Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 3: The Centre has proposed expanding the network of authorised import locations for drugs, medical devices and cosmetics by adding several inland container depots (ICDs), a special economic zone (SEZ) and a newly developed international airport, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said the proposed changes are part of a draft amendment to Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945, and are aimed at improving logistics efficiency and strengthening the distribution network for healthcare products.
Rule 43A currently specifies the ports, airports, railway stations, road crossings and other designated entry points through which pharmaceutical and related products can be imported into India.
The proposed amendment seeks to expand the available import infrastructure to facilitate trade and make import operations more efficient.
“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,” the ministry said.
These facilities will be added to the existing authorised import network, which already includes notified airports and inland container depots such as Dhannad and Tihi in Madhya Pradesh.
The expansion is expected to enable importers to process consignments closer to manufacturing units, storage facilities and distribution centres, thereby reducing transportation costs and transit time.
“This is likely to reduce inland transportation distances, optimise logistics costs and minimise delays in the movement of imported consignments,” the government said.
The proposed changes are also expected to improve operational convenience for businesses while supporting a more resilient and responsive healthcare supply chain.
According to the ministry, the amendment is aimed at strengthening infrastructure for healthcare imports, promoting ease of doing business and ensuring the timely availability of essential medicines, medical devices and cosmetic products across different parts of the country.