Import Unregistered Drugs for Personal Use in India

“Indirect Tax I Indirect Tax Litigation I Customs & FTP I Central Licensing I Arbitration I Advisory”

Dated: 03.08.2026

Import Unregistered Drugs for Personal Use in India

Indian citizens who require medicines not available or registered in India can now apply online for permission to import such drugs for personal use. This process is managed by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) through the SUGAM portal. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the application process using Form 12A.

Overview

The CDSCO allows patients to import small quantities of unregistered drugs for personal treatment, provided they have a valid prescription. The process is entirely online, user-friendly, and does not require any application fee. Upon approval, a license (Form 12B) is issued.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Accessing the Portal

Visit www.cdscoonline.gov.in.
Click on the highlighted link “Import Drugs for Personal Use.”
A new window will open, offering options to apply for a new license (Form 12A) or check your application status.

2. Filling Form 12A Application

The application consists of four main steps:

Step 1: Personal Information

Enter the patient’s personal details.
Upload necessary documents:
- ID proof of the patient.
- ID proof of the person collecting the consignment (if different).
Click “Save and Continue.”

Step 2: Product Details

Provide complete details about the drug to be imported (name, quantity, manufacturer, etc.).
Click “Save and Continue.”

Step 3: Preview

Download the filled Form 12A for review.
Fill in any remaining details if required.
Click “Save and Continue.”

Step 4: Submit Form

Upload the signed Form 12A and all supporting documents.
Choose your preferred method (email or mobile) to receive a One Time Pin (OTP).
Generate and enter the OTP to verify your submission.
Click “Submit to CDSCO.”

After submission, you will receive a unique file number to track your application.

Tracking Your Application Status

Go to the portal and click on “Application Status.”
Enter your file number and select your preferred OTP method (email or mobile).
Enter the OTP received to view your application status.
You can also download the ID proof of the person collecting the consignment if needed.

Important Notes

The application is free of charge.
You must have a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
If someone else is collecting the medicine on your behalf, download and fill the “Authorization Letter from Patient” template available on the portal.
The application number references the CDSCO headquarters or relevant zonal office (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, etc.), depending on your location.

Zonal Office References

EZ (East Zone): Kolkata
SZ (South Zone): Cochin, Chennai, Hyderabad
WZ (West Zone): Ahmedabad, Goa, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai
NZ (North Zone): Delhi (IGI Airport)

Conclusion

The CDSCO’s online process for importing unregistered drugs for personal use is designed to be transparent, efficient, and accessible to all Indian citizens in need. By following the steps outlined above, patients can ensure timely access to essential medicines not available in India.

In case you face any issues related to Indirect Tax-Customs, GST, Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), Arbitration matters and Central Licensing and related advisory matters in India then please feel free to get in touch with SJ EXIM Services.

We offer Legal advice and litigation support in matters related to Indirect Tax-Customs, FTP, other Indirect Tax matters & Arbitration law, all sorts of Central licensing and related matters. Come and explore the new way of doing business with us!

Source: CDSCO

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