The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
# THE DRUGS AND COSMETICS ACT, 1940
 _____________

 ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
 _____________

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTORY

SECTIONS

1. Short title, extent and commencement.

2. Application of other laws not barred.

3. Definitions.

3A. Construction of references to any law not in force or any functionary not in

existence in the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

4. Presumption as to poisonous substances.

CHAPTER II

# THE DRUGS TECHNICAL ADVISORY BOARD, THE CENTRAL DRUGS LABORATORY AND THE
 DRUGS CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE

5. The Drugs Technical Advisory Board.

6. The Central Drugs Laboratory.

7. The Drugs Consultative Committee.

7 A. Sections 5 and 7 not to apply to Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani drugs.

CHAPTER III

IMPORT OF DRUGS AND COSMETICS

8. Standards of quality.

9. Misbranded drugs.

9A. Adulterated drugs.

9B. Spurious drugs.

9C. Misbranded cosmetics.

9D. Spurious cosmetics.

10. Prohibition of import of certain drugs or cosmetics.

10A. Power of Central Government to prohibit import of drugs and cosmetics in

public interest.

11. Application of law relating to sea customs and powers of Customs officers.

12. Power of Central Government to make rules.

13. Offences.

14. Confiscation.

15. Jurisdiction.

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CHAPTER IV

MANUFACTURE. SALE AND DISTRIBUTSION OF DRUGS AND COSMETICS

SECTIONS

16. Standards of quality.
17. Misbranded drugs.
17A. Adulterated drugs.
17B. Spurious drugs.
17C. Misbranded cosmetics.
17D. Spurious cosmetics.
17E. Adulterated cosmetics.
18. Prohibition of manufacture and sale of certain drugs and cosmetics.
18A. Disclosure of the name of the manufacturer, etc.
18B. Maintenance of records and furnishing of information.
19. Pleas.
20. Government Analysts.
21. Inspectors.
22. Powers of Inspectors.
23. Procedure of Inspectors.
24. Persons bound to disclose place where drugs or cosmetics are manufactured or kept.
25. Reports of Government Analysts.
26. Purchaser of drug or cosmetic enabled to obtain test or analysis.
26A. Powers of Central Government to regulate, restrict or prohibit manufacture, etc., of

drug and cosmetic in public interest.

26B. Powers of Central Government to regulate or restrict, manufacture, etc., of drug in

public interest.

27. Penalty for manufacture, sale, etc., of drugs in contravention of this Chapter.
27A. Penalty for manufacture, sale, etc., of cosmetics in contravention of this Chapter.
28. Penalty for non-disclosure of the name of the manufacturer, etc.
28A.Penalty for not keeping documents, etc., and for non-disclosure of information.
28B. Penalty for manufacture, etc., of drugs or cosmetics in contravention of section 26A.
29. Penalty for use of Government Analyst’s report for advertising.
30. Penalty for subsequent offences.
31. Confiscation.
31A. Application of provisions to Government departments.
32. Cognizance of offences.
32A. Power of Court to implead the manufacturer, etc.
32B. Compounding of certain offences.

33. Power of Central Government to make rules.
33A. Chapter not to apply to Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani drugs.

CHAPTER IVA

# PROVISIONS RELATING TO AYURVEDIC, SIDDHA AND UNANI DRUGS

33B. Application of Chapter IVA.
33C. Ayurvedic and Unani Drugs Technical Advisory Board.
33D. The Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani Drugs Consultative Committee.

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SECTIONS

33E. Misbranded drugs.
33EE. Adulterated drugs.

33EEA.Spurious drugs.

33EEB. Regulation of manufacture for sale of Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani

drugs.

33EEC. Prohibition of manufacture and sale of certain Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani

drugs.

33EED. Power of Central Government to prohibit manufacture, etc., of Ayurvedic,

Siddha or Unani drugs in public interest.

33F. Government Analysts.
33G. Inspectors.

33H.  Application of provisions of sections 22, 23, 24 and 25.

33-I.  Penalty for manufacture, sale, etc., of Ayurvedic. Siddha or Unani drug in

contravention of this Chapter.

33J. Penalty for subsequent offences.
33K. Confiscation.

33KA. Disclosure of name of manufacturer, etc.
33KB. Maintenance of records and furnishing of informantion.

33L.  Application of provisions to Government departments.

33M. Cognizance of offences.

33N. Power of Central Government to make rules.
33-O. Power to amend First Schedule.

CHAPTER V

MISCELLANEOUS

33P. Power to give directions.

34. Offences by companies.

34A. Offences by Government departments.

34AA. Penalty for vexatious search or seizure.

35. Publication of sentences passed under this Act.

36. Magistrate’s power to impose enhanced penalties.

36A. Certain offences to be tried summarily.

36AB. Special Courts.

36AC. Offences to be cognizable and non-bailable in certain cases.

36AD. Application of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 to proceedings before special Court.

36AE. Appeal and revision.

37. Protection of action taken in good faith.

38. Rules to be laid before Parliament.

THE FIRST SCHEDULE.

THE SECOND SCHEDULE.

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# THE DRUGS AND COSMETICS ACT, 1940 

 ACT NO. 23 OF 1940[1]

[10th April, 1940.]

# An Act to regulate the import, manufacture, distribution and sale of drugs [2][and cosmetics].

WHEREAS it is expedient to regulate the [3][import, manufacture, distribution and sale] of drugs [2][and

cosmetics];

AND WHEREAS the Legislatures of all the Provinces have passed resolutions in terms of section 103

of the Government of India Act, 1935 (26 Geo. 5, c. 2), in relation to such of the above-mentioned
matters and matters ancillary thereto as are enumerated in List II of the Seventh Schedule to the said Act:

It is hereby enacted as follows: —

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTORY

**1. Short title, extent and commencement. —(1) This Act may be called the Drugs [4][and Cosmetics]**

Act, 1940.

# (2) It extends to the whole of India [5]* * *.

 (3) It shall come into force at once; but Chapter III shall take effect only from such date[6] as the
 Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint in this behalf, and       Chapter IV shall take effect in a particular State only from such date[6] as the State Government may, by like notification, appoint in this behalf :


7[Provided that in relation to the State of Jammu and Kashmir*, Chapter III shall take effect only

# from such date[8] after the commencement of the Drugs and Cosmetics (Amendment) Act, 1972     (19 of 1972), as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint in this behalf.]

1. The Act has been applied to all the partially excluded areas in the State of Orissa, _see_ Orissa Government notification

No. 3358-LSG., dated the 25th August, 1941.

2. Ins. by Act 21 of 1962, s.2 (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
3. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for certain words.
4. Ins. by Act 21 of 1962, s. 3 (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
5. The words “except the State of Jammu and Kashmir” omitted by Act 19 of 1972, s. 2.
6. 1st April, 1947; see notification No. F. 28(10) (3) 45H(I), dated the 2nd September, 1946, Gazette of India, 1946, Pt. I, p. 1349.
Ch. IV came into force in the States of Delhi. Ajmer and Coorg on the 1st April, 1947, see ibid., Chs. III and IV came into
force in the States of H.P., Bilaspur, Kutch, Bhopal, Tripura, Vindhya Pradesh and Manipur on the 1st April, 1953, _vide_
notification No. S.R.O. 663, dated the 30th March, 1953, Gazette of India, Pt II, Sec. 3, p. 451.
Ch. IV came into force in the Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli w.e.f. 1st August, 1968,

_see notification. No. ADM/Law/117(74), dated the 20th July, 1968, Gazette of India, PT. III, Sec. 3, p. 128._

The Act is extended to Dadra and Nagar Haveli by Reg. 6 of 1963, s. 2 and Sch. I; to Pondicherry by Reg. 7 of 1963, s. 3

and the Sch. I; to Goa, Daman and Diu by Reg. 11 of 1963, s. 3 and to the whole of the Union territory of Lakshadweep by
Reg. 8 of 1965, s. 3 and Sch.

7. Added by Act 19 of 1972, s. 2.
8. 24th August, 1974, vide notification. No. S.O. 2185, dated the 9th August, 1974, Gazette of India, 1974, Pt. II, Sec. 3 (ii), p. 2331.
*. Vide Notification No. S.O. 3912 (E), dated 30th October, 2019, this Act is made applicable to the Union territory of Jammu
and Kashmir and the Union territory of Ladakh.

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# 2. Application of other laws not barred. —The provisions of this Act shall be in addition
 to, and not in derogation of, the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1930 (2 of 1930), and any other law for the time being in force.

 3. Definitions. —In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or
 context, —

1[(a) “2[Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani] drug” includes all medicines intended for

# internal or external use for or in the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation or prevention of
3[disease or disorder in human beings or animals, and manufactured] exclusively in
# accordance with the formulae described in, the authoritative books of [3][Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani Tibb system of medicine], specified in the First Schedule;]

4[(aa) “the Board” means—

# (i) in relation to [2][Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani] drug, the [3][Ayurvedic, Siddha
 and Unani Drugs Technical Advisory Board] constituted under section 33C; and

 (ii) in relation to any other drug or cosmetic, the Drugs Technical Advisory Board
 constituted under section 5;]

5[ 6[(aaa)] “cosmetic” means any article intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled or

# sprayed on, or introduced into, or otherwise applied to, the human body or any part thereof for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance, and includes any article intended for use as a component of cosmetic [7]* * *;]

[8][(b) “drug” includes—

9[(i) all medicines for internal or external use of human beings or animals and all

# substances intended to be used for or in the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation or prevention of any disease or disorder in human beings or animals, including preparations applied on human body for the purpose of repelling insects like mosquitoes;]

 (ii) such substances (other than food) intended to affect the structure or any
 function of the human body or intended to be used for the destruction of [10][vermin] or insects which cause disease in human beings or animals, as may be specified from time to time by the Central Government by notification in the Official Gazette;]

11[(iii) all substances intended for use as components of a drug including empty gelatin

# capsules; and

 (iv) such devices intended for internal or external use in the diagnosis, treatment,
 mitigation or prevention of disease or disorder in human beings or animals, as may be specified from time to time by the Central Government by notification in the Official Gazette, after consultation with the Board;]

1. Ins. by Act 13 of 1964, s. 2 (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
2. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 2, for certain words (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
3. Subs. by s. 3, ibid., for certain words (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
4. Clause (a) was re-lettered as cl. (aa) and subs. by Act 13 of 1964, s. 2 (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
5. Ins. by Act 21 of 1962, s. 4 (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
6. Clause (aa) re-lettered by Act 13 of 1964, s. 2 (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
7. Certain words omitted by Act 68 of 1982, s.3 (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
8. Subs. by Act 11 of 1955, s. 2, for cl. (b).
9. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 3, for sub-clause (i) (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
10. Subs. by Act 13 of 1964, s. 2 for “vermins” (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
11. Ins. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 3 (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).

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[1][(c) “Government Analyst” means—

(i) in relation to [2][Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani] drug, a Government Analyst

appointed by the Central Government or a State Government under section 33F; and

(ii) in relation to any other drug or cosmetic, a Government Analyst appointed by the Central

Government or a State Government under section 20;]

[3]*        -        -        -        
4[(e) “Inspector” means—

(i) in relation to [2][Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani] drug, an Inspector appointed by

the Central Government or a State Government under section 33G; and

(ii) in relation to any other drug or cosmetic, an Inspector appointed by the

Central Government or a State Government under section 21;]

5[ 6[(f)] “manufacture” in relation to any drug 7[or cosmetic] includes any process or part

of a process for making, altering, ornamenting, finishing, packing, labeling, breaking up or
otherwise treating or adopting any drug [7][or cosmetic] with a view to its [8][sale or distribution] but does
not include the compounding or dispensing [9][of any drug, or the packing of any drug or cosmetic,] in the
ordinary course of retail business; and “to manufacture” shall be construed accordingly;]

10[(g)] “to import”, with its grammatical variations and cognate expressions means to bring into

11[India];

12[ 10[(h)] “patent or proprietary medicine” means, —

(i) in relation to Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani Tibb systems of medicine all

formulations containing only such ingredients mentioned in the formulae described in the
authoritative books of Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani Tibb systems of medicine specified in
the First Schedule, but does not include a medicine which is administered by parenteral
route and also a formulation included in the authoritative books as specified in clause (a);

(ii) in relation to any other systems of medicine, a drug which is a remedy or

prescription presented in a form ready for internal or external administration of human
beings or animals and which is not included in the edition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia
for the time being or any other Pharmacopoeia authorised in this behalf by the Central
Government after consultation with the Drugs Technical Adivisory Board constituted
under section 5;]

13[ 10[(i)] “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act.]

