The Union Ministy of Health and Family Welfare would soon relax many of the pre-conditions that are currently necessary to avail import registration exemption on bulk drugs meant for re-exports. The ministry is to give specific instructions to free all drug imports against Advance License Scheme from the registration requirement. The fresh notification would also do away with the current need for subsequent NOC from DCGI for the same drug for every export order.

The government is to clarify that registration of import license is not required under Government of India Gazette notification No GSR 604 (E) dated 24 - 08 - 2001 in respect of drugs not yet approved for marketing in the country and meant for export only. After the initial grant of NOC by the office of DCG (I), no subsequent NOC for the same drug for every export order to the same destination will be insisted upon.

In respect of Advance Licenses issued by DGFT, drugs imported after 1/4/2003 on Advance Licenses issued by DGFT, the requirement of registration and Form 10 will be exempted. Further, the importer will also not require to obtain NOC from the office of the DCGI. However this is subject to fulfillment of all other normal conditions under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules there under, it is learnt.

In addition to exemption given to SEZ Zone, 100% EOU, EPZ will also be exempted from the conditions of registration and Import license. The imported materials will not be allowed to enter domestic market.

The government is also likely to announce, as a one time measure, that drugs imported against advance licenses from April,1 2003 to June 30,2003 be released by the Port Officers without registration and import license required under the Notification No GSR 601 (E) dated 24 8 2001.It would ask for a strict post-import check on the utilization of these drugs by concerned departments.