Notification regarding amendment in Form No. 4A (Import Certificate for Import of Narcotics Drugs under Rule 54) and Form No. 5 (Export Authorization for Export of Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) of NDPS Rules, 1985.

On 10 December 2025, the Ministry of Finance notified the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Amendment Rules, 2025, introducing significant reforms to the import and export of narcotic drugs. Issued under Sections 4, 9, and 76 of the NDPS Act, 1985, the amendments revise the NDPS Rules, 1985, with a focus on strengthening compliance, enhancing traceability, and aligning India’s framework with international narcotics control standards. The new Form 4A for import approval requires detailed information such as item description, HSN Code, CAS number, and GSTIN of the importer. Imports must be completed within 180 days of certificate issuance, with strict adherence to security, accounting, and reporting procedures. For manufacturing formulations intended for export, diversion to domestic markets is prohibited, and exporters must submit shipping bills and invoices to the Narcotics Commissioner and Drugs Controller General of India. Analytical imports are restricted to laboratory use, with mandatory reporting and surrender of unused substances to Government Opium and Alkaloids Works.The revised Form 5 for exports expands documentation requirements, including package details, drug composition, and identifiers. These reforms aim to tighten oversight, prevent misuse, and ensure India’s compliance with global standards.