Form 12A & 12B Application – Import Medicines for Personal Use in India

• Apply online through the official CDSCO SUGAM portal to request permission to import medicines for personal use. 
• Once approved, download Form 12B, which serves as your official import permit for customs clearance.
• Official Online Portal: https://cdscoonline.gov.in/CDSCO/viewForm12A
  Submit your application and track your status online.
• Track Your Status: https://cdscoonline.gov.in/CDSCO/Form12AStatus 

1. Overview

• This document provides guidance on the procedure and requirements for applying for Form 12A and obtaining Form 12B to legally import medicines into India for personal use.
• These forms are issued under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act & Rules and are managed by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).

2. What is Form 12A?

• Form 12A is an online application form used to request a permit to import small quantities of medicines for personal use into India.

3. What is Form 12B?

• Form 12B is the official permit issued upon approval of Form 12A. It authorizes the applicant to import the specified medicines for personal use.

4. Official Application Portal

• Applications must be submitted online via the CDSCO SUGAM Portal:
• https://cdscoonline.gov.in/CDSCO/viewForm12A
• No physical submission is required. All documentation is uploaded digitally.

5. Basics Before Applying Online

1. Doctor’s Prescription

• Must be issued by a Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP).
• Clearly mention the medicine name, strength, dosage, and duration of treatment.
• Include the doctor’s MCI or State Medical Council registration number.
• State the reason why the medicine needs to be imported.

2. Valid ID Proof

• Aadhaar Card or Passport.

3. Proforma Invoice (Optional but Recommended)

• From the supplier or pharmacy, if available.

Additional Reference

• For official guidance, please refer to: CDSCO – Drugs for Personal Use (Resources). Click Here: https://cdsco.gov.in/opencms/opencms/en/consumer/Drugs-for-Personal-Use/

6. Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Register/Login on the CDSCO SUGAM Portal.
Click Here : https://cdscoonline.gov.in/CDSCO/homepage
Step 2: Select ‘Import of Drugs for Personal Use’ and choose Form 12A.
Step 3: Fill in personal details and medicine details (name, strength, quantity, manufacturer).
Step 4: Upload required documents.
Step 5: Submit the application and retain the application reference number.

Tip: Track Your Application status online at: https://cdscoonline.gov.in/CDSCO/Form12AStatus
Processing time is typically 1–3 working days.

7. Downloading Form 12B

• Once approved, Form 12B can be downloaded from the SUGAM portal. A printed copy must be carried for customs clearance.

8. Customs Clearance Requirements

At the port of entry, the following documents must be presented:

• Printed Form 12B (Permit)
• Prescription
• Invoice
• Valid ID Proof

Reference Format: Form 12B (PDF Format) 

9. Important Notes

• The permit is specific to the medicines listed in the application. Documentation must be accurate and consistent to avoid customs delays.
• For official regulatory information, refer to the CDSCO website under the Drugs for Personal Use section.
• If the medicine you are importing is for the treatment of a rare disease, you may qualify for a Basic Customs Duty (BCD) exemption. For step-by-step guidance, please refer to our dedicated guide: BCD Exemption for Rare Disease Medicines.

Related Services:

• Named Patient Supply
• Clinical Trial Supply
• Pharmaceutical Wholesaling
• Rare Disease BCD Exemption Assistance

Please note that contact numbers and officer details may change from time to time. Always refer to the official CDSCO website pages listed above to access the most up-to-date contact information.

Last Verified: January 08, 2026, 11:00 AM IST
Source: Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)

Apple Globalcare provides guidance to support patients and partners in understanding regulatory procedures for importing medicines into India. All applications must comply with official CDSCO regulations and applicable laws.