Navi Mumbai Airport notified as a port for import of drugs
The Health Ministry amended Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945 to add Navi Mumbai Airport as a port for drug imports, taking the total ports of entry to 42 (announced 8 July 2026).
Summary
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare enabled the import of drugs through the newly inaugurated Navi Mumbai Airport in Maharashtra, as announced on 8 July 2026. The amendment to Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945 adds Navi Mumbai to the list of airports through which drugs may be imported. The notification was issued after consulting the Drugs Technical Advisory Board under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. With this, the total number of ports of entry for drug imports — by road, rail, ship and air — rises to 42.
Key facts
- Change
- Navi Mumbai Airport added as a port for import of drugs
- Rule
- Rule 43A, Drugs Rules, 1945
- Consulted
- Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB)
- Parent Act
- Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
- Total ports of entry
- 42 (road/rail/ship/air)
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Which rule of the Drugs Rules, 1945 was amended to add Navi Mumbai Airport as a port for import of drugs?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Rule 43A
The amendment to Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945 includes Navi Mumbai in the list of airports for drug imports.
After Navi Mumbai Airport was added in July 2026, how many ports of entry are notified for import of drugs into India?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 42
The total number of ports of entry (road/rail/ship/air) for drug imports became 42.