DCGI plans to ease manufacturing of pesticides, a growing field

Science: The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) may make it easier for companies to manufacture disinfectants, whose market has grown rapidly since the Covid-19 pandemic. The DCGI may exclude disinfectants from Schedule-O of the New Drug and Import Registration Rules, which puts them at par with drugs and medicines. As a part of the plan, India’s apex drug regulator also plans to issue a guidance note highlighting the specific requirements for obtaining a licence for such items. Currently, a company seeking a licence for disinfectants has to apply for an import licence along with a market authorisation certificate as per the Drugs Rules 1945. All drug manufacturers have to obtain an import licence even if they do not have to import. This requires very strict regulatory compliance. The matter was discussed in the Drugs Consultative Committee meeting held in June.