Govt Notifies Navi Mumbai Airport as Port for Drug Import

The Central Government has notified Navi Mumbai Airport as an authorized port for the import of drugs by amending Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945. The change has been introduced through the Drugs (Ninth Amendment) Rules, 2026, notified under Sections 12 and 33 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The amendment came into force on 2nd July with its publication in the Official Gazette. 

Rule 43A Updated to Include Navi Mumbai

The amendment substitutes the words "Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram" in Rule 43A with "Cochin, Thiruvananthapuram and Navi Mumbai," thereby formally permitting the import of drugs through Navi Mumbai Airport. The notification states that the amendment was made after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board and that no objections or suggestions were received from the public on the draft rules published in January 2026. 

Total Notified Ports of Entry Rise to 42

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the inclusion of Navi Mumbai Airport increases the total number of notified ports of entry, covering road, rail, sea and air routes for the import of drugs to 42. 

The Ministry said the measure is expected to improve pharmaceutical logistics, facilitate smoother movement of imported drug consignments, and provide importers with an additional entry point for medicines. 

Part of Ease of Doing Business Measures

The Government stated that the amendment aligns with its broader efforts to strengthen the regulatory framework while promoting Ease of Doing Business. The addition of Navi Mumbai Airport is expected to enhance supply chain efficiency without compromising regulatory oversight of imported drugs.