Medicine Export from India

Key Reasons Behind India’s Success in Medicine Exports

• Low Production Costs – India produces medicines at 40-50% lower costs than Western countries.
• Strong API Industry – India is a leading producer of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).
• Regulatory Approvals – Indian pharma companies meet US FDA, WHO-GMP, and EU-GMP standards.
• Government Support – Policies like Pharma Vision 2020 and PLI Scheme boost exports.
• Growing Global Demand – High demand for generic medicines, vaccines, and biologics.

Top Medicines Exported from India

India exports a wide range of pharmaceutical products, including:

• Generic Drugs – Cost-effective alternatives to branded medicines.
• Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines – Painkillers, antipyretics, and cough syrups.
• Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) – Essential components for drug manufacturing.
• Vaccines – Exported to WHO and developing countries.
• Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicines – Gaining popularity worldwide.
• Biologics and Biosimilars – Advanced therapeutic drugs.

Top Countries Importing Medicines from India

Indian pharmaceuticals are exported to major markets, including:

• USA – Largest importer of Indian generics.
• European Union (EU) – Germany, France, and the UK lead in imports.
• Africa – Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya rely on Indian medicines.
• Latin America – Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina import APIs and generics.
• Southeast Asia – Vietnam, Philippines, and Thailand prefer Indian drugs.

How to Start a Medicine Export Business from India?

If you’re interested in medicine export from India, follow these steps:

1. Register Your Business – Obtain a valid pharmaceutical export license.
2. Get Approvals & Certifications – WHO-GMP, US FDA, and ISO certifications are required.
3. Choose Your Product Category – Decide whether to export APIs, generics, or herbal medicines.
4. Identify Target Markets – Research the demand and regulations in importing countries.
5. Comply with DGFT Regulations – The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) oversees medicine exports.
6. Build an Export Network – Partner with wholesalers, distributors, and online B2B platforms.
7. Handle Shipping & Logistics – Work with reliable freight forwarders for safe delivery.

Regulatory Requirements for Medicine Export from India

To legally export medicines, you must meet:

• Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil) Registration
• Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT
• Goods and Services Tax (GST) Compliance
• Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) Approval
• Product Registration in Importing Country

Challenges in the Indian Pharma Export Industry

Despite its success, the medicine export company from India faces challenges like:

• Stringent International Regulations – Compliance with US FDA and EU GMP standards.
• Patent Issues – Legal barriers in exporting some drugs.
• Price Competition – Other low-cost suppliers like China.
• Supply Chain Disruptions – Global logistics issues affecting exports.
• Changing Trade Policies – Import restrictions in some countries.

Government Initiatives to Boost Medicine Exports

The Indian government supports pharmaceutical exports through:

• Pharmaceutical Promotion Scheme (PPS) – Provides financial assistance.
• Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme – Encourages local drug manufacturing.
• Bulk Drug Parks Scheme – Strengthens API production.
• Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) – Facilitates smoother exports.