Health Ministry proposes new import gateways for drugs under Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945

3 November 2026

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has proposed widening the list of authorised import gateways for drugs, medical devices and cosmetics.
The change is to be made by amending Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945, which lists the entry points through which such goods may lawfully be brought into the country.
Eight Inland Container Depots are proposed to be added: Sonipat, Piyala and Harsaru in Haryana, Dadri in Uttar Pradesh, Gandhidham/Mundra in Gujarat, Sanath Nagar and Thimmapur in Telangana, and Whitefield in Karnataka.
One Special Economic Zone, Bommasandra in Karnataka, is also on the proposed list.
Noida International Airport in Uttar Pradesh is proposed as a notified airport for importing drugs by air.
The aim is to shorten the distance goods travel and let importers receive consignments closer to their factories, warehouses and distribution centres.
The draft notification has been published in the official Gazette, and objections and suggestions have been invited.