Generic Medicine Export from India: Trends, Requirements & Complete Guide for 2025

 


India plays an essential role in the global pharmaceutical and vaccine ecosystem. Apart from being the world’s largest supplier of generic medicines, India produces over 60% of global vaccines and contributes nearly 20% to the world’s generic drug supply. Ayurveda—India’s ancient medical science—also continues to influence modern formulations and wellness products.

According to Indian medicine export data, formulations and biologics remain the largest export category, making India a global leader in supplying affordable medicines. In 2023–24, India’s pharmaceutical exports rose to US$27.9 billion, an impressive increase from US$24.62 billion in 2021–22.

This blog explores insights on the generic medicine export business, a list of medicines exported from India, market trends, and a complete guide on how to export medicine from India, including mandatory documents and licensing requirements.

Why Is India Famous for Medicine?

India stands out globally for several reasons:

Strong Ayurveda Legacy

Ayurveda, derived from the Sanskrit words Ayu (life) and Veda (knowledge), prioritizes herbal and preventive healthcare. Its principles influence modern nutrition, immunity, and wellness trends.

Global Pharma Hub

India ranks:

  • 3rd globally in volume

  • 14th in value

The country offers highly skilled professionals, advanced manufacturing facilities, and stringent quality standards at competitive prices.

Medical Tourism

Patients from across the globe choose India due to:

  • Affordable treatments

  • Advanced hospitals

  • Skilled doctors

  • Availability of high-quality generic drugs

Starting a Medicine Export Business in India

With increasing global demand, starting a medicine export business in India is highly profitable. India regularly exports vaccines like DPT, BCG, and MMR, and most manufacturing plants approved by USFDA outside the US are located here.

Key Reasons India Leads the Market

  • Known as the “Pharmacy of the World”

  • Annual pharma turnover reached US$49.78 billion in FY23

  • Major supplier of affordable HIV and essential vaccines

  • Robust network of approved pharma plants

To succeed, exporters must understand global demand and analyze medicine export data through trusted platforms like Eximpedia.

India Pharmaceutical Export Trends: 2024–25

Based on verified medicine export data:

Export Performance

  • FY24 (until Feb): US$25.02 billion

  • FY23: US$25.4 billion

  • Formulations & biologics contribute 75% of India’s pharma exports

  • India captured a 5.71% global market share

New Export Markets

India expanded into:
Montenegro, Sweden, Haiti, Ethiopia, Latvia, Brunei, Comoros, South Sudan, Chad, and Ireland.

Top Export Destinations

  • United States (31% of total exports)

  • Brazil

  • South Africa

  • United Kingdom

  • Belgium

Top Medicines Exported from India

Common generic medicines exported include:

  • Analgesics & anti-inflammatory drugs

  • Antispasmodics

  • Diuretics

  • Anti-diuretics

  • Pro-kinetics & gut relaxants

  • Anti-asthmatics

  • Antibacterials

These categories dominate the list of medicines exported from India.

Leading Medicine Exporters in India

Major pharma exporters include:

  • Aurobindo Pharma

  • Cipla Limited

  • Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories

  • Sun Pharmaceutical Industries

  • Lupin Limited

Elkos Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. is considered one of the largest in volume-based exports.

India’s Key Pharma Export Destinations

Top Rank Regions for Medicine Export from India

  1. Middle East

  2. Asia

  3. CIS

  4. North America

  5. Africa

  6. EU

  7. ASEAN

  8. Latin America

  9. Caribbean

  10. Other parts of Europe

Country-wise Export Value

  • USA

  • Belgium

  • South Africa

  • UK

  • Brazil

 

The US dominates with nearly 30% of total Indian pharma exports.

How to Export Medicines from India? — Complete Guide

Exporting pharmaceutical products requires strict compliance with national and international regulations.

Documents Required for Pharmaceutical Export

Here are the mandatory documents needed for the medicine export business:

  • Business Registration (MCA)

  • GST Registration

  • Import Export Code (IEC)

  • Company Incorporation Certificate

  • Drug License

  • Drug export license (India)

  • Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (CPP)

  • Certificate of Analysis

  • Free Sale Certificate

  • Proforma Invoice

  • Letter of Credit

  • Destination Control Statement

  • Export License

Steps: How to Export Medicine from India

Follow these steps to begin a generic medicine export business:

1. Register Your Company

Obtain IEC, GST, and business registration.

2. Secure All Mandatory Pharma Documents

Including drug export license India, CPP, COA, etc.

3. Get DCGI Approval

Mandatory for certain formulations and restricted drugs.

4. Identify Importers and Buyers

Connect with global distributors, wholesalers, and agents.

5. Obtain Product Registration in the Destination Country

Each country has different pharma regulatory norms.

6. Verify Import Laws

Check packaging, labeling, and pharmaceutical compliance guidelines.

7. Coordinate with a Customs Agent

Ensure correct documentation, HS codes, and customs clearance.

8. Accept the Purchase Order

Once compliance checks are complete.

9. Complete Labelling, Packaging & Certifications

Labels must include batch details, expiry, manufacturing info, etc.

10. Download Medicine Export Data

Use Eximpedia.app to access verified trade insights.

How to Find Medicine Exporters in India?

The best way to identify genuine exporters is through data-driven platforms like Eximpedia.app.
You can access:

  • Updated medicine export data

  • List of medicine exporters in India

  • Country-wise and HS code-wise analysis

  • Verified contact details

This helps new businesses navigate the global pharma market efficiently.

Final Thoughts

The medicine export business in India is growing rapidly, supported by a strong manufacturing ecosystem, skilled workforce, competitive pricing, and a robust export network. However, pharmaceutical exports require careful planning, proper documentation, a drug export license, and compliance with international regulations.

By following the steps and insights outlined in this blog, you can successfully tap into the global pharma market.

For updated Indian medicine export data, pharma buyers, or assistance with how to export pharmaceuticals from India, visit Eximpedia.app.

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