Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) and PHARMEXCIL Sign Memorandum of - 24th August 2026 - Ministry of Finance - Gazette Notification PDF
Issued by Ministry of Finance
Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Finance on 24th August 2026. Classified under Press Release.
Executive Summary & Key Takeaways
Executive Summary On August 24, 2026, the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) and the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (PHARMEXCIL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Gwalior to boost legitimate pharmaceutical exports and strengthen regulatory cooperation. The agreement aims to facilitate trade while preventing the diversion of drugs and psychotropic substances through voluntary compliance and streamlined procedures. A six-month action plan has been initiated to prioritize pan-India outreach and stakeholder sensitization.
Key Points / Main Content
Voluntary Code of Conduct (VCC)
- The government and PHARMEXCIL will develop a VCC outlining recommended industry practices.
- The code is voluntary and non-binding, designed to avoid creating additional statutory or financial burdens on exporters.
Trade Facilitation and Ease of Doing Business
- The partnership focuses on identifying and removing operational bottlenecks to streamline export procedures.
- Efforts will be made to reduce "dwell time" for export authorizations to foster sustainable growth in the pharmaceutical sector.
Capacity Building and Institutional Cooperation
- Both parties will organize joint workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns for exporters.
- Coordination will extend to other relevant government institutions, including CDSCO and Customs.
Information Sharing and Regulatory Oversight
- A framework has been established for the exchange of necessary information to meet regulatory objectives while maintaining confidentiality.
- The CBN maintains its mandate under the NDPS Act, 1985, to supervise licit cultivation and ensure chemical inputs are not diverted for illicit use.
Impact Analysis
Pharmaceutical Exporters and Member Companies
Impact Exporters will benefit from streamlined procedures, reduced delays in authorizations, and clearer guidance through the Voluntary Code of Conduct. They will also have access to specialized capacity-building programs.
Action Required Member companies are encouraged to nominate "Contact Persons" to coordinate VCC matters and participate in upcoming pan-India outreach and sensitization programs.
Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN)
Impact The CBN gains a collaborative framework to balance export promotion with its regulatory mandate under the NDPS Act, enhancing its ability to secure international supply chains.
Action Required The agency must collaborate with PHARMEXCIL to develop the VCC and execute the six-month action plan focused on institutional cooperation.
PHARMEXCIL
Impact As a coordinating body, PHARMEXCIL strengthens its role in facilitating ease of doing business for its members by directly integrating with regulatory oversight mechanisms.
Action Required PHARMEXCIL must provide industry consultation for the development of the VCC and co-organize awareness campaigns and workshops for the export community.