The Union Health Ministry has proposed expanding India’s authorised import gateways for drugs and medical devices by adding several Inland Container Depots (ICDs), a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and an international airport under Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945.
The proposed amendment seeks to simplify import procedures, improve cargo movement and strengthen the supply chain for medicines, medical devices and cosmetics.
The additional locations proposed for inclusion 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 air cargo imports.
These locations will supplement the existing authorised network, which includes ICDs at Dhannad and Tihi in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, along with previously notified airports.
According to the Ministry, expanding the network will allow importers to clear consignments closer to manufacturing units, warehouses and distribution centres. This is expected to reduce inland transportation requirements, lower logistics costs and minimise delays in the movement of imported products.
The Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI) has welcomed the proposal, stating that improved access to customs clearance facilities could strengthen supply-chain efficiency and support the timely availability of medical technologies.
The association also emphasised the need for adequate regulatory infrastructure to ensure effective implementation of the proposed changes.
