India proposes 10 new gateways for healthcare imports

India’s Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has proposed adding 10 locations to the authorised gateways for importing drugs, medical devices and cosmetics, through a draft amendment to Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945. The additions comprise eight inland container depots, a special economic zone and an airport designated for drug imports by air. They are not yet authorised under the proposed change. The proposed inland container depots are in Sonipat, Piyala and Harsaru in Haryana; Dadri in Uttar Pradesh; Gandhidham-Mundra in Gujarat; Sanath Nagar and Thimmapur in Hyderabad, Telangana; and Whitefield in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The proposal also names Bommasandra SEZ in Karnataka and Noida International Airport in Uttar Pradesh. The airport is specified for drug imports by air. Rule 43A lists the ports, airports, railway stations, road crossings and other entry points through which drugs may be imported into India. The ministry has invited objections and suggestions on the draft amendment. Mint reports that the consultation period is 30 days. The ministry says the proposed gateways could let importers clear consignments closer to manufacturing facilities, warehouses and...