Health Ministry proposes more entry points for drug and device imports
The government aims to expand authorised locations for importing medicines, medical devices and cosmetics to improve logistics and supply chain efficiency.
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has proposed an amendment to Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945, to increase the number of authorised locations for importing drugs, medical devices and cosmetics into India, according to reports by The Hawk and ANI.
The draft amendment seeks to add several inland container depots (ICDs), a special economic zone (SEZ) and a new international airport to the current list of approved gateways. Rule 43A currently regulates the ports, airports, railway stations and road crossings used for these imports.
The proposed new sites include 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; ICD Whitefield in Bengaluru; SEZ Bommasandra in Karnataka; and Noida International Airport in Uttar Pradesh for air imports.
These locations will join the existing network, which includes notified airports and ICDs such as Dhannad and Tihi in Madhya Pradesh. The ministry stated that the expansion is intended to help importers process consignments nearer to their warehouses and manufacturing units.
The government said the move is likely to reduce inland transportation distances, lower logistics costs and minimise delays. The amendment aims to support the ease of doing business and ensure the timely availability of essential healthcare products across the country.
Objections or suggestions regarding the proposal can be sent to the Under Secretary (Drugs Regulation) at Kartavya Bhawan-1, New Delhi, or via email.