Pharma MSMEs seek relief on NOC, fear losing mkt to China, B'desh

MEDIUM and small-scale pharmaceutical manufacturers have expressed concerns over stringent export NOC (no-objection certificate) requirements, warning that Indian exporters can lose export markets to competitors like China, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

- PUSHPITA DEY @ New Delhi

At atime when Indian exports to the US are becoming uncertain, losing out South Asian, Latin American and African markets will jeopardise entire pharma MSME sector, exporters stated in a letter written to Health & Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda.

“Export NOC should be only restricted to narcotic & habit-forming drugs and for other products, the same should be simplified and issues resolved immediately in consultation with stakeholders.

We wish to add that India is losing export business to other countries,” the Joint Forum of Pharmaceutical MSMEs Association of India wrote in its letter.