Government permits export of remdesivir under license

On Monday, the government eased export restrictions on injectable remdesivir and its active pharmaceutical ingredients. Their exports, which were banned two months ago, are now restricted and will require a license.

“Exports of Remdesivir injections and their APIs … fall into a restricted category and have immediate effect. Exports of Remdesivir injections / APIs for pre-approval do not require a separate approval / license,” said the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). ) States in a statement.

Under a pre-license, duty-free imports are bound by certain export obligations.

In April, the government banned the export of antiviral drugs amid a surge in Covid-19 cases in the country.

Until October 31, India exempted tariffs on pharmaceuticals and their APIs, and also exempted imports of beta-cyclodextrin, which is used to manufacture remdesivir, from tariffs. The tariff on Remdesivir was previously 10%, but after the integrated GST and 1% social welfare surcharge, the total import tax will rise to 16.5%. Betacyclodextrin has attracted a basic tariff of 7.5%. Times of India