Health Ministry proposes expansion of authorised import gateways for medicines, medical devices and cosmetics

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The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has proposed an amendment to Rule 43A of the 'Drugs Rules, 1945'. The objective is to expand the network of authorised gateways (digital/physical routes of import of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and cosmetics) into the country.

This proposed amendment aims to simplify the import process, improve logistics efficiency, and strengthen the supply chain of healthcare products.

Rule 43A of the 'Drugs Rules, 1945' prescribes the authorised ports, airports, railway stations, roadways and other entry points through which drugs can be imported into India. In order to facilitate trade and ease the processes related to imports, the ministry has proposed to include some more 'Inland Container Depots' (ICDs), a 'Special Economic Zone' (SEZ) and an international airport in the list of authorised places.

These new proposed locations include ICD Sonipat, Piala and Harsaru in Haryana; ICD Dadri in Uttar Pradesh; ICD Gandhidham/Mundra in Gujarat; ICDs Sanat Nagar and Thimmapur in Telangana (Hyderabad); ICD Whitefield in Karnataka (Bengaluru); SEZ Bommasandra in Karnataka; and Noida International Airport in Uttar Pradesh for import of medicines by air.

These locations will be added to the already existing authorized network for import. The existing network already includes ICDs located at Dhannad and Tihi in Madhya Pradesh (Indore) and notified airports for import of medicines.

This extension will facilitate importers to get their imported goods closer to their manufacturing centres, warehouses and distribution centres. This will help in reducing the distance of transportation within the country, reduce logistics cost and reduce delays in the movement of imported goods. Also, it will increase the ease of functioning for importers and make it more efficient to move medicines, medical devices and cosmetics to different parts of the country.

Through this proposed amendment, the Ministry intends to strengthen infrastructure for import of healthcare products, promote ease of doing business and contribute to creating a more efficient and speedy supply chain so that essential healthcare products are available in a timely manner.