Goa To Be Notified As Port For Import & Export Of Drugs Soon.

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) recently approved Goa as a recognised port for import and export of drugs under Rule 43 A of the Drugs and Cosmetics (D&C) Rules, 1945. According to sources closely associated with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) the notification is expected to come from the DCGI's office in a month's time.

The decision to notify Goa as a recognised port was officially taken at the fist meeting of the newly constituted Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) on June 23, putting rest to the whole process that was initiated by the DCGI in September 2010.

With this approval the long wait of the Goa pharma industry to have its own notified port has come to an end. Speaking about the same, Arun Naik, president, Goa Pharmaceutical Manufacturers' Association (GPMA) informed, “The Goa pharma industry is thrilled with anticipation that the notification is finally on its way and that the process has already began. However, we really hope that the Government would speed up the process so that we can actually make use of the opportunely at the latest.”

In order to have control over the quality of drugs, the D&C Act restricts the port entries for drugs under Rule 43 of D&C Rules.

At present only Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Cochin, Nhava Sheva and Kandla ports are recognised under the D&C in respect of drugs imports by sea into India. Now as per the decision made at the DTAB at its first introductory meeting, drugs can be imported into India through Goa's Mormugao Port.

However Naik, added that since the imports can start only after Goa is officially notified as a port for imports of drugs, the industry is hopeful that in the meanwhile at least the exports from Goa can begin.

“Since Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) has already issued us a letter of approval we can start with the exports provided that the DCGI appoints or deputes an Assistant Drug Controller (ADC) for Goa. As it is essential to have an ADC's office or a representative of the same for exports of drugs from a notified port,” Naik informed.

At present the exporters and importers from Goa spend almost Rs.30,000 on transporting one container of Goan drugs to Nava Sheva port in Mumbai. With the notification of the MPT as a recognised port for export, the exporters will not have to go to the Nava Sheva port in Mumbai. It will not only reduce the cost associated with transport but also will increase the exports from Goa.

Source : pharmabiz.com