Govt allows imported drugs with residual shelf life of under 60%

Relaxes norms as cargo stuck at ports makes it difficult for consignments to be released expeditiously, subject to written request from importer

With containers stuck in transit for days together, the Indian government has decided to allow some relaxation on the import of drugs. Under the existing rule, imported drugs that have less than 60 per cent shelf life remaining are not allowed into the country. However, given the supply chain disruption this rule has been relaxed by the Central Drugs Standard and Control Organisation (CDSCO). 

In a notification dated April 17, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said that under exceptional conditions the licensing authority may allow import of drugs with lower shelf lives, provided that the expiry date has