DGFT Lifts Restriction On Export Of Formulations Of Paracetamol

Mumbai, 17 April 2020:

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has lifted restriction on export of formulation made of paracetamol and fixed dose combinations (FDCs) containing paracetamol following representation from Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) and other industry bodies.

However restriction on export of paracetamol active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) will continue, stated DGFT in a circular on April 17, 2020.

“The formulations made from paracetamol (including fixed-dose combinations) are made free for export with immediate effect. However, paracetamol API will remain restricted for export," it said.

On April 7 DGFT had partially lifted prohibition on export of paracetamol saying it would require meeting domestic demand.

Ministry of External Affairs in a communication stated that the government would license paracetamol and hydroxychloroquine in appropriate quantities to all our neighbouring countries who are dependent on India’s capabilities and the government will supply these essential drugs to nations who have been badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Paracetamol was among 13 APIs and their formulations which were restricted for export to meet domestic demand in the wake of disruption in their supplies from Wuhan region, China due to coronavirus outbreak and lockdown.

Industry bodies such as IDMA, OPPI, IPA, BDMA have appealed to the government to remove prohibition on export of these drugs as there is no shortage of the drugs in the country and supplies from China have resumed. Pharmabiz