CDSCO Prior Intimation System

CDSCO Streamlines Export Approvals with New “Prior Intimation System”

CDSCO Prior Intimation System: The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has implemented a new Prior Intimation System for Form CT-05 applications, which will take effect on April, 2026. Following Gazette Notification G.S.R. 50(E), certain export-related applications are being transitioned from a prior-approval model to an immediate acknowledgement system.

Key Highlights:

  • Faster Processing: Digital submission using the Sugam portal generates an instant acknowledgement, known as “prior intimation,” allowing applicants to proceed without waiting for formal permission.
  • Strict Scope: The system is limited to export-purpose bioavailability or bioequivalence (BA/BE) investigations in healthy adults for oral dose forms.
  • Excluded Categories: Traditional permission is still required for cytotoxic pharmaceuticals, hormones, opioids, psychiatric substances, and medications with a limited therapeutic index.
  • Eligibility: Restricted to pharmaceuticals that have already been licensed in India or major worldwide markets (USA, EU, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada), with a research sample size of at least 18 individuals.
  • Regulatory Oversight: Applicants must obtain approval from a registered Ethics Committee, which must keep specified records for these studies for future CDSCO inspections.

This CDSCO circular represents a major step in reducing the regulatory burden on Indian exporters while upholding clinical safety standards.

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