1. Subs. by Act 13 of 1964, s. 2, for cl. (c) (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
2. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 2, for certain words (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
3. Cl. (d) omitted by Act 19 of 1972, s. 3.
4. Subs. by Act 13 of 1964, s. 2, for cl. (e) (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
5. Cl. (bbb) ins. by Act 11 of 1955, s. 2.
6. Cl. (bbb) relettered as cl. (f) by Act 35 of 1960, s. 2 (w.e.f. 16-3-1961).
7. Ins. by Act 21 of 1962, s. 4 (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
8. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 3, “sale and distribution” (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
9. Subs. by Act 21 of 1962, s. 4, for “or packing of any drug”.
10. Cls. (c), (d) and (e) relettered as cls. (g), (h) and (i) respectively by Act 35 of 1960, s. 2 (w.e.f. 16-3-1961).
11. Subs. by Act 3 of 1951, s. 3 and Sch., for “the States”.
12. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 3, for cl. (h) (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
13. Subs. by Act 11 of 1955, s. 2, for original cl. (e).

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1*  -  -  -  
**2[3A. Construction of references to any law not in force or any functionary not in existence in**

**the State of Jammu and Kashmir*.—Any** reference in this Act to any law which is not in force, or any
functionary not in existence, in the State of Jammu and Kashmir*, shall, in relation to that State, be
construed as a reference to the corresponding law in force, or to the corresponding functionary in
existence, in that State.]

**4. Presumption as to poisonous substances.—Any** substance specified as poisonous by

rule made under Chapter II or Chapter IV [3][or Chapter IVA] shall be deemed to be a poisonous
substance for the purposes of Chapter III or Chapter IV [3][or Chapter IVA], as the case may be.

CHAPTER II

THE DRUGS TECHNICAL ADVISORY BOARD, THE CENTRAL DRUGS LABORATORY AND THE

DRUGS CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE

**5. The Drugs Technical Advisory Board.—(1) The Central Government shall, as soon as may**

be, constitute a Board (to be called the Drugs Technical Advisory Board) to advise the Central
Government and the State Governments on technical matters arising out of the administration of
this Act and to carry out the other functions assigned to it by this Act.

4[(2) The Board shall consist of the following members, namely:—

(i) the Director General of Health Services, _ex_ _officio, who shall be_ the Chairman;

(ii) the Drugs Controller, India, ex officio;

(iii) the Director of the Central Drugs Laboratory, Calcutta, _ex officio;_

(iv) the Director of the Central Research Institute, Kasauli, _ex officio;_

(v) the Director of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, _ex officio;_

(vi) the President of the Medical Council of India, _ex_ _officio;_

(vii) the President of the Pharmacy Council of India, _ex officio;_

(viii) the Director of the Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, _ex_ _officio;_

(ix) two persons to be nominated by the Central Government from among persons

who are in charge of drugs control in the States;

(x) one person, to be elected by the Executive Committee of the Pharmacy Council of

India, from among teachers in pharmacy or pharmaceutical chemistry or pharmacognosy on
the staff of an Indian university or a college affiliated thereto;

(xi) one person, to be elected by the Executive Committee of the Medical Council of India, from

among teachers in medicine or therapeutics on the staff of an Indian university or a college affiliated
thereto;

(xii) one person to be nominated by the Central Government from the pharmaceutical

industry;

1. Cl. (f) omitted by Act 3 of 1951, s. 3 and Sch.
2. Ins. by Act 19 of 1972, s. 4.
3. Ins. Act 13 of 1964, s. 3 (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
4. Subs. by s. 4, ibid., for sub-section (2) (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
*. Vide Notification No. S.O. 3912 (E), dated 30th October, 2019, this Act is made applicable to the Union territory of Jammu
and Kashmir and the Union territory of Ladakh.

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(xiii) one pharmacologist to be elected by the Governing Body of the Indian Council of Medical

Research;

(xiv) one person to be elected by the Central Council of the Indian Medical

Association;

(xv) one person to be elected by the Council of the Indian Pharmaceutical

Association;

(xvi) two persons holding the appointment of Government Analyst under this Act, to be

nominated by the Central Government.]

(3) The nominated and elected members of the Board shall hold office for three years, but shall be

eligible for re-nomination and re-election :

1[Provided that the person nominated or elected, as the case may be, under clause (ix) or

clause (x) or clause (xi) or clause (xvi) of sub-section (2) shall hold office for so long as he holds
the appointment of the office by virtue of which he was nominated or elected to the Board.]

(4) The Board may, subject to the previous approval of the Central Government, make bye
laws fixing a quorum and regulating its own procedure and the conduct of all business to be
transacted by it.

(5) The Board may constitute sub-committees and may appoint to such sub-committees for

such periods, not exceeding three years, as it may decide, or temporarily for the consideration
of particular matters, persons who are not members of the Board.

(6) The functions of the Board may be exercised notwithstanding any vacancy therein.

(7) The Central Government shall appoint a person to be Secretary of the Board and shall

provide the Board with such clerical and other staff as the Central Government considers
necessary.

**6. The Central Drugs Laboratory.—(1)** The Central Government shall, as soon as may

be, establish a Central Drugs Laboratory under the control of a Director to be appointed by
the Central Government, to carry out the functions entrusted to it by this Act or any rules
made under this Chapter :

Provided that, if the Central Government so prescribes, the functions of the Central Drugs

Laboratory in respect of any drug or class of drugs [2][or cosmetic or class of cosmetics] shall be
carried out at the Central Research Institute, Kasauli, or at any other prescribed Laboratory and
the functions of the Director of the Central Drugs Laboratory in respect of such drug or class of
drugs [2][or such cosmetic or class of cosmetics] shall be exercised by the Director of that
Institute or of that other Laboratory, as the case may be.

(2) The Central Government may, after consultation with the Board, make rules

prescribing—

(a) the functions of the Central Drugs Laboratory;

3*     -     -     -     
(d) the procedure for the submission to the said Laboratory [4][under Chapter IV or

Chapter IVA] of samples of drugs [2][or cosmetics] for analysis or test, the forms of the
Laboratory’s reports thereon and the fees payable in respect of such reports;

(e) such other matters as may be necessary or expedient to enable the said Laboratory to carry

out its functions;

1. Subs. by Act 13 of 1964, s. 4, for the proviso (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
2. Ins. by Act 21 of 1962, s. 5 (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
3. Cls. (b) and (c) omitted by Act 11 of 1955, s. 4.
4. Subs. by Act 13 of 1964, s. 5, for “under Chapter IV” (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).

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(f) the matters necessary to be prescribed for the purposes of the proviso to

sub-section (1).

**7. The Drugs Consultative Committee.—(1) The Central Government may constitute an**

advisory committee to be called “the Drugs Consultative Committee” to advise the Central
Government, the State Governments and the Drugs Technical Advisory Board on any matter
tending to secure uniformity throughout [1][India] in the administration of this Act.

(2) The Drugs Consultative Committee shall consist of two representatives of the Central

Government to be nominated by that Government and one representative of each State
Government to be nominated by the State Government concerned.

(3) The Drugs Consultative Committee shall meet when required to do so by the Central Government

and shall have power to regulate its own procedure.

2[7A. Sections 5 and 7 not to apply to Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani drugs.—Nothing contained

in sections 5 and 7 shall apply to [3][Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani] drugs.]

CHAPTER III

4[IMPORT OF DRUGS AND COSMETICS]

**8. Standards of quality.—[5][(1) For the purposes of this Chapter, the expression “standard quality”**

means—

(a) in relation to a drug, that the drug complies with the standard set out in [6][the Second

Schedule], and

(b) in relation to a cosmetic, that the cosmetic complies with such standard as may be prescribed.]

(2) The Central Government, after consultation with the Board and after giving by notification

in the Official Gazette not less than three months’ notice of its intention so to do, may by a like
notification add to or otherwise amend [6][the Second Schedule], for the purposes of this Chapter,
and thereupon [6][the Second Schedule] shall be deemed to be amended accordingly.

7[9. Misbranded drugs.—For the purposes of this Chapter, a drug shall be deemed to be

misbranded—

(a) if it is so coloured, coated, powdered or polished that damage is concealed or if it is made to

appear of better or greater therapeutic value than it really is; or

(b) if it is not labelled in the prescribed manner; or

(c) if its label or container or anything accompanying the drug bears any statement, design

or device which makes any false claim for the drug or which is false or misleading in any
particular.]

**8[9A. Adulterated drugs.—For the purposes of this Chapter, a drug shall be deemed to be**

adulterated,—

(a) if it consists, in whole or in part, of any filthy, putrid or decomposed substance; or

1. Subs. by Act 3 of 1951, s. 3 and the Sch., for “the States”.
2. Ins. by Act 13 of 1964, s. 6 (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
3. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 2, for certain words (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
4. Subs. by s. 4, ibid., for the heading under Chapter III (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
5. Subs. by Act 21 of 1962, s. 2, for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
6. Subs. by Act 13 of 1964, s. 7, for “the Schedule” (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
7. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 5, for section 9 (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
8. Subs. by s. 6, ibid., for sections 9A and 9B (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).

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(b) if it has been prepared, packed or stored under insanitary conditions whereby it may

have been contaminated with filth or whereby it may have been rendered injurious to health;
or

(c) if its container is composed in whole or in part, of any poisonous or deleterious

substance which may render the contents injurious to health; or

(d) if it bears or contains, for purposes of colouring only, a colour other than one which is

prescribed; or

(e) if it contains any harmful or toxic substance which may render it injurious to

health; or

(f) if any substance has been mixed therewith so as to reduce its quality or strength.

**9B. Spurious drugs.—For the purposes of this Chapter, a drug shall be deemed to be**

spurious—

(a) if it is imported under a name which belongs to another drug; or

(b) if it is an imitation of, or is a substitute for, another drug or resembles another drug in

a manner likely to deceive or bears upon it or upon its label or container the name of another
drug unless it is plainly and conspicuously marked so as to reveal its true character and its
lack of identity with such other drug; or

(c) if the label or container bears the name of an individual or company purporting to

be the manufacturer of the drug, which individual or company is fictitious or does not
exist; or

(d) if it has been substituted wholly or in part by another drug or substance; or

(e) if it purports to be the product of a manufacturer of whom it is not truly a product

**9C. Misbranded cosmetics.—For** the purposes of this Chapter, a cosmetic shall be deemed to be

misbranded—

(a) if it contains a colour which is not prescribed; or
(b) if it is not labelled in the prescribed manner; or
(c) if the label or container or anything accompanying the cosmetic bears any

statement which is false or misleading in any particular.

**9D. Spurious cosmetics.—For** the purposes of this Chapter, a cosmetic shall be deemed to be

spurious,—

(a) if it is imported under a name which belongs to another cosmetic; or

(b) if it is an imitation of, or is a substitute for, another cosmetic or resembles another

cosmetic in a manner likely to deceive or bears upon it or upon its label or container the
name of another cosmetic, unless it is plainly and conspicuously marked so as to reveal its
true character and its lack of identity with such other cosmetic; or

(c) if the label [,]or container bears the name of an individual or a company purporting to

be the manufacturer of the cosmetic which individual or company is fictitious or does not
exist; or

(d) if it purports to be product of a manufacture of whom it is not truly a product.]

**10. Prohibition of import of certain drugs or cosmetics.—From such date[1] as may be fixed**

by the Central Government by notification in the Official Gazette in this behalf, no person shall
import—

1. 1st April, 1947, for cls. (a), (b), (c), (e) and (f) and 1st April, 1949, for cl. (d), see notification No. 18-12-46-D-I, dated the 11th

February, 1947, Gazette of India, 1947, Pt. I, p 189 as amended by notification No. F-1-2/48-D(I), dated the 29th September,
1948, 1st April, 1953, for the State of H.P., Bilaspur, Kutch, Bhopal, Tripura, Vindhya Pradesh and Manipur vide notification
No. S.R.O. 666, dated the 30th March, 1953, Gazette of India, 1953, Pt. II, Sec. 3, p. 451.

