New Delhi, November 3 (IANS). The Central Government has taken a big step to ease the import of medicines, medical devices and cosmetics in the country. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has proposed to amend Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945. Its objective is to increase the network of authorized entry points for imports so that the supply chain of healthcare products is strengthened and the import process becomes easier.
According to the information released on November 3, Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945 prescribes the authorized ports, airports, railway stations, road crossings and other entry points through which drugs can be imported into India.
To facilitate trade and increase efficiency of import related processes, the Ministry has proposed to include additional Inland Container Depot (ICD), a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and an international airport in the list of authorized locations.
The proposed additional locations include ICD Sonipat, Piyala and Harsaru in Haryana, ICD Dadri in Uttar Pradesh, ICD Gandhinagar/Mundra in Gujarat, ICD Sanat Nagar and Thimmapur in Hyderabad in Telangana, ICD Whitefield in Bengaluru, Karnataka, SEZ Bommasandra in Karnataka and Noida International Airport in Uttar Pradesh (for import of drugs by air).
These locations will be added to the existing network of authorized import gateways, which include ICDs at Dhanad and Tihi in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, as well as already notified airports for import of medicines.
According to the ministry, this proposed expansion will help importers to clear consignments closer to their manufacturing units, warehouses and distribution centres. This will reduce internal transportation distances, reduce logistics costs and reduce delays in movement of imported consignments. The move will also enhance operational convenience for importers and facilitate more efficient movement of drugs, medical devices and cosmetics across different regions of the country.
Through this proposed amendment, the Ministry seeks to strengthen the supporting infrastructure for import of healthcare products, promote ease of doing business and contribute to a more efficient and responsive supply chain, thereby ensuring timely availability of essential healthcare products.
If there is any objection or suggestion on the proposed amendment, it can be sent to the Under Secretary (Drugs Regulation), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare or through email. The draft notification can be viewed at the link of the official gazette.