New import policy mandates drug regulator’s nod for medical goods, pharma inputs

The government has made regulatory approval and conditions mandatory for importing medicines, medical goods and certain restricted products under the new Import Policy Order 2026-2029.

The three-year policy, issued yesterday (23 August) under Section 3(1) of the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1950, came into effect immediately and will remain in force until 31 December 2029.

Under the policy, active ingredients, excipients, auxiliary materials and packaging materials used for medicines may be imported subject to the quantity, price, conditions and limits set by the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA), where applicable.

Other health and medical goods, machinery and spare parts, surgical apparatus and equipment will also require approval from the DGDA for import, where applicable.

The policy also sets conditions for importing prohibited, restricted and conditionally importable goods.

Prohibited and restricted goods may be imported with permission from the Ministry of Commerce after the relevant conditions are fulfilled. Conditionally importable goods must comply with the conditions specified for their import.

The provisions are part of the government’s new framework for regulating imports while seeking to facilitate trade and ensure compliance with requirements for different categories of goods.