Dear Readers, we are happy to share the most interesting legal and policy updates concerning health industry that we read today. We hope you enjoy reading it.
1. India’s Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), effective October 1, 2025, reportedly excludes medical devices and pharmaceuticals from duty concessions, keeping them protected to safeguard domestic industries. While 92.2% of EFTA and 82.7% of India’s tariff lines are liberalised, sensitive healthcare products will face phased tariff reductions over 5–10 years.
Source: https://short-url.org/1hoSo
2. Central drug regulator (CDSCO) is reportedly set to conduct nationwide inspections and audits of cough syrup manufacturing units after child deaths in Madhya Pradesh were linked to toxic syrups. States and union territories have been directed to submit lists of manufacturers for surveillance, aiming to strengthen quality control and prevent contamination-related tragedies.
Source: https://short-url.org/1cGQR
3. Department of Pharmaceuticals has launched sensitisation programmes to guide pharmaceutical and medical technology companies on the amended Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector scheme. The sessions will help companies to understand the revised guidelines, and digital application process to ensure smooth participation.
Source: https://short-url.org/1cGR3
4. India’s Central food authority has issued a draft amendment to Packaging regulations 2018 to restrict the use of Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) in food contact materials. It also states that food materials made with polycarbonate and epoxy resins must be free from Bisphenol A (BPA) and its derivatives. Objections / suggestions are awaited from the industry stakeholders for a period of 60 days from the date of publication.
Source: https://short-url.org/1hoTb
5. State drug inspectors are reportedly seeking enforceable powers to arrest and detain offenders, aiming to curb the growing menace of spurious drugs. The demand follows the recent incident involving contaminated cough syrup sold to paediatric patients, which resulted in multiple child deaths.
Source: https://short-url.org/1hoTt