How to Import Medicines from India — A Step-by-Step Buyer's Guide

India is the world's pharmacy. It supplies over 50% of global vaccine demand, 40% of generic medicines consumed in the US, and 25% of all medicines used in the UK. For pharmaceutical distributors and importers in Asia, Africa and Latin America, sourcing from India offers an unmatched combination of quality, range, and pricing. STEP 1 — IDENTIFY YOUR PRODUCT REQUIREMENTS Before contacting a supplier, prepare a clear product list with: generic name (INN), brand name if preferred, strength and dosage form, required quantity per order, and your target destination country. This allows the exporter to provide an accurate quote and confirm regulatory eligibility for your market. STEP 2 — VERIFY THE EXPORTER'S CREDENTIALS A legitimate Indian pharmaceutical exporter should provide: CDSCO wholesale drug licence, DGFT Import Export (IE) Code, WHO-GMP certificates of manufacturer partners, and GST registration. Medicina Overseas provides all of these on request. Never source from a supplier who cannot produce these documents. STEP 3 — REQUEST A QUOTATION (RFQ) Submit your product list via our bulk inquiry form. A complete RFQ should include product names and quantities, destination port and country, preferred incoterm (FOB, CIF or EXW), and any specific packaging requirements. We respond to all RFQs within 24 hours with pricing, availability and lead time. STEP 4 — DOCUMENTATION YOU WILL RECEIVE For each shipment Medicina Overseas provides: commercial invoice, packing list, Certificate of Analysis (COA), MSDS, bill of lading or airway bill, and Certificate of Origin. On request: Free Sale Certificate, GMP certificate, and product dossiers for registration purposes. STEP 5 — REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS IN YOUR COUNTRY Most countries require a valid import licence or product registration before commercial pharmaceutical imports are allowed. Common requirements include an importer's drug licence issued by the national medicines authority, product registration or marketing authorisation, and a purchase order referencing registered products. We advise on documentation needed for your specific market. STEP 6 — PAYMENT AND DISPATCH Standard payment terms for new customers are 100% advance via bank wire transfer (TT) in USD, EUR or GBP. For established customers, partial advance payment may be agreed. Dispatch typically occurs within 5–10 working days of payment confirmation depending on product availability.