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(a) any drug [1][or cosmetic] which is not of standard quality;

2[(b) any misbranded drug 3[or misbranded or spurious cosmetics];]

4[(bb) any 5[adulterated or spurious;] drug;]

(c) any drug [1][or cosmetic] for the import of which a licence is prescribed, otherwise

than under, in accordance with, such licence;

6[(d) any patent or proprietary medicine, unless there is displayed in the prescribed

manner on the label or container thereof [7][the true formula or list of active ingredients contained in it together with the quantities thereof];]

(e) any drug which by means of any statement, design or device accompanying it or

by any other means, purports or claims to cure or mitigate any such disease or ailment,
or to have any such other effect, as may be prescribed;

1[(ee) any cosmetic containing any ingredient which may render it unsafe or

harmful for use under the directions indicated or recommended;]

(f) any drug [1][or cosmetic] the import of which is prohibited by rule made

under this Chapter :

Provided that nothing in this section shall apply to the import, subject to prescribed con
ditions, of small quantities of any drug for the purpose of examination, test or analysis or for
personal use :

Provided further that the Central Government may, after consultation with the Board, by

notification in the Official Gazette, permit, subject to any conditions specified in the
notification, the import of any drug or class of drugs not being of standard quality.

8*     -     -     -     
**9[10A. Power of Central Government to prohibit import of drugs and cosmetics in**

**public interest.—Without** prejudice to any other provision contained in this Chapter, if the
Central Government is satisfied that the use of any drug or cosmetic is likely to involve any
risk to human beings or animals or that any drug does not have the therapeutic value claimed
for it or contains ingredients and in such quantity for which there is no therapeutic justification
and that in the public interest it is necessary or expedient so to do then, that Government may,
by notification in the Official Gazette, prohibit the import of such drug or cosmetic.]

**11. Application of law relating to sea customs and powers of Customs officers.—(1)** The

law for the time being in force relating to sea customs and to goods, the import of which is prohibited by section 18 of the Sea Customs Act, 1878[10] (18 of 1878) shall, subject to the provisions
of section 13 of this Act, apply in respect of drugs [11][and cosmetics] the import of which is
# prohibited under this Chapter and officers of Customs and officers empowered under that Act to perform the duties imposed thereby on a [12][Commissioner of Customs] and other officers of

1. Ins. by Act 21 of 1962, s. 8 (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
2. Subs. by s. 8, ibid., for clause (b) (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
3. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 7, for “or misbranded cosmetic” (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
4. Ins. by Act 13 of 1964, s. 9 (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
5. Subs, by Act 68 of 1982; s. 7, for “adulterated” (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
6. Subs. by Act 11 of 1955, s. 5, for clause (d).
7. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 7, for certain words (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
8. The Explanation omitted by Act 68 of 1982, s. 7 (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
9. Ins. by s. 8, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
10. Now see the Customs Act, 1962.
11. Ins. by Act 21 of 1962, s. 9 (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
12. Subs. by Act 22 of 1995, s. 83, for “Customs Collector”.

11


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Customs, shall have the same powers in respect of such drugs [1][and cosmetics] as they have for the time
being in respect of such goods as aforesaid.

2[(2) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (1), the 3[Commissioner of

Customs] or any officer of the Government authorised by the Central Government in this
behalf, may detain any imported package which he suspects to contain any drug [1][or
cosmetic] the import of which is prohibited under this Chapter and shall forthwith report
such detention to the Drugs Controller, India and, if necessary, forward the package or
sample of any suspected drug [1][or cosmetic] found therein to the Central Drugs Laboratory.]

**12. Power of Central Government to make rules.** _—(1)_ The Central Government may,

4[after consultation with or on the recommendation of the Board] and after previous publication
by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for the purpose of giving effect to the
provisions of this Chapter :

5[Provided that consultation with the Board may be dispensed with if the Central

Government is of opinion that circumstances have arisen which render it necessary to make
rules without such consultation, but in such a case the Board shall be consulted within six
months of the making of the rules and the Central Government shall take into consideration
any suggestions which the Board may make in relation to the amendment of the said rules.]

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may—


(a) specify the drugs or classes of drugs [6][or cosmetics or classes of cosmetics] for the

import of which a licence is required, [7][and prescribed the form and conditions of such
licences, the authority empowered to issue the same, the fees payable therefor and provide
for the cancellation, or suspension of such licence in any case where any provision of this
Chapter or the rules made thereunder is contravened or any of the conditions subject to
which the licence is issued is not complied with] ;


(b) prescribe the methods of test or analysis to be employed in determining whether a drug

6[or cosmetic] is of standard quality ;

(c) prescribe, in respect of biological and organometallic compounds, the units or methods of

standardisation;

8[(cc) prescribe under clause (d) of 9[section 9A] the colour or colours which a drug

may bear or contain for purposes of colouring;]

(d) specify the diseases or ailments which an imported drug may not purport or claim

10[to prevent, cure or mitigate] and such other effects which such drug may not purport or
claim to have;

(e) prescribe the conditions subject to which small quantities of drugs, the import of

which is otherwise prohibited under this Chapter, may be imported for the purpose of
examination, test or analysis or for personal use;

(f) prescribe the places at which drugs [6][or cosmetics] may be imported, and prohibited their

import at any other place;

1. Ins. by Act 21 of 1962, s. 9 (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
2. Subs. by Act 11 of 1955, s. 6, for sub-section (2).
3. Subs. by Act 22 of 1995, s. 83, for “Customs Collector”.
4. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 9, for “after consultation with the Board” (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
5. Ins. by Act 11 of 1955, s. 7.
6. Ins. by Act 21 of 1962, s. 10 (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
7. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 9, for certain words (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
8. Ins. by Act 13 of 1964, s. 10 (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
9. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 9, for “section 9B” (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
10. Subs. by Act 11 of 1955, s. 7 for “to cure or mitigate”.

12


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(g) require the date of manufacture and the date of expiry of potency to be clearly and

truely stated on the label or container of any specified imported drug or class of such drug,
and prohibit the import of the said drug or class of drug after the expiry of a specified period
from the date of manufacture;

(h) regulate the submission by importers, and the securing, of samples of drugs

1[or cosmetics] for examination, test or analysis by the Central Drugs Laboratory, and
prescribed the fees, if any, payable for such examination, test or analysis;


(i) prescribe the evidence to be supplied, whether by accompanying documents or

otherwise, of the quality of drugs [1][or cosmetics] sought to be imported, the procedure of
officers of Customs in dealing with such evidence, and the manner of storage at places of
import of drugs [l][or cosmetics] detained pending admission;

(j) provide for the exemption, conditionally or otherwise, from all or any of the provisions

of this Chapter and the rules made thereunder of drugs [1][or cosmetics] imported for the
purpose only of transport through, and export from, [2][India];

(k) prescribe the conditions to be observed in the packing in bottles, packages or other

containers, of imported drugs [1][or cosmetics] [3][including the use of packing material which comes
into direct contact with the drugs];

(l) regulate the mode of labelling drugs [1][or cosmetics] imported for sale in packages, and

prescribe the matters which shall or shall not be included in such labels;

(m) prescribe the maximum proportion of any poisonous substance which may be added

to or contained in any imported drug, prohibit the import of any drug in which that proportion
is exceeded, and specify substances which shall be deemed to be poisonous for the purposes
of this Chapter and the rules made thereunder;

(n) require that the accepted scientific name of any specified drug shall be displayed in the

prescribed manner on the label or wrapper of any imported, patent or proprietary medicine
containing such drug ;

(o) provide for the exemption, conditionally or otherwise, from all or any of the provisions of

this Chapter or the rules made thereunder of any specified drug or class of drugs [l][or cosmetics or
class of cosmetics].

4[13. Offenees.—(1) Whoever himself or by any other person on his behalf imports,—

(a) any drug deemed to be adulterated under section 9A or deemed to be a spurious drug

under section 9B or any spurious cosmetic referred to in section 9D or any cosmetic of the
nature referred to in clause (ee) of section 10 shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term
which may extend to three years and a fine which may extend to five thousand rupees;

(b) any drug or cosmetic other than a drug or cosmetic referred to in clause (a), the

import of which is prohibited under section 10, or any rule made under this Chapter, shall be
punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which
may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both;

(c) any drug or cosmetic in contravention of the provisions of any notification issued under

section 10A, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three
years, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.

1. Ins. by Act 21 of 1962, s. 10 (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
2. Subs. by Act 3 of 1951, s. 3 and Sch., for “the States”.
3. Ins. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 9 (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
4. Subs. by s. 10, ibid., for section 13 (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).

13


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(2) Whoever having been convicted of an offence—

(a) under clause (a) or clause (c) of sub-section (1), is again convicted of an offence

under that clause, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to
five years, or with fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees, or with both;

(b) under clause (b) of sub-section (1), is again convicted of an offence under that

clause, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year,
or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.

(3) The punishment provided by this section shall be in addition to any penalty to which

the offender may be liable under the provisions of section 11.]

**14. Confiscation.—Where** any offence punishable under section 13 has been committed, the

consignment of the drugs [1][or cosmetics] in respect of which the offence has been committed shall be
liable to confiscation.

**15. Jurisdiction.—No** Court inferior to that [2][of a Metropolitan Magistrate or of a Judicial Magistrate

of the first class] shall try an offence punishable under section 13.

CHAPTER IV

MANUFACTURE, SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF [3][DRUGS AND COSMETICS]

**16. Standards of quality. —[4][(1) For the purposes of this Chapter, the expression “standard quality”**

means—

(a) in relation to a drug, that the drug complies with the standard set out in [5][the Second

Schedule], and

(b) in relation to a cosmetic, that the cosmetic complies with such standard as may

be prescribed.]

(2) The [6][Central Government], after consultation with the Board and after giving by

notification in the Official Gazette not less than three months’ notice of its intention so to do,
may by a like notification add to or otherwise amend [5][the Second Schedule] for the purposes
of this Chapter, and thereupon [5][the Second Schedule] shall be deemed to be amended
accordingly.

7[17. **Misbranded drugs.—For** the purposes of this Chapter, a drug shall be deemed to be

misbranded,—

(a) if it is so coloured, coated, powdered or polished that damage is concealed or if it

is made to appear of better or greater therapeutic value than it really is; or

(b) if it is not labelled in the prescribed manner; or

(c) if its label or container or anything accompanying the drug bears any statement,

design or device which makes any false claim for the drug or which is false or misleading in
any particular.

1. Ins. by Act 21 of 1962, s. 11 (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
2. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 11, for certain words (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
3. Subs. by s. 12, ibid., for “DRUGS” (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
4. Subs. by Act 21 of 1962, s. 12, for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
5. Subs. by Act 13 of 1964, s. 11, for “the Schedule” (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
6. Subs. by Act 11 of 1955, s. 8, for “State Government”.
7. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 13, for sections 17, 17A and 17B (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).

14


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**17A. Adulterated drugs.—** For the purposes of this Chapter, a drug shall be deemed to be

adulterated,—

(a) if it consists in whole or in part, of any filthy, putrid or decomposed substance; or

(b) if it has been prepared, packed or stored under insanitary conditions whereby it

may have been contaminated with filth or whereby it may have been rendered injurious to
health; or

(c) if its container is composed, in whole or in part, of any poisonous or deleterious

substance which may render the contents injurious to health; or

(d) if it bears or contains, for purposes of colouring only, a colour other than one which is

prescribed; or

(e) if it contains any harmful or toxic substance which may render it injurious to

health; or

(f) if any substance has been mixed therewith so as to reduce its quality or strength.

**17B. Spurious drugs.—For the purposes of this Chapter, a drug shall be deemed to be**

spurious,—

(a) if it is manufactured under a name which belongs to another drug; or

(b) if it is an imitation of, or is a substitute for, another drug or resembles another drug

in a manner likely to deceive or bears upon it or upon its label or container the name of
another drug unless it is plainly and conspicuously marked so as to reveal its true character
and its lack of identity with such other drug; or

(c) if the label or container bears the name of an individual or company purporting to be the

manufacturer of the drug, which individual or company is fictitious or does not exist; or

(d) if it has been substituted wholly or in part by another drug or substance; or

(e) if it purports to be the product of a manufacturer of whom it is not truly a product.

