India removes export curbs on formulations from Paracetamol

On Friday, a Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) notification said the March 3 order is “further amended to the extent that the formulations made from Paracetamol, including FDC (fixed dose combinations), under any ITCHS code…, are made ‘Free’ for export with immediate effect. A common fever medication globally, Paracetamol is the most sought after and widely used drug ever since the COVID-19 outbreak . Some of the major producers are Farmson Pharmaceuticals, Granules, Sri Krishna Pharma and Bharat Chemicals. The decision allowing export of formulations made from Paracetamol come close on the heels of another permitting shipment of anti-malarial drug Hydroxychroloquine (HCQ) to the US and several other countries. Though the efficacy of HCQ to treat coronavirus is not yet clinically proven, it shot to prominence in the wake of US President Donald Trump recently describing the product as a “game changer.” He had also called Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking for release of the HCQ orders placed by the US, something India subsequently agreed to. Pharmexcil Director General Ravi Uday Bhaskar had earlier represented to the DGFT to permit export of Paracetamol API and formulations that were manufactured prior to March 3 and stocked for shipment at the ports. Welcoming Friday’s decision, he said Pharmexcil will renew its appeal on the APIs to the DGFT. Subscription Benefits Include Today's Paper Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list. Personalised recommendations A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes. *Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print.