do not leave statutory compliance until the last minute. Take timely action to keep your establishment compliant and avoid unnecessary complications.

Need Assistance with OSHWC Registration or Labour Law Compliance?

Sankhla & Co. – Advocates & Labour Law Advisors can assist your organisation with establishment registration, labour law compliance, statutory audits and advisory services.

📩 Email: info@sankhlaco.com

🌐 Website: https://www.sankhlaco.com

Stay Compliant. Stay Protected. Stay Ahead!