The Health Ministry has proposed adding ten locations to the list of authorised entry points for importing drugs, medical devices and cosmetics, by amending Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945.
The proposed additions are inland container depots at Sonipat, Piyala and Harsaru in Haryana; Dadri in Uttar Pradesh; Gandhidham/Mundra in Gujarat; Sanath Nagar and Thimmapur in Hyderabad; and Whitefield in Bengaluru; the Bommasandra special economic zone in Karnataka; and Noida International Airport for imports of drugs by air.
Why
They would join the existing network, which includes depots at Dhannad and Tihi in Indore and airports already notified. The ministry says importers could clear consignments closer to their factories, warehouses and distribution centres, reducing inland transport distance, logistics costs and delays.
The amendment is a proposal and the release does not state when it will take effect.
Source: official release by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, issued through the Press Information Bureau, Government of India (03 NOV 2026 9:54AM by PIB Delhi). Read the full official text: Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare proposes expansion of authorised Import gateways for Drugs, Medical Devices and Cosmetics.
How we verified this
VerifiedEvery fact, figure and quotation is taken from the official PIB release (Release ID 2331879) issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on 03 NOV 2026 9:54AM by PIB Delhi; checked against the source on publication. Story written by BDT from that release; no outside facts added.
Sources
- 1.Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare proposes expansion of authorised Import gateways for Drugs, Medical Devices and Cosmetics — Press Information Bureau, Government of India
