‘Products meant for sale in the Indian market cannot be exported’: Health regulator issues alert

Products meant for the Indian market cannot be exported, the central health regulator said in an alert issued to all its port offices across India, asking them to keep an eye on exports by merchant exporters. news18 Have learned.

However, two government officials said the notice did not mention the motive behind the move. news18 It aims to curb unauthorized export of medicines to other countries, where they may not conform to the prescribed standards.

The notice issued by the Drug Controller General of India (DGCI) said: “It has been observed that products meant for sale only in India (as per label claim) are being exported by merchant exporters.”

“This practice should be stopped immediately,” said the notice issued by the head of the country’s top health regulatory agency, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). “It is directed to ensure that products meant only for the Indian market (as per label claim) should not be allowed to be exported.”

This was highlighted in the notice communicated to all port offices and all regional and sub-regional offices of CDSCO for “information and necessary compliance”.

Protect Indian product reputation and compliance

A senior official with knowledge of the incident said news18 In some cases, such exported medicines do not pass the necessary tests abroad as they are not made to the standards outside India. “The move is aimed at preventing any negative impact on the perceived quality of Indian products besides maintaining supply chain integrity and regulatory compliance,” he said.

Another official also cited market authority reasons for public health concerns. “Certain products may be authorized for sale only in the Indian market, and exporting them may violate licensing or authorization agreements. The notice may serve as a reminder to follow these restrictions.

“In addition, specific health or safety concerns may be associated with the export of certain products. Notices may be issued to prevent potential risks to consumers in other countries.

According to an industry veteran, the move will protect manufacturer exporters. “It is a good step but more clarity and rule provisions are needed for better implementation.”