India to fully exempt 36 'life-saving' drugs from basic customs duty

The announcement was made during the presentation of the Union Budget 2025-26.

India plans to fully exempt 36 lifesaving drugs and medicines used for treating cancer, rare diseases, and chronic conditions from basic customs duty (BCD).

The announcement was made by Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman during her presentation of the Union Budget 2025-26 in Parliament.

Meanwhile, the budget proposes to exempt an additional 37 medicines, along with 13 new drugs under the 'Patient Assistance Programmes,' from BCD if supplied free to patients.

In response, Vipul Jain, CEO of CK Birla Hospitals, welcomed the exemption on lifesaving drugs and the concessional 5% customs duty on six life-saving medicines.

“A strong push towards healthcare innovation, medical research, and digital health transformation reflects a forward-thinking approach aimed at enhancing accessibility, affordability, and quality of healthcare services across the nation,” Jain said.