Karnataka drugs control department has approached the office of the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to set up a dedicated export-import cell in Bangalore to facilitate faster international trade in pharmaceuticals from the state. An assistant drugs controller (customs) may also be required in the state to oversee the export import operations.

Right now, the Pharma companies in the state dispatch samples for approval to Chennai, Mumbai, Kochi or Kozhikode. This is a time consuming exercise and pose a major hurdle for speedy dispatch of consignments.

In order to support the export oriented pharma units, we had the preliminary discussions with the DCGI who has consented for the same and we hope the approvals will come in at the earliest. The export-import office will be located within the state drugs control department, Dr BR Jagashetty, state drugs controller told Pharmabiz.

The state is desperately in need for an export-import office to oversee and handle exports and import clearances. Out of the annual turnover of Rs.3,500 crore generated from the 205 units in the State ending March 2008, Rs.1,500 crore constitutes exports which is around 42 per cent.

The leading exporters from the State include Biocon, Strides Arcolab, Shilpa Medicare, Bal Pharma, Global Calcium, RL Fine Chem, Micro Labs, Global Pharmatech, Medreich Sterilabs Hikal, Lake Fine Chem, Natural Capsules, Srushti Pharma to name a few.

The Karnataka Drugs and Pharmaceutical Association (KDPMA) has been demanding an export-import office for the last ten years, stated Jatish N Seth, secretary, KDPMA and director of Srushti Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Limited.

"We need a facility in Bangalore going by the quantum of exports from here. Even to import active pharma ingredients or excepients, we need to carry out sample tests which are done at the Chennai Port and there is inordinate delay in receiving the supplies," he added.

According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) report, the national pharmaceutical market is valued at US$ 10 billion, and is growing at over 12 per cent annually. The sector ranks 4th in terms of volume and has an 8 per cent share in global sales. In terms of value, it ranks 13 with a share of 1 per cent in global sales and produces 20-24 per cent of the world's generic drugs. The country is also one of the top five active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) producers with a share of about 6.5 per cent in the global markets.