**17C. Misbranded cosmetics.—For** the purposes of this Chapter, a cosmetic shall be deemed to be

misbranded,—

(a) if it contains a colour which is not prescribed; or

(b) if it is not labelled in the prescribed manner; or

(c) if the label or container or anything accompanying the cosmetic bears any state
ment which is false or misleading in any particular.

**17D. Spurious cosmetics.—For** the purposes of this Chapter, a cosmetic shall be deemed to be

spurious,—

(a) if it is manufactured under a name which belongs to another cosmetic; or

(b) if it is an imitation of, or a substitute for, another cosmetic or resembles another

cosmetic in a manner likely to deceive or bears upon it or upon its label or container the
name of another cosmetic unless it is plainly and conspicuously marked so as to re veal its
true character and its lack of identity with such other cosmetic; or

(c) if the label or container bears the name of an individual or a company purporting to

be the manufacturer of the cosmetic which individual or company is fictitious or does not
exist; or

(d) if it purports to be the product of a manufacturer of whom it is not truly a product.]

15


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**1[17E. Adulterated cosmetics. — For** the purposes of this Chapter, a cosmetic shall be deemed to be

adulterated,—

(a) if it consists in whole or in part, of any filthy, putrid or decomposed substance; or
(b) if it has been prepared, packed or stored under insanitary conditions whereby it may have

been contaminated with filth or whereby it may have been rendered injurious to health; or

(c) if its container is composed, in whole or in part, of any poisonous or deleterious substance

which may render the contents injurious to health; or

(d) if it bears or contains, for purposes of colouring only, a colour other than one which is

prescribed; or

(e) if it contains any harmful or toxic substance which may render it injurious to health; or
(f) if any substance has been mixed therewith so as to reduce its quality or strength.]

**18. Prohibition of manufacture and sale of certain drugs and cosmetics.—From** such [2]date as

may be fixed by the State Government by notification in the Official Gazette in this behalf, no person
shall himself or by any other person on his behalf—

(a) [3][manufacture for sale or for distribution, or sell, or stock or exhibit or offer for sale,] or

distribute—

4[(i) any drug which is not of a standard quality, or is misbranded, adulterated or spurious;

5[(ii) any cosmetic which is not of a standard quality or is misbranded, adulterated or

spurious;]]

6[(iii) any patent or proprietary medicine, unless there is displayed in the prescribed

manner on the label or container thereof [3][the true formula or list of active ingredients
contained in it together with the quantities thereof];]

(iv) any drug which by means of any statement design or device accompanying it or

by any other means, purports or claims [7][to prevent, cure or mitigate] any such disease or
ailment, or to have any such other effect as may be prescribed;

8[(v) any cosmetic containing any ingredient which may render it unsafe or harmful for use

under the directions indicated or recommended;

(vi) any drug or cosmetic in contravention of any of the provisions of this Chapter or any

rule made thereunder;]

(b) [3][sell or stock or exhibit or offer for sale,] or distribute any drug [9][or cosmetic] which has been

imported or manufacutred in contravention of any of the provisions of this Act or any rule made
thereunder;

(c) [3][manufacture for sale or for distribution, or sell, or stock or exhibit or offer for sale,]

or distribute any drug [9][or cosmetic], except under, and in accordance with the conditions
of, a licence issued for such purpose under this Chapter:

Provided that nothing in this section shall apply to the manufacture, subject to prescribed

conditions, of small quantities of any drug for the purpose of examination, test or analysis :

Provided further that the [10][Central Government] may, after consultation with the Board, by

notification in the Official Gazette, permit, subject to any conditions specified in the notification,
the [11][manufacture for sale or for distribution, sale, stocking or exhibiting or offering for sale] or
distribution of any drug or class of drugs not being of standard quality.

1. Ins. by Act 26 of 2008, s. 2 (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).
2. 1st April, 1947 for sub-clauses (i), (ii), (iv) and (v) of cl. (a) and cls. (b) and (c); 1st April, 1949 for sub-clause (iii) of

cl. (a) in so far as it takes effect in Delhi, Ajmer and Coorg, see Notifn. No. 18-12-46-D, II, dated 11th February, 1947, Gazette of
India, 1947, Pt. I, p. 189, as amended by notifn. No. F. 1-2/48-D (ii), dated 29th September, 1948; 1st April, 1953 for the States of
H. P., Bilaspur, Kutch, Bhopal, Tripura, Vindhya Pradesh and Manipur, _vide_ notifn. No. S.R.O. 664, dated the 30th March, 1953,
Gazette of India, 1953, Pt. II, Sec. 3, p. 451

3. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982. s. 14, for certain words (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
4. Subs. by s. 14, ibid, for cls. (i), (ii) and (iia) (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
5. Subs. by Act 26 of 2008, s. 3, for sub-clause (ii) (w.e.f.10-8-2009).
6. Subs. by Act 11 of 1955, s. 9, for sub-clause (iii).
7. Subs by s. 9, ibid., for “to cure or mitigate”.
8. Subs. by Act 21 of 1962, s. 14, for sub-clause (v) (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
9. Ins. by s. 14, ibid. (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
10. Subs. by Act 11 of 1955, s. 9, for “State Government”.
11. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 14, for “manufacture for sale, sale” (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).

16


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1*   -   -   -   
2[18A. Disclosure of the name of the manufacturer, etc.—Every person, not being the

manufacturer of a drug or cosmetic or his agent for the distribution thereof, shall, if so required, disclose
to the Inspector the name, address and other particulars of the person from whom he acquired the drug or
cosmetic.]

3[18B. Maintenance of records and furnishing of information.—Every person holding a

licence under clause (c) of section 18 shall keep and maintain such records, registers and other
documents as may be prescribed and shall furnish to any officer or authority exercising any
power or discharging any function under this Act such information as is required by such officer
or authority for carrying out the purposes of this Act.]

**19. Pleas.—(1) Save as hereinafter provided in this section, it shall be no defence in a pro-**

secution under this Chapter to prove merely that the accused was ignorant of the nature, substance
or quality of the drug [4][or cosmetic] in respect of which the offence has been committed or of the
circumstances of its manufacture or import, or that a purchaser, having bought only for the purpose
of test or analysis, has not been prejudiced by the sale.

(2) [5][For the purposes of section 18 a drug shall not be deemed to be misbranded or

6[adulterated or spurious] or to be below standard quality nor shall a cosmetic be deemed to be
misbranded or to be below standard quality] only by reason of the fact that—

(a) there has been added thereto some innocuous substance or ingredient because the

same is required for the manufacture or preparation of the drug [4][or cosmetic] as an article
of commerce in a state fit for carriage or consumption, and not to increase the bulk, weight
or measure of the drug [4][or cosmetic] or to conceal its inferior quality or other defects; or

7*      -      -      -                 *

(b) in the process of manufacture, preparation or conveyance some extraneous substance

has unavoidably become intermixed with it: provided that this clause shall not apply in
relation to any sale or distribution of the drug [4][or cosmetic] occurring after the vendor or
distributor became aware of such intermixture.


8[(3) A person, not being the manufacturer of a drug or cosmetic or his agent for the distribution

thereof, shall not be liable for a contravention of section 18 if he proves—

(a) that he acquired the drug or cosmetic from a duly licensed manufacturer, distributor or dealer

thereof;

(b) that he did not know and could not, with reasonable diligence, have ascertained that

the drug or cosmetic in any way contravened the provisions of that section; and

(c) that the drug or cosmetic, while in his possession, was properly stored and

remained in the same state as when he acquired it.]

1. The Explanation omitted by Act 68 of 1982, s. 14 (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
2. Ins. by Act 13 of 1964, s. 14 (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
3. Ins. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 15 (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
4. Ins. by Act 21 of 1962, s. 15 (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
5. Subs. by Act 13 of 1964, s. 15, for certain words (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
6. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 16, for “adulterated” (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
7. Cl. (aa) ins. by Act 11 of 1955, s. 10, omitted by Act 13 of 1964, s. 15 (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
8. Subs. by Act 13 of 1964, s. 15, for sub-section (3) (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).

17


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1[20. Government Analysts.—(1) The State Government may, by notification in the

Official Gazette, appoint such persons as it thinks fit, having the prescribed qualifications, to be
Government Analysts for such areas in the State and in respect of such drugs or [2][classes of
drugs or such cosmetics or classes of cosmetics] as may be specified in the notification.

(2) The Central Government may also, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint such

persons as it thinks fit, having the prescribed qualifications, to be Government Analysts in
respect of such drugs or [2][classes of drugs or such cosmetics or classes of cosmetics] as may be
specified in the notification.

(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1) or sub-section (2), neither the

Central Government nor a State Government shall appoint as a Government Analyst any
official not serving under it without the previous consent of the Government under which he
is serving.

3[(4) No person who has any financial interest in the import, manufacture or sale of drugs

or cosmetics shall be appointed to be a Government Analyst under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) of
this section.]

**21. Inspectors.—(1) The Central Government or a State Government may, by**

notification in the Official Gazette, appoint such persons as it thinks fit, having the
prescribed qualifications, to be Inspectors for such areas as may be assigned to them by the
Central Government or the State Government, as the case may be.

(2) The powers which may be exercised by an Inspector and the duties which may be

performed by him, the drugs or [4][classes of drugs or cosmetics or classes of cosmetics] in
relation to which and the conditions, limitations or restrictions subject to which, such powers
and duties may be exercised or performed shall be such as may be prescribed.

(3) No person who has any financial interest [5][in the import, manufacture or sale of drugs or

cosmetics] shall be appointed to be an Inspector under this section.

(4) Every Inspector shall be deemed to be a public servant within the meaning of

section 21 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860), and shall be officially subordinate to such
authority [6][having the prescribed qualifications,] as the Government appointing him may
specify in this behalf.]

7[22. Powers of Inspectors.—(1) Subject to the provisions of section 23 and of any rules

made by the Central Government in this behalf, an Inspector may, within the local limits of
the area for which he is appointed,—

_8_ [(a) inspect,—

(i) any premises wherein any drug or cosmetic is being manufactured and the

means employed for standardising and testing the drug or cosmetic;

(ii) any premises wherein any drug or cosmetic is being sold, or stocked or

exhibited or offered for sale, or distributed;

1. Subs by Act 35 of 1960, s. 4, for the original sections 20 and 21 (w.e.f. 16-3-1961).
2. Subs. by Act 21 of 1962, s. 16, for “class of drugs” (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
3. Ins. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 17 (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
4. Subs. by Act 21 of 1962, s. 17, for “class of drugs” (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
5. Subs. by s. 17, ibid., for “in the manufacture, import or sale of drugs” (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
6. Ins. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 18 (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
7. Subs. by Act 11 of 1955, s. 11, for s. 22.
8. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 19, for cls. (a), (b) and (c) (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).

18


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(b) take samples of any drug or cosmetic, —

(i) which is being manufactured or being sold or is stocked or exhibited or offered for sale,

or is being distributed;

(ii) from any person who is in the course of conveying, delivering or preparing to

deliver such drug or cosmetic to a purchaser or a consignee;

(c) at all reasonable times, with such assistance, if any, as he considers

necessary,—

(i) search any person, who, he has reason to believe, has secreted about his person,

any drug or cosmetic in respect of which an offence under this Chapter has been, or is
being, committed; or

(ii) enter and search any place in which he has reason to believe that an offence

under this Chapter has been, or is being, committed; or

(iii) stop and search any vehicle, vessel or other conveyance which, he has reason

to believe, is being used for carrying any drug or cosmetic in respect of which an
offence under this Chapter has been, or is being, committed,

and order in writing the person in possession of the drug or cosmetic in respect of which the
offence has been, or is being, committed, not to dispose of any stock of such drug or cosmetic
for a specified period not exceeding twenty days, or, unless the alleged offence is such that
the defect may be removed by the possessor of the drug or cosmetic, seize the stock of such
drug or cosmetic and any substance or article by means of which the offence has been, or is
being, committed or which may be employed for the commission of such offence;]

1[(cc) examine any record, register, document or any other material object found 2[with

any person, or in any place, vehicle, vessel or other conveyance referred to in clause ( c)],
and seize the same if he has reason to believe that it may furnish evidence of the
commission of an offence punishable under this Act or the rules made thereunder;]

3[(cca) require any person to produce any record, register, or other document relating

to the manufacture for sale or for distribution, stocking, exhibition for sale, offer for sale
or distribution of any drug or cosmetic in respect of which he has reason to believe that an
offence under this Chapter has been, or is being, committed;]

(d) exercise such other powers as may be necessary for carrying out the purposes of

this Chapter or any rules made thereunder.

