Health · Healthcare & Policy · 3 hrs ago
India proposes more gateways for importing drugs and medical devices
India’s Union Health Ministry has proposed more authorised gateways for healthcare imports of drugs, medical devices and cosmetics.
The draft would add inland container depots in several states, Karnataka’s Bommasandra special economic zone and Noida International Airport in Uttar Pradesh.
The gateways are the approved places where imported goods can enter India and clear customs under Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945.
The ministry says clearance closer to warehouses and distribution centres could cut inland travel and logistics costs and reduce delays.
Faster, more efficient deliveries could support the supply of medicines and medical devices, which matter for patient care.
The proposal is not yet final: stakeholders have 30 days to send feedback, and the ministry will consider objections and suggestions before taking the amendment forward.
India’s Union Health Ministry has proposed expanding the authorised entry points for importing drugs, medical devices and cosmetics.
The draft amendment would add inland container depots, a special economic zone and Noida International Airport to the approved locations.
The ministry says the changes could reduce transport distances, costs and delays and improve supply-chain efficiency.
The number of proposed new inland container depots differs between the reports: Business Standard says seven, while The Hindu says 10.
The ministry has invited stakeholder objections and suggestions on the draft amendment.
- Who
- India’s Union Health Ministry proposed the changes.
- What
- It proposed adding import gateways for drugs, medical devices and cosmetics, through an amendment to Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945.
- When
- The draft notification was reported on November 3, 2026.
- Where
- The proposed locations include sites in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana and Karnataka.
- Why
- The ministry says the changes could make imports easier, reduce inland transport and improve logistics and supply-chain efficiency.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Union Health Ministry’s draft proposal to add import gateways was reported.
The ministry invited stakeholders to submit objections and suggestions on the draft notification.
- Rule
- Proposed amendment to Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945
- New airport
- Noida International Airport at Jewar, Uttar Pradesh
- Proposed SEZ
- Bommasandra, Karnataka
- Existing ICDs
- Dhannad and Tihi in Indore, Madhya Pradesh
- Proposed ICD count
- Business Standard says seven; The Hindu says 10
3 sources
What people are saying
The amendment aims to simplify the import process, improve logistics efficiency, and strengthen the supply chain for healthcare products
For medical technologies, where timely availability can directly influence patient care, such measures are particularly important