The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) Dr Surinder Singh has transferred certain functions and delegated powers to zonal offices of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). The delegation of powers has been done under Rule 22 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules.

As per the new order issued by the DCGI, the Deputy Drugs Controllers at the four zonal offices of the CDSCO located at Ghaziabad (North Zone), Mumbai (West Zone), Chennai (South Zone) and Kolkatta (East Zone) have been authorised to use the powers for the functions such as:

No objection certificate for grant of license to manufacture drugs for the purpose of examination, test or analysis and provided under Rule 88 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules;

No objection certificate for grant of permission for manufacture for export only of unapproved/approved new drugs and drugs banned under section 26-A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act;

Permit for import of small quantities of drugs for personal use under Form 12-B of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules;

and no objection certificate for grant of permission for import of dual use items, not for medicinal use.