Government Allows Pharmaceutical Imports Through Navi Mumbai Airport Facility
Navi Mumbai Airport gets approval for pharmaceutical imports.
The Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry has allowed the import of drugs through Navi Mumbai Airport in Maharashtra, marking a major step toward improving India’s pharmaceutical supply chain and easing medicine logistics. The move is expected to provide pharmaceutical companies and importers with an additional entry point for bringing medicines into the country.
The ministry has amended Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945, to include Navi Mumbai Airport among the designated airports permitted for drug imports. With this addition, the total number of approved ports of entry for pharmaceutical imports through road, rail, sea, and air routes has increased to 42.
The amendment was issued after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The ministry said the decision aims to strengthen the regulatory system while improving efficiency in the movement of imported pharmaceutical products.
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Officials said the inclusion of Navi Mumbai Airport will help streamline the transportation of drug consignments by improving cargo handling options and reducing logistical pressure on existing entry points. The additional airport facility is also expected to provide greater flexibility to importers involved in bringing medicines and pharmaceutical products into India.
The move is part of the government’s broader efforts to improve trade facilitation and support the “Ease of Doing Business” initiative while maintaining strict oversight of imported drugs. The ministry said the updated framework will help create a more efficient and responsive pharmaceutical import system.
Earlier, the government had invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders regarding the proposed amendment on January 28. According to the ministry, no objections or recommendations were received from the public during the consultation process, allowing the revised rules to move forward.
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