logo
India May Relax Import Duty On 200 Drugs; Blockbuster Cancer Meds Keytruda, Enhertu On List

India May Relax Import Duty On 200 Drugs; Blockbuster Cancer Meds Keytruda, Enhertu On List

News1811-07-2025
The list recommending customs duty of 5% includes 74 drugs, while another suggesting full exemption has 69 drugs. A separate list for rare disease drugs has 56 names for exemption
India may soon see a drop in treatment costs for critical conditions, such as HIV, cancer, transplant medicine, and haematology, with a government panel recommending customs duty relaxation on around 200 high-impact medicines, News18 has learnt.
In a move that could provide some relief to patients with cancer and other chronic diseases, an interdepartmental committee constituted by the central government has recommended a set of customs duty exemptions and concessions for high-impact medical imports. The report, accessed by News18, recommends full exemption of customs duty on several global blockbuster cancer drugs such as pembrolizumab (brand Keytruda), osimertinib (brand Tagrisso), and trastuzumab deruxtecan (brand Enhertu)—widely used in treating lung, breast, and other aggressive cancers. These medicines, often costing lakhs per dose, have long remained out of reach for many due to the high import burden.
The panel, formed by the Drug Controller General of India in August 2024, is led by joint drug controller R Chandrashekar along with members from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Department of Pharmaceuticals and Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The panel aims to make life-saving therapies for cancer, rare diseases, transplants, and advanced diagnostics significantly more affordable for Indian patients.
Beyond Oncology
Apart from cancer medicines, the recommendations cover several other vital drugs, including transplant drugs, critical care medicines, and advanced diagnostic kits that rely on imported inputs or have no equivalent in the domestic market. A second category of drugs—essential but more broadly available—has been proposed for concessional duty at 5%. The list of drugs here includes hydroxyurea, which treats cancer as well as sickle cell anaemia. The other popular drug on this list is low molecular weight heparin, sold under the brand name Enoxaparin, which is used in the treatment and prevention of blood clots and deep vein thrombosis.
The list recommending a customs duty of 5% includes 74 drugs, whereas the one suggesting full exemption has 69 drugs. A separate list for drugs to treat rare diseases has 56 names for customs duty exemption.
A Lifeline for Rare Disease Patients
A section of the report focuses on rare diseases, where treatment costs are often devastating for families. The panel has recommended customs duty exemptions on a group of therapies used to treat conditions such as spinal muscular atrophy, cystic fibrosis, Gaucher disease, Fabry disease, lysosomal storage disorders, and hereditary enzyme deficiencies. Several of these therapies—including gene-based and enzyme replacement treatments—are among the most expensive drugs in the world, with single-course costs running into multiple crores. The blockbuster rare disease drugs in the list include Zolgensma, Spinraza, Evrysdi, Cerezyme, and Takhzyro. All these drugs are very expensive and, in the majority of cases, unaffordable for Indian patients.
Moreover, the panel has recommended 'to constitute a permanent inter-departmental committee under DGHS to review such drugs and provide recommendations in this regard to the Department of Revenue", the report said.
view comments
First Published:
July 11, 2025, 07:00 IST
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Mars' new campaign shifts narrative from emotional feeding to informed feeding
Mars' new campaign shifts narrative from emotional feeding to informed feeding

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Mars' new campaign shifts narrative from emotional feeding to informed feeding

Mars, incorporated, pet care products and services, has launched 'Feed Them Like Cats and Dogs,' a campaign each for the Pedigree and Whiskas brands on raising awareness about the specific nutritional needs of dogs and cats. The message is simple and universal: pets may be family, but their nutrition requirements are biologically different. In the Pedigree brand film, a pet parent realises that dogs respond to their own natural instincts, especially around food. The Whiskas brand film captures a quiet bonding moment where the pet parent comes to understand that while we treat cats as part of the family, their nutritional needs are uniquely their own. The campaign has been created by BBDO India and BBDO Guerrero, respectively. The campaign is supported by a recent survey conducted among Indian veterinarians, which captured observations on what pets are being fed and the impact this has on their health. According to the findings, nutrition gaps are widespread among pets fed home prepared diets. Most vets recommend complete and balanced packaged pet food as a safer and more consistent option. Many vets report visible improvements in digestion, energy, and coat health when pet parents transition to packaged pet food. Salil Murthy, managing director, Mars Petcare India, said, 'Our campaign is helping pet parents bring the two together and shift the narrative from emotional feeding to informed feeding . As market leaders, we believe it is our responsibility to educate pet parents on what feeding right truly means and counter the common misconceptions regarding pet nutrition .' Ayesha Huda, chief marketing officer, Mars Petcare India, said, 'India needs a step change in how we think about pet nutrition. Despite rising pet ownership and growing affection towards pets, over 90 per cent of Indian pet parents still feed home-cooked food—unaware that it lacks all the essential nutrients pets need to live a healthy, happy life. It is time to shift from emotional feeding to evidence-based care. Backed by Mars 90 years of global nutritional expertise in pet care, the Pedigree and Whiskas brands ensure complete and balanced nutrition when fed as recommended.' The campaign will be visible across pet stores, ecommerce platforms, social media, digital platforms, veterinary clinics, retail environments and the distribution network of Mars. It invites Indian pet parents to reflect on what goes into the bowl — and whether it truly reflects what their pet needs, to lead a healthier life. Watch the videos here:

