CDSCO Publishes Final Risk Classification List for Class A Medical Devices

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has published the final risk classification list for Class A (non-sterile and non-measuring) medical devices under the Medical Devices Rules, 2017. This final list, contained in Appendix A, follows the publication of a draft list issued earlier this year and is now effective immediately. The classification confirms that these low-risk devices are exempted from most licensing requirements under the Rules, a measure intended to streamline regulatory compliance for manufacturers and importers of over 1,000 types of basic medical instruments and products.

Nationwide Alert Issued as 112 Drug Batches Declared Not of Standard Quality in September 2025

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and various State Drug Testing Laboratories have issued a comprehensive alert identifying numerous drug batches that failed quality testing in September 2025. The consolidated list comprises 112 instances of drug products—including antibiotics, cardiovascular medications, supplements, and specialized injections—that were declared Not of Standard Quality (NSQ).

CDSCO Mandates Import of Drugs and Medical Devices Only Through Notified Ports

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has issued a directive to the National Customs Targeting Centre (Cargo) to ensure that all imports of Drugs, Medical Devices, and Cosmetics are routed exclusively through the ports of entry officially designated under the Drugs Rules, 1945. The directive, dated October 7, 2025, emphasizes strict compliance with Rule 43-A of the Drugs Rules, 1945, which specifies the legal entry points for drugs into India.

CDSCO Clarifies Regulatory Pathway for Combipack Injections

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has issued a clarification on the regulatory pathway for approving combipack products consisting of lyophilized dry powder for injection/I.V. infusion and its diluents. The guidance distinguishes between standard and altered combipack formulations, determining whether they require approval as a new drug.

CDSCO Excludes Specific FDC from List of Unapproved Combinations

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has issued a clarification stating that the Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) containing Voglibose 0.2 mg and Metformin HCl (as SR form) 500mg is approved by the CDSCO and must be excluded from a previously circulated list of unapproved FDCs.

CDSCO Clarifies Regulatory Pathway for Pharmaceutical Cocrystals

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has issued a circular clarifying the regulatory pathway for approving pharmaceutical cocrystals, stating that all such products derived from already approved active substances will be treated as a new drug.

ICMR and CDSCO Release Comprehensive Protocols for IVD Kit Evaluation

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) have jointly unveiled the first batch of 39 Standard In-Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) Evaluation Protocols. This initiative, a collaboration under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two bodies, aims to strengthen the quality and availability of diagnostic kits in India, particularly for critical infectious diseases.