India lifts curbs on exports of 13 active pharmaceutical ingredients

In the first week of March, India restricted the exports of 13 APIs and their formulations to ensure there was no shortage in the domestic market.

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A leading exporter said: “There is enough stock of paracetamol in the country. At present, the US, which has become the epicenter of the Covid-19 outbreak, needs paracetamol.

Sohini Das Mumbai

2 min read Last Updated : Apr 07 2020 | 01:48 AM IST

Amid growing pressure from countries like the US and easing supplies from China, India on Monday lifted the curbs on exports of 13 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and their formulations. Sources claim the ban on exports of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) claimed to be effective to treat coronavirus may also be lifted.

“Exports were banned given the shortage of raw material in the country that could have, in turn, led to a crisis in the home market, especially for key drugs like paracetamol. The APIs for these drugs primarily came from Hubei province. But now the supplies have eased,” said an official.

In the first week of March, India restricted the exports of 13 APIs and their formulations to ensure there was