(2) The provisions of [4][the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974)] shall, so far as

may be, apply to any search or seizure under this Chapter as they apply to any search or
seizure made under the authority of a warrant issued under [5][section 94] of the said Code.

_3[(2A) Every record, register or other document seized under clause (cc)_ or produced under

# clause (cca) shall be returned to the person, from whom they were seized or who produce the

1. Ins. by Act 35 of 1960, s. 5 (w.e.f. 16-3-1961).
2. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 19, for certain words (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
3. Ins. by s. 19, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
4. Subs. by s. 19, ibid., for “the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898” (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
5. Subs. by s. 19, ibid., for “section 98” (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).

19


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same, within a period of twenty days of the date of such seizure or production, as the case may
be, after copies thereof or extracts therefrom certified by that person, in such manner as may be
prescribed, have been taken.]

(3) If any person wilfully obstructs an Inspector in the exercise of the powers conferred

upon him by or under this Chapter [1][or refuses to produce any record, register or other
document when so required under clause (cca) of sub-section (1),] he shall be punishable
with imprisonment which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.]

**23. Procedure of Inspectors.—(1) Where an Inspector takes any sample of a drug** [2][or

cosmetic] under this Chapter, he shall tender the fair price thereof and may require a written
acknowledgment therefor.


(2) Where the price tendered under sub-section (1) is refused, or where the Inspector seizes

the stock of any drug [2][or cosmetic] under clause (c) of section 22, he shall tender a receipt
therefor in the prescribed form.

(3) Where an Inspector takes a sample of a drug [2][or cosmetic] for the purpose of test or

analysis, he shall intimate such purpose in writing in the prescribed form to the person from
whom he takes it and, in the presence of such person unless he wilfully absents himself, shall
divide the sample into four portions and effectively seal and suitably mark the same and permit
such person to add his own seal and mark to all or any of the portions so sealed and marked:

Provided that where the sample is taken from premises whereon the drug [2][or cosmetic]

is being manufactured, it shall be necessary to divide the sample into three portions only:

Provided further that where the drug [2][or cosmetic] is made up in containers of small

volume, instead of dividing a sample as aforesaid, the Inspector may, and if the drug [2][or
cosmetic] be such that it is likely to deteriorate or be otherwise damaged by exposure shall,
take three or four, as the case may be, of the said containers after suitably marking the same
and, where necessary, sealing them.

(4) The Inspector shall restore one portion of a sample so divided or one container, as the

case may be, to the person from whom he takes it, and shall retain the remainder and dispose of
the same as follows:—

(i) one portion or container he shall forthwith send to the Government Analyst for test

or analysis;

(ii) the second, he shall produce to the Court before which proceedings, if any, are

instituted in respect of the drug [2][or cosmetic]; and

3[(iii) the third, where taken, he shall send to the person, if any, whose name, address

and other particulars have been disclosed under section 18A.]

(5) Where an Inspector takes any action under clause (c) of section 22,—


(a) he shall use all despatch in ascertaining whether or not the drug [2][or cosmetic];

contravenes any of the provisions of section 18 and, if it is ascertained that the drug [2][or
cosmetic]; does not so contravene, forthwith revoke the order passed under the said
clause or, as the case may be, take such action as may be necessary for the return of the
stock seized;

(b) if he seizes the stock of the drug [2][or cosmetic]; he shall as soon as may be inform [4][a Judicial

Magistrate] and take his orders as to the custody thereof;

1. Ins. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 19 (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
2. Ins. by Act 21 of 1962, s. 15 (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
3. Subs. by Act 13 of 1964, s. 16, for cl. (iii) (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
4. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 20, for “a Magistrate” (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).

20


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( c ) without prejudice to the institution of any prosecution, if the alleged contravention be such

that the defect may be remedied by the possessor of the drug [1][or cosmetic]; he shall, on being
satisfied that the defect has been so remedied, forthwith revoke his order under the said clause.

2[(6) Where an Inspector seizes any record, register, document or any other material object under

clause (cc) of sub-section (1) of section 22, he shall, as soon as may be, inform [3][a Judicial Magistrate]
and take his orders as to the custody thereof.

**24. Persons bound to disclose place where drugs or cosmetics are manufactured or kept.** _—_

Every person for the time being in charge of any premises whereon any drug [1][or
cosmetic]; is being manufactured or is kept for sale or distribution shall, on being required
by an Inspector so to do, be legally bound to disclose to the Inspector the place where the
drug [1][or cosmetic] is being manufactured or is kept, as the case may be.


**25. Reports of Government Analysts.** _—(1) The Government Analyst to whom a_

sample of any drug 1[or cosmetic] has been submitted for test or analysis under

sub-section (4) of section 23, shall deliver to the Inspector submitting it a signed report in
triplicate in the prescribed form.

(2) The Inspector on receipt thereof shall deliver one copy of the report to the person

from whom the sample was taken [4][and another copy to the person, if any, whose name,
address and other particulars have been disclosed under section 18A], and shall retain the
third copy for use in any prosecution in respect of the sample.

(3) Any document purporting to be a report signed by a Government Analyst under this

Chapter shall be evidence of the facts stated therein, and such evidence shall be conclusive
unless the person from whom the sample was taken [5][or the person whose name, address and
other particulars have been disclosed under section 18A] has, within twenty-eight days of the
receipt of a copy of the report, notified in writing the Inspector or the Court before which any
proceedings in respect of the sample are pending that he intends to adduce evidence in
controversion of the report.

(4) Unless the sample has already been tested or analysed in the Central Drugs Laboratory,

where a person has under sub-section (3) notified his intention of adducing evidence in
controversion of a Government Analyst’s report, the Court may, of its own motion or in its
discretion at the request either of the complainant or the accused cause the sample of the drug
1[or cosmetic] produced before the Magistrate under sub-section (4) of section 23 to be sent for
test or analysis to the said Laboratory, which shall make the test or analysis and report in
writing signed by or under the authority of, the Director of the Central Drugs Laboratory the
result thereof, and such report shall be conclusive evidence of the facts stated therein.

(5) The cost of a test or analysis made by the Central Drugs Laboratory under

sub-section (4) shall be paid by the complainant or accused as the Court shall direct.


**26. Purchaser of drug or cosmetic enabled to obtain test or analysis** .—Any person

6[or any recognised consumer association, whether such person is a member of that association
or not,] shall, on application in the prescribed manner and on payment of the prescribed fee, be
entitled to submit for test or analysis to a Government Analyst any drug [1][or cosmetic]
7[purchased by him or it] and to receive a report of such test or analysis signed by the
Government Analyst.

1. Ins. by Act 21 of 1962, s. 15 (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
2. Ins. by Act 35 of 1960, s. 6 (w.e.f. 16-3-1961).
3. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 20, for “a Magistrate” (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
4. Subs. by Act 13 of 1964, s. 17, for certain words (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
5. Subs. by s. 17, ibid., for “or the said warrantor” (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
6. Ins. by Act 71 of 1986, s. 2 (w.e.f. 15-9-1987).
7. Subs. by s. 2, ibid., for “purchased by him” (w.e.f. 15-9-1987).

21


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1[Explanation.—For the purposes of this section and section 32, “recognised consumer association

means a voluntary consumer association registered under the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956) or any
other law for the time being in force.]

2[26A. **Powers of Central Government to** **3[regulate, restrict or prohibit] manufacture, etc.,**

**of drug and cosmetic in public interest.—Without prejudice to any other provision contained in this**
Chapter, if the Central Government is satisfied, that the use of any drug or cosmetic is likely to
involve any risk to human beings or animals or that any drug does not have the therapeutic value
claimed or purported to be claimed for it or contains ingredients and in such quantity for which there
is no therapeutic justification and that in the public interest it is necessary or expedient so to do, then,
that Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, [3][regulate, restrict or prohibit] the
manufacture, sale or distribution of such drug or cosmetic.]

**4[26B. Power of Central Government to regulate or restrict, manufacture, etc., of drug in**

**public interest.** —Without prejudice to any other provision contained in this Chapter, if the Central
Government is satisfied that a drug is essential to meet the requirements of an emergency arising due to
epidemic or natural calamities and that in the public interest, it is necessary or expedient so to do, then,
that Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, regulate or restrict the manufacture, sale or
distribution of such drug.]

**5[27.** **Penalty** **for** **manufacture,** **sale,** **etc.,** **of** **drugs** **in** **contravention** **of** **this**

**Chapter.—Whoever, himself or by any other person on his behalf, manufactures for sale or for**
distribution, or sells, or stocks or exhibits or offers for sale or distributes,—

(a) any drug deemed to be adulterated under section 17A or spurious under section [6][17B

and which] when used by any person for or in the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation, or prevention of any disease or disorder is likely to cause his death or is likely to cause such harm on
his body as would amount to grevious hurt within the meaning of section 320 of the Indian
Penal Code (45 of 1860) solely on account of such drug being adulterated or spurious or not of
standard quality, as the case may be, shall be [7][punishable with imprisonment for a term which
shall not be less than ten years but which may extend to imprisonment for life and shall also be
liable to fine which shall not be less than ten lakh rupees or three times value of the drugs
confiscated, whichever is more]:

8[Provided that the fine imposed on and released from, the person convicted under this

clause shall be paid, by way of compensation, to the person who had used the adulterated or
spurious drugs referred to in this clause:

Provided further that where the use of the adulterated or, spurious drugs referred to in this clause

has caused the death of a person who used such drugs, the fine imposed on and realised from, the
person convicted under this clause, shall be paid to the relative of the person who had died due to the
use of the adulterated or spurious drugs referred to in this clause.

_Explanation.—For_ the purposes of the second proviso, the expression “relative” means—

# (i) spouse of the deceased person; or

(ii) a minor legitimate son, and unmarried legitimate daughter and a widowed mother; or

(iii) parent of the minor victim; or

1. Ins. by Act 71 of 1986, s. 2 (w.e.f. 15-9-1987).
2. Ins. by Act 68 of 1982. s. 21 (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
3. Subs. by Act 26 of 2008, s. 4, for “prohibit” (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).
4. Ins. by s. 5, ibid. (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).
5. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 22, for sections 27 and 27A (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
6. Subs. by Act 26 of 2008, s. 6, for “17B or which” (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).
7. Subs. by s. 6, ibid., for “punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than five years but which may extend

to a term of life and with fine which shall not be less than ten thousand rupees;” (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).

8. The provisos ins. by s. 6, ibid. (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).

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(iv) if wholly dependent on the earnings of the deceased person at the time of his death, a son or a

daughter who has attained the age of eighteen years; or

(v) any person, if wholly or in part, dependent on the earnings of the deceased person at the

time of his death,—

(a) the parent; or
(b) a minor brother or an unmarried sister; or
(c) a widowed daughter-in-law; or
(d) a widowed sister; or
(e) a minor child of a pre-deceased son; or
(f) a minor child of a pre-deceased daughter where no parent of the child is alive; or
(g) the paternal grandparent if no parent of the member is alive;]

(b) any drug—

(i) deemed to be adulterated under section 17A but not being a drug referred to in clause (a),

or

(ii) without a valid licence as required under clause (c) of section 18,

shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall [1][not be less than three years
but which may extend to five years and with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees
or three times the value of the drugs confiscated, whichever is more]:

Provided that the Court may, for any adequate and special reasons to be recorded in the judgment,

impose a sentence of imprisonment for a term of [2][less than three years and of fine of less than one
lakh rupees];


(c) any drug deemed to be spurious under section 17B, but not being a drug referred to in

clause (a) shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall [3][not less than seven years
but which may extend to imprisonment for life and with fine which shall not be three lakh rupees or
three times the value of the drugs confiscated, whichever is more]:

Provided that the Court may, for any adequate and special reasons to be recorded in the judgment,

impose a sentence of imprisonment for a term of [4][less than seven years but not less than three years
and of fine of less than one lakh rupees];

(d) any drug, other than a drug referred to in clause (a) or clause _(b)_ or clause (c),

in contravention of any other provision of this Chapter or any rule made thereunder, shall be
punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than one year but which may
extend to two years [5][and with fine which shall not be less than twenty thousand rupees]:

Provided that the Court may, for any adequate and special reasons to be recorded in the judgment,

impose a sentence of imprisonment for a term of less than one year.