India-UK FTA: Zero duty to boost India's generic drug, medical device exports to Britain
India-UK FTA: Zero duty to boost India's generic drug, medical device exports to Britain

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

India-UK FTA: Zero duty to boost India's generic drug, medical device exports to Britain

Exports of generic medicines and medical devices like X-ray systems and surgical instruments will get a boost as Britian has agreed upon zero duty under the free trade agreement. The trade agreement between India and the UK was singed on Thursday in London in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK premier Keir Starmer. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Finance Design Thinking Degree others PGDM Leadership Operations Management Artificial Intelligence Management Data Science Product Management Digital Marketing MCA Cybersecurity Others healthcare Public Policy CXO Project Management Healthcare MBA Data Science Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 Months IIM Calcutta SEPO - IIMC CFO India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Fintech & Blockchain India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 Months IIM Calcutta SEPO - IIMC CFO India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 Months IIM Calcutta SEPO - IIMC CFO India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Fintech & Blockchain India Starts on undefined Get Details "Significant share of medical devices like surgical instruments, diagnostic equipments, ECG machines, X-Ray systems will not attract any duty," PTI reported quoting a commerce ministry official. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cardiologist: The Best Method for a Flat Stomach After 50 (It's Genius!) Lulutox Undo The deal will reduce costs for Indian med-tech companies and make products more competitive in the UK market. "Given the UK's shift away from reliance on Chinese imports post-Brexit and COVID-19, Indian manufacturers are poised to emerge as a favoured, cost-effective alternative, especially with zero-duty pricing for medical devices," the official told PTI. Live Events The commerce ministry has said that zero tariff provisions under the FTA are expected to significantly enhance the competitiveness of Indian generics in the UK market, which remains India's largest pharmaceutical export destination in Europe. Currently, India exports $23.31 billion globally and the UK imports nearly $30 billion, but Indian pharma accounts for under $1 billion, indicating significant headroom for growth. The pharma sector has only 56 tariff lines, which is just 0.6 per cent of the total, the document stated. Despite the small representation, pharmaceutical sector holds high value and strategic importance, especially in global trade, the document stated. India's pharmaceutical industry is the world's third largest by volume and 14th largest in terms of value. The sector's exports rose 10 per cent year-on-year to $30.5 billion in FY 2024-25. The industry is leading in the manufacture of high-quality generic drugs at competitive prices over the last 30 years. India is the largest supplier of generic medicines with a 20 per cent share in the global supply by manufacturing 60,000 different generic brands across 60 therapeutic categories. Indian products are shipped to over 200 countries around the globe, with Japan, Australia, West Europe and the US as the main destinations. The current market size of the medical devices sector in India is estimated to be $11 billion and expected to reach $50 billion by 2030.

Dry fish is a great source of protein: Dietitian shares 5 key nutrients it has and why it's good for health
Dry fish is a great source of protein: Dietitian shares 5 key nutrients it has and why it's good for health

Hindustan Times

time2 hours ago

  • Hindustan Times

Dry fish is a great source of protein: Dietitian shares 5 key nutrients it has and why it's good for health

Dry fish is a polarising food. While some can't stand the strong smell, others consider it a staple. But beyond the aroma, is it actually healthy? On July 23, Dr Soumya Swaminathan, on her X profile, shared a picture of dry fishes and wrote, 'Dry fish is a great source of protein. Can be a good supplement for Anganwadi and mid day meals especially in coastal fish-eating communities.' This brings our attention to the nutritional value of dry fish and how it can help the body. Also read | Want to add more omega-3s to your diet? This fish is nature's best kept secret Know the nutritional benefits of having dry fish.(Unsplash) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Shikha Singh, clinical dietitian, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram said, 'Dry fish is a highly concentrated source of essential nutrients and can play a powerful role in improving nutritional outcomes, especially in coastal, fish-eating populations. Its long shelf-life, high protein density, and micronutrient richness make it ideal for use in community feeding programs such as Anganwadi centers and mid-day meal schemes.' Here are 5 key nutrients present in dry fish: 1. High-quality protein Content: 60–80 g per 100 g (varies by fish type). Role: Supports child growth, muscle repair, immune function, and development in undernourished populations. Impact: Regular inclusion can help reduce protein-energy malnutrition in children. Also read | Protein and the Indian plate: Nutritionist explains why balanced intake matters for health and immunity 2. Calcium Content: Up to 2000 mg/100 g (especially in small fish consumed whole with bones like anchovies or sardines). Role: Essential for bone and teeth development, preventing rickets and osteoporosis. Impact: A natural, lactose-free calcium source for communities with low dairy access. 3. Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) Content: Rich in marine species even after drying. Role: Supports brain development in children, cognitive function, heart health, and reduces inflammation. Impact: Critical for neurodevelopment during the first 1000 days of life. 4. Iron Content: Up to 4–6 mg/100 g. Role: Prevents iron-deficiency anemia, supports oxygen transport and cognitive development. Impact: Important for adolescent girls, pregnant women, and young children in low-resource settings. 5. Vitamin D Content: Naturally present in oily dry fish (e.g., mackerel, sardine). Role: Aids calcium absorption, boosts immunity, and prevents rickets. Impact: Especially vital in populations with limited sun exposure or poor dietary diversity. Also read | Fish is the healthiest food you can include in your diet. Here's why Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store