The Centre has notified Navi Mumbai Airport as a designated port for drug imports, taking the total number of notified ports to 42 and strengthening India's pharmaceutical logistics network.
New Delhi: In a move aimed at strengthening India's pharmaceutical supply chain and improving ease of doing business, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified Navi Mumbai Airport as a designated port for the import of drugs under the Drugs Rules, 1945.
The notification has been issued through an amendment to Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945, following consultations with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
With the latest amendment, Navi Mumbai Airport has been added to the list of airports through which pharmaceutical products can be legally imported into India. The inclusion takes the total number of notified ports of entry, including airports, seaports, road and rail entry points, to 42.
The Ministry said the decision would facilitate smoother movement of pharmaceutical consignments by providing importers with an additional gateway for bringing medicines into the country. The new entry point is also expected to strengthen India's logistics infrastructure and improve supply chain efficiency for the pharmaceutical sector.
Officials said the move is part of the Government's continued efforts to modernise the regulatory framework governing drug imports while supporting trade facilitation. The additional import gateway is expected to reduce logistical bottlenecks, improve distribution efficiency and provide greater operational flexibility for pharmaceutical companies importing medicines into India.
The notification comes soon after the inauguration of Navi Mumbai Airport and is expected to support the country's growing pharmaceutical industry by enhancing cargo handling capacity and streamlining import operations.
The Ministry reiterated that while facilitating trade, regulatory oversight of imported drugs will continue to be maintained under the existing provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the Drugs Rules to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines entering the Indian market.
The latest amendment reflects the Government's focus on strengthening pharmaceutical infrastructure while supporting India's position as one of the world's leading healthcare and pharmaceutical hubs.
