Chandigarh based Ind-Swift Laboratories Limited has bagged the coveted ISO 9000 - 2000 certification for quality management and quality assurance systems. The new certification is expected to help the company in its plans to tap export markets in a big way in future. ISO 9001-2000 replaces the obsolete 1994 versions of ISO 9000, ISO 9001, ISO 9002 and ISO 9003 certification, stated a company release.

The company is aggressively preparing to enter the highly regulated international pharmaceutical markets where drugs worth US $ 80 billions are going off patent in next four-five years. Out of these drugs the company's product portfolio already comprises of the drugs that are worth US $ 25-30 billion in the world market, the release said.

Ind-Swift Laboratories has been promoted by Ind-Swift Limited, a joint venture with the Punjab State Industrial Development Corporation Limited. The company went public in 1997 and has made its mark in the manufacture of quality bulk drugs meant for both local and international markets. The company exports bulk actives to more than 35 countries and exports contribute to 40 per cent of its sales.

Ind-Swift is an 18-year-old group with a turnover of Rs 280 crore. It consists of Ind-Swift Limited and Ind-Swift Laboratories Limited, a bulk drugs unit confirming to USFDA standards with six independent manufacturing facilities.