Centre Proposes 10 New Import Gateways for Drugs and Medical Devices

The Union Health Ministry proposed amendments to Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945, to add 10 inland container depots, a Special Economic Zone, and an international airport as authorised import points.

The proposed additions include ICD facilities in Sonipat, Piyala, Harsaru, Dadri, Gandhidham/Mundra, Sanath Nagar, Thimmapur, and Whitefield, alongside Noida International Airport and Bommasandra SEZ.

The expansion aims to allow importers to clear consignments closer to manufacturing hubs, thereby reducing inland transportation distances and logistics costs.