The sale and distribution of drugs in India, including painkillers and psychotropic drugs, are regulated by State Licencing Authorities (SLAs), which are appointed by state governments under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and its corresponding rules. This information was provided by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on August 8, 2025.
SLAs are responsible for implementing the provisions of the Act, monitoring compliance, and taking action in cases of non-compliance.
In an effort to comprehensively regulate the online sale of medicines, the Government of India published draft rules on August 28, 2018, to amend the Drugs Rules, 1945. These draft rules seek to incorporate provisions for the regulation of drug sales and distribution through e-pharmacies.
The proposed rules include provisions for:
- Registration of e-pharmacies.
- Periodic inspection of e-pharmacies.
- A procedure for the distribution or sale of drugs through e-pharmacies.
- The prohibition of drug advertisements via e-pharmacies.
- A complaint redressal mechanism.
- The monitoring of e-pharmacies.