The Government of India notified Navi Mumbai International Airport as a designated port for the imports of drugs under the Drugs Rules, 1945. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued the notification on 8th of July, 2026 and amended Rule 43A after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The total number of notified ports of entry in India for drug imports has increased to 42 which enhances the logistics, trade facilitation, and ease of doing business.
Navi Mumbai Airport Designated for Drug Imports
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has amended the Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945 and includes Navi Mumbai International Airport among the designated airports where pharmaceuticals can be imported in the country.
This notification was issued after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), it is the country’s highest statutory technical advisory body on matters related to drugs and cosmetics.
This amendment provides importers with the additional gateway for bringing medicines and pharmaceutical products in the country while maintaining regulatory oversight.
Why Was Rule 43A Amended?
Rule 43A defines the ports through which drugs may legally enter in the India.
After the operationalization of the Navi Mumbai International Airport, the government considered it necessary to include the airport in the list of authorized entry points to support the growing pharmaceutical trade and improve logistics efficiency.
The amendment aims to,
- Expand pharmaceutical import infrastructure.
- Improve the supply chain efficiency.
- Reduce the congestion at existing ports.
- Provide greater flexibility to importers.
- Strengthens India’s healthcare logistics network.
Total Notified Drug Import Ports Rise to 42
After this amendment, the total number of the notified ports of entry for drug imports has increased to 42.
These include multiple modes of transport such as the,
- Airports
- Seaports
- Road entry points
- Rail entry points
This expanded network enables faster and more efficient movement of the pharmaceutical consignments across the country, which will ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Regulatory Framework Behind the Decision
This notification was issued under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, it governs the import, manufacture, distribution, and sale of drugs and cosmetics in the India.
This amendment to Rule 43A was made after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), it ensuring the decision is supported by the expert technical recommendations along with maintaining the public health safeguards.
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