Centre Proposes 10 New Import Gateways for Drugs, Medical Devices

It includes eight inland container depot locations, a special economic zone and an international airport, with the proposed facilities spread across five states.

The Union Health Ministry has proposed 10 new import gateways for drugs, medical devices and cosmetics to streamline import operations and improve supply chain efficiency.

The proposed amendment to Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945, would expand authorised entry points across Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana and Karnataka, bringing import clearance facilities closer to key logistics and distribution centres.

The proposal seeks to improve the movement of imported healthcare products by reducing inland transportation distances and easing the movement of consignments.

It includes eight inland container depot locations, a special economic zone and an international airport, with the proposed facilities spread across five states.

Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945, specifies the ports, airports, railway stations, road crossings and other entry points through which drugs can be imported into India. The existing authorised network includes inland container depots at Dhannad and Tihi in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, along with airports notified for drug imports.

The proposed expansion includes inland container depots (ICDs) at Sonipat, Piyala and Harsaru in Haryana; Dadri in Uttar Pradesh; Gandhidham/Mundra in Gujarat; Sanath Nagar and Thimmapur in Hyderabad, Telangana; and Whitefield in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

The Ministry has also proposed adding the Bommasandra Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Karnataka and Noida International Airport in Uttar Pradesh for the import of drugs by air.

According to the Ministry, the additional import gateways could enable businesses to clear consignments closer to their manufacturing facilities, warehouses and distribution centres.

This could reduce the distance imported products need to travel within the country after clearance, potentially lowering logistics costs and limiting delays.

The proposed amendment is intended to improve operational convenience and strengthen the infrastructure supporting the movement of drugs, medical devices and cosmetics across India.

However, the expected benefits will depend on the final notification and the operational readiness of the proposed locations.

The Ministry has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders on the draft amendment.

The Ministry will consider the objections and suggestions received before proceeding with the proposed amendment.

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