1 week ago
CBIC Issues Checklist for Cosmetics, Drugs and Medical Devices
India's customs authority has created a checklist for imported cosmetics, medicines and medical devices.
Customs officers will use it before allowing these shipments to leave the port.
Importers must show documents such as licenses, permissions and registration certificates.
These documents relate to rules under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Businesses will upload the documents online through e-SANCHIT.
The goal is to make clearance faster and more consistent.
One expert said the checklist could reduce waiting time and unexpected costs.
Another expert said it will work well only if officers apply it uniformly.
The checklist covers different types of medicines, medical devices, diagnostic kits and manufacturing materials.
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs issued a standardized checklist for clearing imported cosmetics, drugs and medical devices.
The checklist covers required licenses, permissions and registration certificates under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Businesses must upload the required documents on e-SANCHIT to support expedited customs clearance.
The framework covers cosmetics, several categories of drugs, medical devices, in vitro diagnostics and related raw materials.
Experts said the system could improve predictability and reduce delays, but cautioned that uniform implementation will determine its success.
- Who
- The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs issued the checklist, for use by Customs officers and import businesses.
- What
- A standardized document-verification checklist for importing cosmetics, drugs and medical devices.
- Where
- The checklist is intended for implementation across Customs clearance points and ports.
- When
- The circular was published on September 7, 2026.
- Why
- To verify mandatory regulatory documents and facilitate faster, more predictable clearance in line with Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation measures.
Expected Benefits
Implementation Concerns
Predictability of clearance
Expected Benefits
Executive Director Sivakumar Ramjee said a checklist-based electronic process could replace discretionary manual vetting, improve transparency and provide greater certainty.
Implementation Concerns
Managing Partner Rajat Mohan said the system's success depends on producing predictable and uniform verification rather than adding another layer of discretionary scrutiny.
Import delays and costs
Expected Benefits
Ramjee said standardized verification could reduce port dwell times, limit demurrage charges and speed up the medical supply chain.
Implementation Concerns
Mohan's warning implies that inconsistent application could prevent importers from receiving these expected benefits.
Key facts
- Issuing authority
- Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
- Products covered
- Cosmetics, drugs and medical devices
- Legal framework
- Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
- Document platform
- e-SANCHIT
- Drug categories
- Active pharmaceutical ingredients, finished formulations, personal-use or small-quantity imports, and imports for test or analysis
- Medical-device categories
- In vitro diagnostic kits and devices, medical devices, and raw materials for manufacturing devices
- Publication date
- September 7, 2026
Quotes
Sivakumar Ramjee
Executive Director – Indirect Tax at Nangia Global
“By mandating a standardised, electronic verification protocol across all ports, this directive eliminates arbitrary bureaucratic hurdles and brings transparency to the clearance process.”
thehindubusinessline.com
“Instead of a manual discretionary method, it's moving towards a checklist-based clearance which will give more certainty during import of medical devices.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
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