In News:

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified Navi Mumbai International Airport as an authorised entry point for the import of drugs into India. The move aims to strengthen pharmaceutical logistics, improve supply chain efficiency and facilitate trade while ensuring regulatory oversight.

What is the Recent Notification?

The notification has been issued under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB).

To operationalise the decision, the Central Government amended Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945, adding Navi Mumbai International Airport to the list of approved locations through which pharmaceutical products can be imported into India.

With this amendment, the number of authorisedroad, rail, sea and air entry points for drug imports has increased to 42.

Key Features

The inclusion of Navi Mumbai Airport is expected to improve the movement of imported pharmaceutical consignments by providing an additional logistics gateway. It will reduce congestion at existing entry points, diversify import routes and enhance supply-chain resilience.

The new facility is expected to facilitate quicker customs clearance, improve transportation efficiency and strengthen pharmaceutical distribution networks across western India.

Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB)

The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) is a statutory body constituted under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

It serves as the highest technical advisory body on matters relating to the regulation of drugs and cosmetics in India. The Board advises the Central and State Governments on technical issues concerning the administration and implementation of the Act and the Rules framed thereunder.