The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has proposed expanding the network of authorised import gateways for drugs, medical devices and cosmetics by adding several Inland Container Depots (ICDs), a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and an international airport to the existing list.
The proposed amendment to Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945, aims to streamline import procedures, improve logistics efficiency and facilitate the timely movement of healthcare products across the country.
Under the draft amendment, the Ministry has proposed including ICD Sonipat, Piyala and Harsaru in Haryana; ICD Dadri in Uttar Pradesh; ICD Gandhidham/Mundra in Gujarat; ICD Sanath Nagar and Thimmapur in Hyderabad, Telangana; and ICD Whitefield in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
The proposal also includes SEZ Bommasandra in Karnataka and Noida International Airport in Uttar Pradesh as an additional entry point for the import of drugs by air.
These locations will be added to the existing network of authorised import gateways, which includes ICDs at Dhannad and Tihi in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, along with previously notified airports.
The expansion is expected to provide importers with greater flexibility in clearing consignments closer to their manufacturing facilities, warehouses and distribution centres. This could reduce inland transportation distances, optimise logistics costs and minimise delays in the movement of imported healthcare products.
Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945, specifies the authorised ports, airports, railway stations, road crossings and other entry points through which drugs can be imported into India.
The proposed amendment is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen import infrastructure, promote ease of doing business and improve the efficiency of the healthcare supply chain. It is also expected to facilitate the smoother movement of medicines, medical devices and cosmetics, supporting their timely availability across different regions.
The Ministry has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders on the proposed amendment. Submissions can be sent to the Under Secretary (Drugs Regulation), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, U-6, Work Hall, C Wing, First Floor, Kartavya Bhawan-1, New Delhi – 110001, or emailed to drugsdiv-mohfw@gov.in.
The draft notification is available on the Official Gazette website.
-PIB
