New Delhi: The Centre has proposed an amendment to Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945, to expand the network of authorised entry points for the import of drugs, medical devices into the country.
The proposed amendment aims to facilitate smoother import operations, improve logistics efficiency and strengthen the supply chain for healthcare products, the Union Health Ministry said.
Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945, specifies the authorised ports, airports, railway stations, road crossings and other entry points through which drugs may be imported into India.
The Ministry has proposed the inclusion of additional Inland Container Depots (ICDs), a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and an international airport in the list of authorised locations.
The proposed additional locations are 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, Karnataka; SEZ Bommasandra in Karnataka; and Noida International Airport in Uttar Pradesh 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 the airports already notified for the import of drugs.
According to the ministry, “The proposed expansion is expected to facilitate importers in clearing consignments closer to their manufacturing facilities, warehouses and distribution centres. This is likely to reduce inland transportation distances, optimise logistics costs and minimise delays in the movement of imported consignments.”
“The measure is also expected to improve operational convenience for importers while facilitating more efficient movement of medicines, medical devices and cosmetics across different regions of the country,” it added.
Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI) welcomed the move.
“By enabling customs clearance closer to key healthcare and distribution hubs, this initiative can reduce logistics costs, minimise delays and strengthen supply-chain efficiency. For medical technologies, where timely availability can directly influence patient care, such measures are particularly important. We look forward to effective implementation, supported by adequate regulatory infrastructure, so that the benefits of improved trade facilitation ultimately reach hospitals and patients,” it said.
