Healthy Soch
The proposed amendment to the Drugs Rules, 1945 seeks to include additional inland container depots, special economic zones and an international airport to facilitate the import and clearance of healthcare products.
New Delhi, November 03, 2026:
Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945, stipulates authorised ports, airports, railway stations, roadways and other points of entry through which drugs can be imported into India. To facilitate trade and streamline import procedures, the Ministry has proposed to include a few more Inland Container Depots (ICDs), a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), and an international airport in the list of authorised locations.
These new proposed locations include ICDs Sonepat, Pyala, and Harsaru in Haryana; ICD Dadri in Uttar Pradesh; ICD Gandhidham/Mundra in Gujarat; ICD Sanath 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 existing authorized import network, which already includes the ICDs at Dhannad and Tihi in Madhya Pradesh (Indore) and the airports notified for import of medicines.
This expansion will enable importers to receive their imported goods closer to their manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and distribution centers. This will help reduce intra-national transportation distances, lower logistics costs, and minimize delays in the movement of imported goods. Additionally, this will facilitate operations for importers and enable more efficient shipments of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and cosmetics to various parts of the country.
Through this proposed amendment, the Ministry aims to strengthen the infrastructure for import of healthcare products, promote ease of doing business and contribute to creating a more efficient and quick supply chain, so that essential healthcare products are available in a timely manner.
Any objections or suggestions on the proposed amendment may be sent to the Under Secretary (Drugs Regulation), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India at the following address: U-6, Work Hall, C Wing, 1st Floor, Kartavya Bhawan-1, New Delhi – 110001. Alternatively, you can also email to drugsdiv-mohfw[at]gov[dot]in.
The draft notification regarding the proposed amendment to the ‘Drugs Rules, 1945’ can be accessed through the link given below in the official gazette:
