Govt plans new drug import rule

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New Delhi: The Central Government is preparing to revise regulations governing the import of medicines. Currently, imported medicines are required to have more than 60% of their shelf life — the time remaining until expiry — intact.

The government has now proposed amending this rule to mandate a minimum shelf life of 12 months. This means any medicine with 12 months or more of shelf life remaining will be eligible for import into India.

The existing 60% rule will continue to apply to biological drugs and radiopharmaceuticals.

The government has said the move will improve medicine supplies and prevent wastage. It is also expected to enhance medicine availability and potentially reduce supply chain costs.

The government has clarified that there will be no changes to regulations concerning the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines.

The Union Health Ministry has invited suggestions and objections on the draft proposal from the public and all relevant stakeholders.