Health Ministry Proposes Expansion of Authorised Import Gateways for Drugs, Medical Devices and Cosmetics

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has proposed amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945, to expand the list of authorised entry points for importing drugs, medical devices and cosmetics into India. The proposal aims to facilitate import operations by allowing consignments to enter through additional designated locations, including Inland Container Depots (ICDs), a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and Noida International Airport. The proposal was announced through a Press Information Bureau release dated November 3, 2026.

The proposed amendment concerns Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945, which specifies authorised places for the import of regulated healthcare products. The expansion is intended to provide importers with additional logistics options and support the movement of pharmaceutical products, medical devices and cosmetics through designated customs gateways.

The proposed inclusion of additional inland container depots and an SEZ is expected to provide greater flexibility for cargo handling and transportation. The addition of Noida International Airport would also provide another air-cargo entry point for regulated healthcare consignments.

The amendment is part of the government's efforts to facilitate the import process while maintaining regulatory oversight of drugs, medical devices and cosmetics. Imported products will continue to remain subject to applicable requirements under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the Drugs Rules.

The proposed changes are currently at the regulatory proposal stage. They should not be interpreted as already operational or as removing existing import licensing, registration or quality-control requirements.

Source: https://news.docthub.com/health-ministry-proposes-expansion-of-authorised-import-gateways-for-drugs-medical-devices-and-cosmetics-N2691