Infographic
You can usually bring medicines for your own use to India in your baggage. Indian rules require them to be part of your bona fide baggage, for your exclusive personal use, with no more than one hundred average doses of any single drug. Declare them to customs if asked. Narcotic or psychotropic medicines need permission from the Narcotics Commissioner before you travel.
IndiaMedicaTravelling with medicines to India- 01List your medicinesWrite down each medicine, its strength and dose, and show the list to your doctor.
- 02Check for narcoticsAsk your doctor whether any medicine is a narcotic or psychotropic substance.
- 03Seek permission earlyFor those medicines, apply to India’s Narcotics Commissioner with the prescription before departure.
- 04Carry prescriptionsKeep prescriptions and a doctor’s letter with the medicines in their original packs.
- 05Respect quantity limitsCarry no more than one hundred average doses of any single drug.
- 06Declare if askedShow medicines to customs on arrival if officers direct you to.
- 07Tell the hospitalGive the treating team your full medicines list before admission.
What do the rules say about personal medicines?
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation sets out the rule for drugs carried in a passenger’s baggage. They must form part of the passenger’s bona fide baggage and be intended for the passenger’s exclusive personal use. The quantity of any single drug must not exceed one hundred average doses. They must be declared to customs if officers so direct.
What if you need more or send them separately?
Medicines that do not travel in your baggage need a permit. CDSCO explains that a prescription from a registered medical practitioner must name the drug, the quantity and the duration of medication and show the doctor’s registration number. The licensing authority then decides on the permit.
What about narcotic or psychotropic medicines?
India’s Department of Revenue advises travellers who need a narcotic drug or psychotropic substance to seek permission of the Narcotics Commissioner well before departure. The application should include the prescription and other relevant papers. After permission is granted, the traveller may bring the drugs with them. Ask your doctor whether any of your medicines fall into these groups.
Practical tips
- Keep medicines in original labelled packs.
- Keep them in your hand luggage with the prescriptions.
- Bring enough for the whole stay plus delays.
- Carry a list in English with generic names.
- Check your home country’s rules for bringing medicines back.
Tell the treating team everything
Blood thinners, diabetes medicines and supplements can affect surgery. Your specialist decides what to continue or stop.
Questions people ask
What counts as an average dose?
The rule does not define it for every drug. As a guide, it means your normal daily dose as prescribed. If you need more than one hundred doses of a single drug for a long stay, ask about the permit route before you travel.
Can I buy my usual medicines in India instead?
Many medicines are available in India, but brands and strengths may differ. Bring enough for your stay. Any new medicines prescribed in India should appear on your discharge summary so your doctor at home can continue them.
Sources
- CDSCO – Import of small quantities of drugs for personal use
- Department of Revenue – Travellers needing NDPS medicines
- IndiaMedica – Dental care
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. How we write and check.