Why in news
- Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) signed a MoU with PHARMEXCIL to promote legitimate pharma exports while enforcing export-import regulations under the NDPS Act, 1985.
What is the mandate of CBN and PHARMEXCIL?
- CBN operates under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, supervising licit opium poppy cultivation and regulating import/export of controlled substances under NDPS Act, 1985.
- PHARMEXCIL was established by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to promote Indian pharmaceutical exports globally.
Key Provisions of the Agreement
- Integrates voluntary compliance mechanisms into the pharmaceutical supply chain.
- Prevents the illicit diversion of precursor chemicals, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and controlled medical substances while expediting export clearance.
Key terms
Precursor Chemical
A chemical substance used in the manufacturing of controlled drugs or narcotic substances.
Prelims facts
- Central Bureau of Narcotics functions under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, not Ministry of Home Affairs.
Source: PIB English