**27A. Penalty for manufacture, sale, etc., of cosmetics in contravention of this**

**Chapter.—Whoever himself or by any other person on his behalf manufactures for sale or for**
distribution, or sells, or stocks or exhibits or offers for sale—

6[(i) any cosmetic deemed to be spurious under section 17D or adulterated under section 17E

shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and with fine
which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees or three times the value of the cosmetics
confiscated, whichever is more;

1. Subs. by Act 26 of 2008, s. 6, for “not be less than one year but which may extend to three years and with fine which shall not

be less than five thousand rupees” (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).

2. Subs. by s. 6, ibid., for “less than one year and of fine of less than five thousand rupees” (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).
3. Subs. by s. 6, ibid., for “not be less than three years but which may extend to five years and with fine which shall not be less

than five thousand rupees” (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).

4. Subs. by s. 6, ibid., for “less than three years but not less than one year” (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).
5. Subs. by s. 6, ibid., for “and with fine” (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).
6. Subs. by s. 7, ibid., for clauses (i) and (ii) (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).

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(ii) any cosmetic other than a cosmetic referred to in clause (i) in contravention of any provisions

of this Chapter or any rule made thereunder shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which
may extend to one year or with fine which may extend to twenty thousand rupees, or with both. ]]
**1[28. Penalty for non-disclosure of the name of the manufacturer, etc.—Whoever**

# contravenes the provisions of section 18A [2][or section 24] shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or [3][with fine which shall not be less than twenty thousand rupees or with both].]

**4[28A. Penalty for not keeping documents, etc., and for non-disclosure of**

# information.—Whoever without reasonable cause or excuse, contravenes the provisions of section 18B shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or
3[with fine which shall not be less than twenty thousand rupees or with both].

# 28B. Penalty for manufacture, etc., of drugs or cosmetics in contravention of   
 section 26A.—Whoever himself or by any other person on his behalf manufactures or sells or distributes any drug or cosmetic in contravention of the provisions of any notification issued under section 26A, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to fine which may extend to five thousand rupees.]
 29. Penalty for use of Government Analyst’s report for advertising.—Whoever uses any
 report of a test or analysis made by the Central Drugs Laboratory or by a Government Analyst, or any extract from such report, for the purpose of advertising any drug [5][or cosmetic], shall be punishable with fine which may extend to [6][five thousand rupees].

**7[30. Penalty for subsequent offences.—** **8[(1)** Whoever having been convicted of an

# offence,—
 (a) under clause (b) of section 27 is again convicted of an offence under that
 clause, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall [9][not be less than seven years but which may extend to ten years and with fine which shall not be  less than two lakh rupees]:


# Provided that the Court may, for any adequate and special reasons to be mentioned in the
 judgment, impose a sentence of imprisonment for a term of [10][less than seven years and of fine of less than one lakh rupees];

(b) under clause (c) of section 27, is again convicted of an offence under that clause

shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which [11][shall not be less than ten years
but which may extend to imprisonment for life and with fine which shall not be less than
three lakh rupees.]

(c) under clause (d) of section 27, is again convicted of an offence under that clause shall

be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than two years but which
may extend to four years or with fine which shall not be less than [12][fifty thousand rupees], or
with both.]

1. Subs, by Act 13 of 1964, s. 19, for s. 28 (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
2. Ins. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 23 (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
3. Subs. by Act 26 of 2008, s. 8, for “with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees or with both” (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).
4. Ins. by Act 68 of 1982 s. 24 (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
5. Ins. by Act 21 of 1962, s. 15 (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
6. Subs. by Act 26 of 2008, s. 10, for “five hundred rupees” (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).
7. Subs. by Act 11 of 1955, s. 14, for s. 30.
8. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 25, for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
9. Subs. by Act 26 of 2008, s. 11 for “not be less than two years but which may extend to six years and with fine which

shall not be less than ten thousand rupees”(w.e.f. 10-8-2009).

10. Subs. by s. 11, ibid., for “less than two years and of fine of less than ten thousand rupees (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).
11. Subs. by s. 11, ibid., for “shall not be less than six years but which may extend to ten years and with fine which

shall not be less than ten thousand rupees” (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).

12. Subs. by s. 11, ibid., for “five thousand rupees” (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).

24


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1[(1A) Whoever, having been convicted of an offence under section 27A is again convicted

# under that section, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine which may extend to [2][two thousand rupees], or with both.]

 (2) Whoever, having been convicted of an offence under [3]*** section 29 is again convicted of an
 offence under the same section shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to [4][two years, or with fine which shall not be less than ten thousand rupees or with both.]]

 31. Confiscation. — [5][(1)] Where any person has been convicted under this Chapter for
 contravening any such provision of this Chapter or any rule made thereunder as may be specified by rule made in this behalf, the stock of the drug [6][or cosmetic] in respect of which the contravention has been made shall be liable to confiscation [7][and if such contravention is in respect of—


8[(i) manufacture of any drug deemed to be misbranded under section 17, adulterated under

# section 17A or spurious under section 17B; or]

 (ii)[ 9][manufacture for sale, or for distribution, sale, or stocking, or exhibiting or offering
 for sale,] or distribution of any drug without a valid licence as required under clause (c) of section 18,

 any implements or machinery used in such manufacture, sale or distribution and any recep- tacles packages or coverings in which such drug is contained and the animals, vehicles, vessels or other conveyances used in carrying such drug shall also be liable to confiscation].

10[(2) Without prejudice to the provisions contained in sub-section (1), where the Court is

# satisfied, on the application of an Inspector or otherwise and after such inquiry as may be necessary that the drug or cosmetic is not of standard quality [11][or is a [9][misbranded, adulterated or spurious drug or misbranded or spurious cosmetic,] such drug or, as the case may be, such cosmetic shall be liable to confiscation.]

12[31A. Application of provisions to Government departments.—The provisions of

# this Chapter except those contained in section 31 shall apply in relation to the manufacture, sale or distribution of drugs by any department of Government as they apply in relation to the manufacture, sale or distribution of drugs by any other person.]

1. Ins. by Act 21 of 1962, s. 20 (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
2. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 25, for “one thousand rupees” (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
3. The words and figures “section 28 or” omitted by Act 13 of 1964, s. 20 (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
4. Subs. by Act 26 of 2008, s. 11, for “ten years or with fine or with both” (w.e.f. 10-8-2009)
5. Re-numbered as sub-section (I) by Act 35 of 1960, s. 9 (w.e.f. 16-3-1961).
6. Ins. by Act 21 of 1962, s. 21 (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
7. Added by Act 13 of 1964. s. 21 (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
8. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 26, for cl. (i) (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
9. Subs. by s. 26, ibid„ for certain words (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
10. Sub-section (2) ins. by Act 35 of 1960, s. 9, subs. by Act 21 of 1962, s. 21 (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
11. Subs. by Act 13 of 1964. s. 21, for “or is a misbranded drug” (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
12. Ins. by s. 22. ibid. (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).

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**32. Cognizance of offences—** **[1][(1)** No prosecution under this Chapter shall be instituted except

by—

(a) an Inspector; or

(b) any gazetted officer of the Central Government or a State Government authorised in writing in

this behalf by the Central Government or a State Government or by a general or special order made in
this behalf by that Government; or

(c) the person aggrieved; or

(d) a recognised consumer association whether such person is a member of that association or

not.

(2) Save as otherwise provided in this Act, no court inferior to that of a Court of Session shall try an

offence punishable under this Chapter.]

(3) Nothing contained in this Chapter shall be deemed to prevent any person from being

prosecuted under any other law for any act or omission which constitutes an offence against
this Chapter.

2[32A. Power of Court to implead the manufacturer, etc.—Where, at any time during the

trial of any offence under this Chapter alleged to have been committed by any person, not being
the manufacturer of a drug or cosmetic or his agent for the distribution thereof the Court is
satisfied, on the evidence adduced before it, that such manufacturer or agent is also concerned in
that offence, then, the Court may, notwithstanding anything contained [3][in sub-sections (1), (2)
and (3) of section 319 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974)], proceed against him
as though a prosecution had been instituted against him under section 32.]

4[32B. Compounding of certain offences. **—** (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of

Criminal Procedure, 1973, (2 of 1974) any offence punishable under clause (b) of sub-section (1) of
section 13, section 28 and section 28A of this Act (whether committed by a company or any officer
thereof), not being an offence punishable with imprisonment only, or with imprisonment and also with fine,
may, either before or after the institution of any prosecution, be compounded by the Central Government or by
any State Government or any officer authorised in this behalf by the Central Government or a State
Government, on payment for credit to that Government of such sum as that Government may, by rules made
in this behalf, specify:

Provided that such sum shall not, in any case, exceed the maximum amount of the fine which may be

imposed under this Act for the offence so compounded:

Provided further that in cases of subsequent offences, the same shall not be compoundable.

(2) When the accused has been committed for trial or when he has been convicted and an appeal is

pending, no composition for the offence shall be allowed without, the leave of the court to which he is
committed or, as the case may be, before which the appeal is to be heard.

(3) Where an offence is compounded under sub-section (1), no proceeding or further proceeding, as

the case may be, shall be taken against the offender in respect of the offence so compounded and the
offender, if in custody, shall be released forthwith.]

1. Subs. by Act 26 of 2008, s. 12, for sub-sections (1) and (2) (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).
2. Ins. by Act 13 of 1964, s. 23 (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
3. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 28, for “in sub-section (1) of section 351 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898” (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
4. Ins. by Act 26 of 2008, s. 13 (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).

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**33. Power of Central Government to make rules. —** **[1][(1) The Central Government may**

2[after consultation with, or on the recommendation of, the Board] and after previous publication
by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions
of this Chapter :

Provided that consultation with the Board may be dispensed with if the Central

Government is of opinion that circumstances have arisen which render it necessary to make
rules without such consultation, but in such a case the Board shall be consulted within six
months of the making of the rules and the Central Government shall take into consideration
any suggestions which the Board may make in relation to the amendment of the said rules.]

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may—

(a) provide for the establishment of laboratories for testing and analysing drugs [3][or

cosmetics];

(b) prescribe the qualifications and duties of Government Analysts and the

qualifications of Inspectors;

(c) prescribe the methods of test or analysis to be employed in determining whether a drug [3][or

cosmetic] is of standard quality;

(d) prescribe, in respect of biological and organometallic compounds, the units or methods of

standardisation;

[4][(dd) prescribe under clause (d) of [5][section 17A] the colour or colours which a drug may bear

or contain for purposes of colouring;]

6[(dda) prescribe under clause _(d)_ of section 17E the colour or colours which a cosmetic may

bear or contain for the purposes of colouring];

(e) prescribe the forms of licences [7][for the manufacture for sale or for distribution], for the sale

and for the distribution of drugs or any specified drug or class of drugs [8][or of cosmetics or any
specified cosmetic or class of cosmetics], the form of application for such licences, the conditions
subject to which such licences may be issued, the authority empowered to issue the same [9][the
qualifications of such authority] and the fees payable therefor [9][and provide for the cancellation or
suspension of such licences in any case where any provision of this Chapter or the rules made
thereunder is contravened or any of the conditions subject to which they are issued is not complied
with];

9[(ee) prescribe the records, registers or other documents to be kept and maintained under

section 18B;

(eea) prescribe the fees for the inspection (for the purposes of grant or renewal of licences) of

premises, wherein any drug or cosmetic is being or is proposed to be manufactured;

(eeb) prescribe the manner in which copies are to be certified under sub-section (2A) of

section 22;]

(f) specify the diseases or ailments which a drug may not purport or claim [10][to prevent

cure or mitigate] and such other effects which a drug may not purport or claim to have;

1. Subs. by Act 11 of 1955, s. 15, for sub-section (1).
2. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 29, for “after consultation with the Board” (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
3. Ins. by Act 21 of 1962, s. 22 (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
4. Ins. by Act 13 of 1964, s. 24 (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
5. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 29, for “section 17B” (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
6. Ins. by Act 26 of 2008, s. 14 (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).
7. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 29, for “for the manufacture for sale” (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
8. Ins. by Act 21 of 1962, s. 22 (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
9. Ins. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 29 (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
10. Subs. by Act 11 of 1955, s. 15, for “to cure or mitigate”

