CDSCO Launches 100-Day Campaign to Publicize GST Rate Cuts on Healthcare Products
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has launched a comprehensive 100-day awareness campaign to disseminate information about the recent reduction in Goods & Services Tax (GST) rates on medicines, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, effective since September 22, 2025.
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.
Government Amends Cosmetics Rules, 2020: New Regulations for Labelling, Manufacturing, and Enforcement
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has officially published the Cosmetics (Amendment) Rules, 2025, which introduce a series of changes to the existing Cosmetics Rules, 2020. These new rules were finalized after a public consultation period and are aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight and ensuring greater clarity for manufacturers, authorities, and consumers. The amendment rules come into effect from July 29, 2025.
Consumer Affairs Minister to Convene Meeting with E-commerce Giants to Tackle “Dark Patterns”
Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution will address growing consumer concerns regarding “dark patterns” in e-commerce through a high-level stakeholder meeting scheduled for May 28, 2025, in New Delhi. The meeting aims to find more effective solutions to curb these deceptive user interface designs.
Drugs and Cosmetics (Compounding of Offences) Rules, 2025
Individuals or companies involved in the manufacture, import, sale, distribution, or any other activity covered under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and its rules can apply to the designated compounding authority for the compounding of an offence. This application can be made either before or after the initiation of prosecution and must be submitted in the prescribed form along with relevant information and documents. Importantly, each company or person involved must submit an individual application.
CDSCO Streamlines Cosmetics Registration with New Online Module for Additional Variants
The CDSCO has now added a new online module specifically for applications and permissions related to additional variants of already-approved cosmetic products. The new module will be implemented and available for use from February 22, 2025.
CDSCO Organizes Round Table to Discuss Cosmetics Regulations with Stakeholders
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has invited manufacturers, importers, and industry associations to a roundtable meeting to discuss issues related to cosmetics regulations. The meeting is scheduled for November 19, 2024, at 4:00 PM at CDSCO headquarters in New Delhi. It aims to foster dialogue and collaboration between regulators and industry representatives.
India Introduces Ecomark Certification Scheme to Promote Environment-Friendly Products
The Government of India has introduced the Ecomark Certification Scheme to encourage the production and consumption of environmentally friendly products. This scheme was introduced through the Ecomark Rules, 2024. Under these rules, products eligible for Ecomark certification must meet specific criteria related to resource consumption, waste generation, emissions, and overall environmental impact.
CDSCO Imposes Limit on Cosmetic Product Applications
Effective from August 16, 2024, applicants can now submit a maximum of fifty products per application. By limiting the number of products per application, the CDSCO aims to streamline the application process and expedite the review and approval timelines.
CDSCO Directs Cosmetics Importers to Comply with Cosmetics Rules, 2020
All applicants importing cosmetics under COS-4A are now directed to furnish an annual statement to the Central Licensing Authority. This statement should comprehensively outline details such as the number of consignments and bill of entries for each consignment, the imported quantity in each consignment, total cost of imported cosmetics per consignment, warehouse details where the products are stored for further distribution and sale, among others.
CDSCO publishes List of NSQ Pharmaceuticals for December 2023
A total of 1008 samples were tested by the CDSCO. Based on the samples tested, CDSCO has found a total of 78 drugs, medical devices, vaccines and cosmetics that are identified as being not of standard quality.
India Strengthens International Cooperation in Medical Product Regulation
The Union Cabinet has been apprised of Memorandums of Intent (MoIs) and Understanding (MoUs) signed between the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and regulatory bodies from the Netherlands, the Dominican Republic and the Republic of Ecuador. These agreements focus on cooperation in the field of Medical Products Regulation.