Nearly 200 Life-Saving Drugs May Get Cheaper: Panel Recommends Customs Duty Relief for Critical Medicines
Nearly 200 Life-Saving Drugs May Get Cheaper: Panel Recommends Customs Duty Relief for Critical Medicines
Proposed duty waiver includes some of the world’s most expensive drugs for cancer, HIV, and rare genetic disorders
In a move that could bring significant relief to patients battling life-threatening and rare diseases, a government-appointed panel has recommended customs duty exemptions on nearly 200 high-cost medicines. The suggestion includes a complete waiver of import duty on dozens of critical drugs used to treat conditions such as cancer, HIV, and various rare genetic disorders, some of which cost crores per dose.
According to a recent report, the panel has proposed full customs duty exemption on key cancer medicines such as Pembrolizumab (Keytruda), Osimertinib (Tagrisso), and Trastuzumab Deruxtecan (Enhertu). These drugs are considered essential for patients undergoing advanced cancer treatment but are often out of reach due to their steep prices.
The drug Hydroxyurea, widely used in the treatment of sickle cell anemia, and Enoxaparin (a low molecular weight heparin used to prevent blood clots and deep vein thrombosis), are also on the exemption list.
The panel’s recommendation splits the 200 drugs into two categories:74 medicines proposed to be taxed at a reduced 5% customs duty
69 medicines recommended for complete customs duty waiver
Additionally, 56 medicines used to treat rare and ultra-rare diseases are also under consideration for duty relief. These include drugs for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Cystic Fibrosis, Gaucher Disease, Fabry Disease, Lysosomal Storage Disorders, and inherited enzyme deficiencies.
Some of these medicines rank among the most expensive in the world, with single-course costs running into crores of rupees. Notable examples include:Zolgensma – Known as the world’s most expensive drug, priced at approximately ₹17 crore per dose
Spinraza, Evrysdi, Cerezyme, and Takhzyro – Also part of the proposed exemption list
Due to their exorbitant costs, access to these drugs has been nearly impossible for most Indian patients. If implemented, the customs duty waiver could dramatically reduce treatment costs and improve access to life-saving therapies.
The panel has also proposed the formation of a permanent inter-departmental committee under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). This committee would be responsible for reviewing and recommending updates to the list of exempted medicines, working in coordination with the Department of Revenue.
The proposal, if approved by the Finance Ministry, could mark a transformative shift in India’s approach to medical affordability for rare and critical conditions.