27


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(g) prescribe the conditions subject to which small quantities of drugs may be

manufactured for the purpose of examination, test or analysis;

(h) require the date of manufacture and the date of expiry of potency to be clearly and

truly stated on the lable or container of any specified drug or class of drugs, and prohibit the
sale stocking or exhibition for sale, or distribution of the said drug or class of drugs after the
expiry of a specified period from the date of manufacture or after the expiry of the date of
potency;

(i) prescribe the conditions to be observed in the packing in bottles, packages and other containers

of drugs [1][or cosmetics], [2][including the use of packing material which comes into direct contact with
the drugs] and prohibit the sale, stocking or exhibition for sale, or distribution of drugs
1[or cosmetics], packed in contravention of such conditions;

(j) regulate the mode of labelling packed drugs [1][or cosmetics], and prescribe the

matters which shall or shall not be included in such labels;

(k) prescribe the maximum proportion of any poisonous substance which may be added to or

contained in any drug, prohibit the manufacture, sale or stocking or exhibition for sale, or distribution
of any drug in which that proportion is exceeded, and specify substances which shall be deemed to be
poisonous for the purposes of this Chapter and the rules made thereunder;

(l) require that the accepted scientific name of any specified drug shall be displayed in

the prescribed manner on the lable or wrapper of any patent or proprietary medicine containing such drug;

3*     -     -     -     
4[(n) prescribe the powers and duties of Inspectors 2[and the qualifications of the authority to

which such Inspectors shall be subordinate] and [5][specify the drugs or classes of drugs of cosmetics
or classes of cosmetics] in relation to which and the conditions, limitations or restrictions subject to
which, such powers and duties may be exercised or performed;]

(o) prescribe the forms of report to be given by Government Analysts, and the manner of

application for test or analysis under section 26 and the fees payable therefor;

6[(p) specify the offences against this Chapter or any rule made thereunder in relation to which an

order of confiscation may be made under section 31; [7]***]

(q) provide for the exemption conditionally or otherwise, from all or any of the provisions of this

Chapter or the rules made thereunder, of any specified drug or class of drugs [1][or cosmetic or class of
cosmetics] [8][and];

1. Ins. by Act 21 of 1962, s. 22 (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
2. Ins. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 29 (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
3. Cl. (m) omitted by Act 13 of 1964, s. 24 (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
4. Subs. by Act 35 of 1960, s. 10, for cl. (n) (w.e.f. 16-3-1961).
5. Subs. by Act 21 of 1962, s. 22, for “the drugs or class of drugs” (w.e.f. 27-7-1964).
6. Subs. by Act 13 of 1964, s. 24, for cl. (p) (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
7. The word “and” omitted by Act 26 of 2008, s. 14 (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).
8. Ins. by, s. 14 ibid. (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).

28


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1[(r) sum which may be specified by the Central Government under section 32B.]

2*     -     -     -     
3[33A. Chapter not to apply to Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani drugs.— Save as otherwise

provided in this Act, nothing contained in this Chapter shall apply to [4][Ayurvedic, Siddha
or Unani] drugs.]

5[CHAPTER IVA

PROVISIONS RELATING TO [4][AYURVEDIC, SIDDHA AND UNANI] DRUGS

**33B. Application of Chapter IVA.—This Chapter shall apply only to** [4][Ayurvedic, Siddha and

Unani] drugs.

**33C. Ayurvedic and Unani Drugs Technical Advisory Board. —(1) The Central Government**

shall, by notification in the Official Gazette and with effect from such date as may be specified therein,
constitute a Board (to be called the [6][Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani Drugs Technical Advisory Board]) to
advise the Central Government and the State Governments on Technical matters arising out of this
Chapter and to carry out the other functions assigned to it by this Chapter.

(2) The Board shall consist of the following members, namely: —

(i) the Director General of Health Services ex _officio;_

(ii) the Drugs Controller, India, ex _officio;_

7[(iii) the principal officer dealing with Indian systems of medicine in the Ministry of Health,

_ex officio];_

(iv) the Director of the Central Drugs Laboratory, Calcutta ex officio;

(v) one person holding the appointment of Government Analyst under section 33F, to be

nominated by the Central Government;

(vi) one Pharmacognocist to be nominated by the Central Government;

(vii) one Phyto-chemist to be nominated by the Central Government;

1. Ins. by Act 26 of 2008, s. 14 (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).
2. Sub-section (3) ins. by Act 35 of 1960, omitted by Act 13 of 1964, s. 24 (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
3. Ins. by Act 13 of 1964, s. 25 (w.e.f. 1-2-1969).
4. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 2, for certain words (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
5. Ins. by Act 13 of 1964, s. 26 (w.e.f. 1-2-1969).
6. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 30, for certain words (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
7. Subs. by s. 30, ibid., for cl. (iii) (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).

29


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1[(viii) four persons to be nominated by the Central Government, two from amongst the members

of the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Committee, one from amongst the members of the Unani
Pharmacopoeia Committee and one from amongst the members of the Siddha Pharmacopoeia
Committee;]

(ix) one teacher in Darvyaguna, and Bhaishajya Kalpana, to be nominated by the Central

Government;

(x) one teacher in ILM-UL-ADVIA and TAKLIS-WA-DAWASAZI, to be nominated by the

Central Government;

2[(xi) one teacher in Gunapadam to be nominated by the Central Government;

(xii) three persons, one each to represent the Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani drug industry, to be

nominated by the Central Government;

(xiii) three persons, one each from among the practitioners of Ayurvedic, Siddha

and Unani Tibb systems of medicine to be nominated by the Central Government.]

(3) The Central Government shall appoint a member of the Board as its Chairman.

(4) The nominated members of the Board shall hold office for three years but shall be eligible for

renomination.

(5) The Board may, subject to the previous approval of the Central Government, make bye
laws fixing a quorum and regulating its own procedure and conduct of all business to be transacted by it.

(6) The functions of the Board may be exercised notwithstanding any vacancy therein.

(7) The Central Government shall appoint a person to be Secretary of the Board and

shall provide the Board with such clerical and other staff as the Central Government
considers necessary.

3[33D. **The Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani Drugs Consultative Committee.—(1) The**

Central Government may constitute an Advisory Committee to be called the Ayurvedic,
Siddha and Unani Drugs Consultative Committee to advise the Central Government, the State
Governments and the Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani Drugs Technical Advisory Board on any
matter for the purpose of securing uniformity throughout India in the administration of this
Act in so far as it relates to Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani drugs.

(2) The Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani Drugs Consultative Committee shall consist of two

persons to be nominated by the Central Government as representatives of that Gove rnment
and not more than one representative of each State to be nominated by the State Government
concerned.

(3) The Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani Drugs Consultative Committee shall meet when

required to do so by the Central Government and shall regulate its own procedure.

1. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 30, for cl. (viii) (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
2. Subs. by s. 30, ibid., for cls. (xi) and (xii) (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
3. Subs. by s. 31, ibid., for sections.33D and 33E (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).

30


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**33E. Misbranded drugs.—For** the purposes of this Chapter, an Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani drug

shall be deemed to be misbranded—

(a) if it is so coloured, coated, powdered or polished that damage is concealed, or if

it is made to appear of better or greater therapeutic value than it really is; or

(b) if it is not labelled in the prescribed manner; or

(c) if its label or container or anything accompanying the drug bears any statement,

design or device which makes any false claim for the drug or which is false or misleading in
any particular.

**33EE. Adulterated drugs.—For** the purposes of this Chapter, an Ayurvedic, Siddha or

Unani drug shall be deemed to be adulterated,—

(a) if it consists, in whole or in part, of any filthy, putrid or decomposed substance;

or

(b) if it has been prepared, packed or stored under insanitary conditions whereby it

may have been contaminated with filth or whereby it may have been rendered injurious to
health; or

(c) if its container is composed, in whole or in part, of any poisonous or deleterious

substance which may render the contents injurious to health; or

(d) if it bears or contains, for purposes of colouring only, a colour other than one which is

prescribed; or

(e) if it contains any harmful or toxic substance which may render it injurious to

health; or

(f) if any substance has been mixed therewith so as to reduce its quality or strength.

_Explanation.—For the purpose of clause (a), a drug shall not be deemed to consist, in whole_

or in part, of any decomposed substance only by reason of the fact that such decomposed
substance is the result of any natural decomposition of the drug:

Provided that such decomposition is not due to any negligence on the part of the manufac 
turer of the drug or the dealer thereof and that it does not render the drug injurious to health.

**33EEA. Spurious drugs.—For** the purposes of this Chapter, an Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani drug

shall be deemed to be spurious—

(a) if it is sold, or offered or exhibited for sale, under a name which belongs to another

drug; or

(b) if it is an imitation of, or is substitute for, another drug or resembles another drug in

a manner likely to deceive, or bears upon it or upon its label or container the name of
another drug, unless it is plainly and conspicuously marked so as to reveal its true character
and its lack of identity with such other drug; or

(c) if the label or container bears the name of an individual or company purporting to be the

manufacturer of the drug, which individual or company is fictitious or does not exist; or

(d) if it has been substituted wholly or in part by any other drug or substance; or

(e) if it purports to be the product of a manufacturer of whom it is not truly a product.

**33EEB. Regulation of manufacture for sale of Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani drugs.—No**

person shall manufacture for sale or for distribution any Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani drug except
in accordance with such standards, if any, as may be prescribed in relation to that drug.

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**33EEC. Prohibition of manufacture and sale of certain Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani**

**drugs.—From such date as the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette,**
specify in this behalf, no person, either by himself or by any other person on his behalf, shall—

(a) manufacture for sale or for distribution—

(i) any misbranded, adulterated or spurious Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani drug;

(ii) any patent or proprietary medicine, unless there is displayed in the prescribed

manner on the label or container thereof the true list of all the ingredients contained in it;
and

(iii) any Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani drug in contravention of any of the

provisions of this Chapter or any rule made thereunder;

(b) sell, stock or exhibit or offer for sale or distribute any Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani drug

which has been manufactured in contravention of any of the provisions of this Act, or any rule made
thereunder,

(c) manufacture for sale or for distribution, any Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani drug except under,

and in accordance with the conditions of, a licence issued for such purpose under this Chapter by the
prescribed authority :

Provided that nothing in this section shall apply to Vaidyas and Hakims who manufacture Ayurvedic,

Siddha or Unani drug for the use of their own patients :

Provided further that nothing in this section shall apply to the manufacture, subject to the prescribed

conditions, of small quantities of any Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani drug for the purpose of examination,
test or analysis.

**33EED. Power of Central Government to prohibit manufacture, etc., of Ayurvedic,**

**Siddha or Unani drugs in public interest.—Without** prejudice to any other provision contained in
this Chapter, if the Central Government is satisfied on the basis of any evidence or other material
available before it that the use of any Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani drug is likely to involve any risk
to human being or animals or that any such drug does not have the therapeutic value claimed or
purported to be claimed for it and that in the public interest it is necessary or expendient so to do
then, that Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, prohibit the manufacture, sale
or distribution of such drug.]

**33F.** **Government Analysts.—(1)** The Central Government or a State Government may, by

notification in the Official Gazette, appoint such persons as it thinks fit, having the prescribed
qualifications, to be Government Analysts for such areas as may be assigned to them by the Central
Government or the State Government, as the case may be.

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), neither the Central Government nor

a State Government shall appoint as a Government Analysts any official not serving under it
without the previous consent of the Government under which he is serving.

1[(3) No person who has any financial interest in the manufacture or sale of any drug shall be

appointed to be a Government Analysts under this section.]

**33G. Inspectors.—(1)** The Central Government or a State Government may, by notification in the

Official Gazette, appoint such persons as it thinks fit, having the prescribed qualifications to be Inspectors
for such areas as may be assigned to them by the Central Government or the State Government, as the
case may be.

(2) The powers which may be exercised by an Inspector and the duties which may be

performed by him and the conditions, limitations or restrictions subject to which such powers
and duties may be exercised or performed shall be such as may be prescribed.

1. Ins. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 32 (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).

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(3) No person who has any financial interest in the manufacture or sale of any drug shall be appointed

to be an Inspector under this section.

