Pavan Choudary, Chairman of the Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI), expressed a positive outlook on the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, stating:
“While we are still reviewing the finer details, the FTA demonstrates strategic foresight it shows how two democratic nations can come together to foster innovation in healthcare amidst a globally divided environment. If implemented with determination and a long-term vision, this agreement could become a benchmark for trust-based MedTech trade between developed and developing economies.”
He also emphasized an important condition: “Every FTA, including this one, must require the clear identification of the actual manufacturing site for all imported medical products, as per the guidelines of India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). The CDSCO mandates separate registration for both the legal manufacturer and the physical site of production. This rule must be enforced strictly, transparently, and uniformly. Such disclosure is vital to prevent indirect imports from unapproved or low-regulation countries, and to ensure that manufacturing locations whether international or domestic adhere to consistent quality standards. Honest and complete information about the manufacturing origin not only ensures legal compliance but also safeguards patient safety through traceability and maintains fair competition, particularly for companies committed to high regulatory standards.”
