The Director General of Health Service on 13th April 2021 has extended the deadline till 31st October 2021 for allowing import of drugs with residual shelf life less than 60 per cent based on the representation received and covid-19 pandemic situation.
As per Rule 31 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, no drug shall be imported unless it complies with the standard of strength, quality and purity, provided that the licensing authority shall not allow the import of a drug with a less than 60 per cent residual shelf life as on the date of import.
However, in exceptional cases, the licensing authority may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, allow the import of any drug with a lesser shelf life, but before its expiry.
