Navi Mumbai Airport approved for drug imports under drugs rules 1945 to boost pharma supply chain

The Centre has approved Navi Mumbai International Airport as a designated port for the import of drugs under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s Drugs Rules, 1945. The move is aimed at strengthening pharmaceutical supply chains and improving ease of trade for medicine imports.

The ministry amended Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945, to include Navi Mumbai Airport among the approved entry points for importing drugs into India. The notification was issued after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

With this approval, the total number of notified ports of entry for drug imports across air, road, rail and sea routes has increased to 42. The addition of Navi Mumbai Airport is expected to provide importers with an additional route, ensuring smoother movement of pharmaceutical consignments and improving logistics efficiency.

The decision is part of the government’s efforts to enhance regulatory systems, promote ease of doing business and create stronger infrastructure for India’s growing pharmaceutical sector while maintaining effective oversight of imported medicines.

The inclusion of Navi Mumbai Airport as a drug import hub is expected to benefit pharmaceutical companies by providing greater flexibility in supply chain operations and supporting faster movement of essential medicines into the country.