The Central Government has lifted the restrictions on the export of Paracetamol API- used for COVID-19 infection and treating fever, by moving it to the free category from the restricted one.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, reconsidered the original March 3 order restricting the export of Paracetamol API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak in the country.
The new notification,dated 29.05.2020 has amended the original order to allow the paracetamol API to be exported.
“..the Central government hereby makes following amendment…of the ITCHS export policy amending the notification dated 03.03.2020 related to export policy of paracetamol API. From present policy of restricted use it has been moved to free category under the revised policy,” read the directorate notification.
The original notification dated 03.03.2020 has been further amended to remove the restriction on export of paracetamol APIs, making its export free with immediate effect.
Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is a medication used to treat pain and fever, which is also being used to treat COVID infection. It is typically used for mild to moderate pain relief. Paracetamol is available in India in many formulations including liquid suspension, tablets, drops, injection and rectal suppositories with varied concentrations.
The restriction on the export of Paracetamol API was imposed on March 3 to ensure its availability in the domestic market.
The government on 7th April removed restrictions on exports of 13 Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and their formulations amid mounting pressure from countries like USA, which was originally imposed in the beginning of March amid growing concerns of ensuring enough supply of these drugs in the domestic market.
