Basic Customs Duty (BCD) Exemption for Rare Disease Medicines – India

If you are importing medicines for the treatment of a rare disease, you may be eligible for a Basic Customs Duty (BCD) exemption, subject to applicable government regulations.

Eligibility is generally guided by the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) 2021 and relevant notifications issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) and CBIC (Customs authorities).

Prerequisites for Duty Exemption

Note: For import permission, also obtain Form 12B via CDSCO.

Step 1: Obtain a Rare Disease Certificate

• Contact your local health authority, such as the District Medical Officer or Civil Surgeon.
• Submit your medical records and documents confirming the diagnosis of the rare disease.
• The issued certificate should clearly state that the medicine is required for the treatment of a rare disease covered under the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD).

Step 2: Import the Medicine

• Apply for an import permit (Form 12B) through the CDSCO SUGAM portal, if required for personal use. 
• If you are claiming a duty exemption, upload your Rare Disease Certificate while submitting your Form 12A application (where applicable).

Make sure all documents are accurate and complete to avoid delays in approval or customs clearance.

Step 3: Claim Duty Exemption at Customs

When your medicine arrives at the airport or seaport:

• • Present your Rare Disease Certificate to request the applicable Basic Customs Duty (BCD) exemption.
  • Provide supporting documents, including:
    • Form 12B (Import Permit)
    • Doctor’s prescription
    • Invoice
    • Valid ID proof

Related Information:
• Form 12A & 12B Import Procedure – Link to form 12A and 12B page
• Named Patient Supply Services – Link to Name Patient Service page

Official Links & References

• National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD), 2021 – Official Policy Document (PDF)
• Basic Customs Duty (BCD) Exemption Notification for Rare Disease Medicines (2023) – Government Notification

Last Verified: January 08, 2026, 11:00 AM IST
Sources: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), Press Information Bureau (PIB), Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC)

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.