India to expand drug import gateways with new inland depots, SEZ

The Health Ministry has drawn up plans to significantly broaden India's import clearance infrastructure for pharmaceuticals, medical devices and cosmetics by designating additional facilities beyond existing airport and seaport gateways. The proposed additions include seven inland container depots located across the country, a Special Economic Zone, and Delhi's under-construction Jewar International Airport, which is expected to commence operations in the coming years.

Currently, most pharmaceutical and medical device imports are processed through a limited number of designated ports and airports, creating bottlenecks and delays in supply chains. The Health Ministry's proposal seeks to decongest these primary gateways by distributing clearance responsibilities across inland facilities, which would enable faster movement of goods to distribution centres and reduce logistics costs for importers.

The inclusion of inland container depots is expected to benefit manufacturers and traders located in central and northern India, who currently face extended lead times in moving imports from coastal ports. Once Jewar airport becomes operational, it will provide another expedited clearance option for time-sensitive shipments of high-value pharmaceutical products and specialized medical devices.

The proposed changes require coordination with multiple agencies including the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, the Ministry of Commerce, and airport authorities. Industry bodies have long advocated for such measures to enhance India's competitiveness in pharmaceutical manufacturing and reduce import-related compliance costs that are eventually passed to consumers.