(4) Every Inspector shall be deemed to be a public servant within the meaning of section 21

of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860) and shall be officially subordinate to such authority as
the Government appointing him may specify in this behalf.

**33H. Application of provisions of sections 22, 23, 24 and 25.—The** provisions of

sections 22, 23, 24 and 25 and the rules, if any, made thereunder shall, so far as may be, apply in
relation to an Inspector and a Government Analyst appointed under this Chapter as they apply in
relation to an Inspector and a Government Analyst appointed under Chapter IV, subject to the
modification that the references to “drug” in the said sections, shall be construed as references to
1[Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani] drug.

2[33-I. Penalty for manufacture, sale, etc., of Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani drug in contravention

**of this Chapter.—Whoever** himself or by any other person on his behalf—

(1) manufactures for sale or for distribution, —

3[(a) any Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani drug—

(i) deemed to be misbranded under section 33E,
(ii) deemed to be adulterated under section 33EE, or
(iii) without a valid licence or in violation of any of the conditions thereof, as required

under section 33 EEC,

shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year and with fine which
shall not be less than twenty thousand rupees or three times the value of the drugs confiscated,
whichever is more;]

(b) any Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani drug deemed to be spurious under

section 33EEA, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be
less than one year but which may extend to three years and with fine which shall not be
less than [4][fifty thousand rupees or three times the value of the drugs confiscated, whichever is
more]:

Provided that the Court may, for any adequate and special reasons to be mentioned

in the judgment, impose a sentence of imprisonment for a term of less than one year
and of fine of less than [4][fifty thousand rupees or three times the value of the drugs
confiscated, whichever is more]; or

5[(c) any Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani drug in contravention of the provisions of any

notification issued under section 33EED shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which
may extend to three years and with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees or three times
the value of the drugs confiscated, whichever is more.]

(2) Contravenes any other provisions of this Chapter or of section 24 as applied by

section 33H or any rule made under this Chapter, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a
term which may extend to [6][six months and with fine which shall not be less than ten thousand
rupees].

**33J. Penalty for subsequent offences.—Whoever** having been convicted of an offence,—

(a) under clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 33-I is again convicted of an offence

under that clause, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to
two years and with fine which shall not be less than [7][fifty thousand rupees or three times the
value of the drugs confiscated, whichever is more];

(b) under clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 33-I is again convicted of an offence

under that clause, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less
than two years but which may be extend to six years and with fine which shall not be less

1. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 2, for certain words (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
2. Subs. by s. 33, ibid., for sections 33-I and 33J (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
3. Subs. by Act 26 of 2008, s. 15, for clause (a) (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).
4. Subs. by s. 15, ibid., for “five thousand rupees” (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).
5. Ins. by s. 15, ibid. (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).
6. Subs. by s. 15, ibid., for “three months and with fine which shall not be less than five hundred rupees” (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).
7. Subs, by s. 16, ibid., for “two thousand rupees” (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).

33


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than[1][one lakh rupees or three times the value of the drugs confiscated, whichever is more]:

Provided that the Court may, for any adequate and special reasons to be mentioned in

the judgment, impose a sentence of imprisonment for a term of less than two years and of
fine of less than [1][one lakh rupees or three times the value of the drugs confiscated, whichever is
more;]

(c) under sub-section (2) of section 33-I is again convicted of an offence under that

sub-section, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to [2][one
year and with fine which shall not be less than twenty thousand rupees or three times the value of the
drugs confiscated, whichever, is more].

**33K. Confiscation.—Where** any person has been convicted under this Chapter, the stock of

the [3][Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani] drug, in respect of which the contravention has been made,
shall be liable to confiscation.

**4[33KA. Disclosure of name of manufacturer, etc. — Every person, not being the manufacturer**

of any Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani drug or his agent for the distribution thereof, shall, if so required,
disclose to the Inspector the name, address and .other particulars of the person from whom he acquired the

Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani drug.

**33KB.** **Maintenance of records and furnishing of information.** **— Every person holding a licence**

under clause (c) of section 33EEC shall keep and maintain such records, registers and other documents as
may be prescribed and shall furnish to any officer or authority exercising any power or discharging any
function under this Act such information as is required by such officer or authority for carrying out the
purposes of this Act.]

**33L. Application of provisions to Government departments.—The** provisions of this

Chapter except those contained in section 33K shall apply in relation to the manufacture for sale,
sale, or distribution of any [3][Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani] drug by any department of
Government as they apply in relation to the manufacture for sale, sale, or distribution of such
drug by any other person.


**33M. Cognizance of offences.—(1) No prosecution under this Chapter shall be instituted**

except by an Inspector 5[with the previous sanction of the authority specified under

sub-section (4) of section 33G].

(2) No Court inferior to that [6][of a Metropolitan Magistrate or of a Judicial Magistrate

of the first class] shall try an offence punishable under this Chapter.

**33N. Power of Central Government to make rules.—(1)** The Central Government may,

7[after consultation with, or on the recommendation of, the Board] and after previous publication
by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions
of this Chapter:

Provided that consultation with the Board may be dispensed with if the Central Government is of

opinion that circumstances have arisen which render it necessary to make rules without such consultation,
but in such a case, the Board shall be consulted within six months of the making of the rules and the
Central Government shall take into consideration any suggestions which the Board may make in relation
to the amendment of the said rules.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may—

(a) provide for the establishment of laboratories for testing and analysing [3][Ayurvedic, Siddha or

Unani] drugs;

1. Subs. by Act 26 of 2008 s. 16, for “five thousand rupees” (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).
2. Subs. by s. 16, _ibid., for “six months and with fine which shall not be less than one thousand rupees ”_
(w.e.f. 10-8-2009).
3. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 2, for certain words (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
4. Ins. by Act 26 of 2008, s. 17 (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).
5. Ins. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 34 (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
6. Subs. by s. 34, ibid., for “of a Presidency Magistrate or of a Magistrate of the first class” (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
7. Subs. by s. 35, ibid., “after consultation with the Board” (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).

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(b) prescribe the qualifications and duties of Government Analysts and the

qualifications of Inspectors;

(c) prescribe the methods of test or analysis to be employed in determining whether any

1[Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani] drug is labelled with the true list of the ingredients which it is
purported to contain:

(d) specify any substance as a poisonous substance;

(e) prescribe the forms of licences for the manufacture for sale of [1][Ayurvedic, Siddha or

Unani] drugs [2][and for sale of processed Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani drugs,] the form of
application for such licences, the conditions subject to which such licences may be issued,
the authority empowered to issue the same and the fees payable therefor; [2][and provide for
the cancellation or suspension of such licences in any case where any provision of this
Chapter or rules made thereunder is contravened or any of the conditions subject to which
they are issued is not complied with];

3[(f) prescribe the conditions to be observed in the packing of Ayurvedic, Siddha and

Unani drugs including the use of packing material which comes into direct contact with the
drugs, regulate the mode of labelling packed drugs and prescribe the matters which shall or
shall not be included in such labels;]

(g) prescribe the conditions subject to which small quantities of [1][Ayurvedic, Siddha

or Unani] drugs may be manufactured for the purpose of examination, test or analysis;
and

4[(gg) prescribe under clause (d) of section 33EE the colour or colours which an

Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani drug may bear or contain for purposes of colouring;

(gga) prescribe the standards for Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani drugs under

section 33EB;]

5[(ggb) prescribe the records, registers or the documents to be kept and

maintained under section 33KB; and]

(h) any other matter which is to be or may be prescribed under this Chapter.

**33-O. Power to amend First Schedule.—The Central Government, after consultation with**

the Board and after giving, by notification in the Official Gazette, not less than three months ’
notice of its intention so to do, may, by a like notification, add to or otherwise amend the First
Schedule for the purposes of this Chapter and thereupon the said Schedule shall be deemed to
be amended accordingly.


6[CHAPTER V

MISCELLANEOUS

**7[** **8[33P.] Power to give directions.—The** Central Government may give such directions

to any State Government as may appear to the Central Government to be necessary for
carrying into execution in the State any of the provisions of this Act or of any rule or order
made thereunder.]

**34. Offences by companies.—(1)** Where an offence under this Act has been committed by a

company, every person who at the time the offence was committed, was in charge of and was
responsible to the company for the conduct of the business of the company, as well as the

1. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 2, for certain words (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
2. Ins. by s. 35, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
3. Subs. by s. 35, ibid., for cl. (f) (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
4. Ins. by s. 35, ibid. (w.e.f 1-2-1983).
5. Ins. by Act 26 of 2008 s. 18 (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).
6. Subs. by Act 11 of 1955, s. 16, for s. 34.
7. Ins. by Act 35 of 1960, s. 11 (w.e.f. 16-3-1961).
8. S. 33A re-numbered as s. 33P by Act 13 of 1964, s. 27 (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).

35


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company shall be deemed to be guilty of the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against
and punished accordingly:

Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall render any such person liable

to any punishment provided in this Act if he proves that the offence was committed
without his knowledge or that he exercised all due diligence to prevent the commission of
such offence.

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), where an offence under this Act

has been committed by a company and it is proved that the offence has been committed with
the consent or connivance of, or is attributable to any neglect on the part of, any director,
manager, secretary or other officer of the company, such director, manager, secretary or o ther
officer shall also be deemed to be guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded
against and punished accordingly.

_Explanation.—For_ the purposes of this section—

(a) “company” means a body corporate, and includes a firm or other association of individuals;

and

(b) “director” in relation to a firm means a partner in the firm.

**1[34A. Offences by Government departments.—Where** an offence under Chapter IV or

Chapter IVA has been committed by any department of Government, such authority as is
specified by the Central Government to be in charge of manufacture, sale, or distribution of
drugs or where no authority is specified, the head of the department shall be deemed to be
guilty of the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly:

Provided that nothing contained in this section shall render any such authority or person

liable to any punishment provided in Chapter IV or Chapter IVA, as the case may be, if such
authority or person proves that the offence was committed without its or his knowledge or that
such authority or person exercised all due diligence to prevent the commission of such
offence.]

2[34AA. Penalty for vexatious search or seizure.—Any Inspector exercising powers under this Act

or the rules made thereunder, who,—

(a) without reasonable ground of suspicion searches any place, vehicle, vessel or other

conveyance; or

(b) vexatiously and unnecessarily searches any person; or

(c) vexatiously and unnecessarily seizes any drug or cosmetic, or any substance or

article, or any record, register, document or other material object; or

(d) commits, as such Inspector, any other act, to the injury of any person without

having reason to believe that such act is require for the execution of his duty,

shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees.]

**35. Publication of sentences passed under this Act.—(1)** If any person is convicted of an

offence under this Act, [3][the Court before which the conviction takes place shall, on
application made to it by the Inspector cause] the offender’s name, place of residence, the
offence of which he has been convicted and the penalty which has been inflicted upon him, to
be published at the expense of such person in such newspapers or in such other manner as the
Court may direct.

(2) The expenses of such publication shall be deemed to form part of the costs relating

to the conviction and shall be recoverable in the same manner as those costs are
recoverable.

1. Ins. by Act 13 of 1964, s. 28 (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
2. Ins. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 36 (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
3. Subs. by s. 37, ibid., for certain words (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).

36


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**36.** **Magistrate’s power to impose enhanced penalties.—Notwithstanding** anything

contained in [1]* * * [2][the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974)], it shall be lawful for
3[any Metropolitan Magistrate or any Judicial Magistrate of the first class] to pass any
sentence authorized by this Act in excess of his powers under [1]* * * the said Code.

**4[36A. Certain offences to be tried summarily.—Notwithstanding anything contained in**

the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), [5][all offences (except the offences triable by
the Special Court under section 36AB or Court of Session under this Act] punishable with
imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, other than an offence under clause (b) of
sub-section (1) of section 33-I, shall be tried in a summary way by a Judicial Magistrate of the
first class specially empowered in this behalf by the State Government or by a Metropolitan
Magistrate and the provisions of sections 262 to 265 (both inclusive) of the said Code shall, as
far as may be, apply to such trial :

Provided that, in the case of any conviction in a summary trial under this section, it shall

be lawful for the Magistrate to pass a sentence of imprisonment for a term not exceeding
one year:

Provided further that when at the commencement of, or in the course of, a summary trial

under this section it appears to the Magistrate that the nature of the case is such that a sentence
of imprisonment for a term exceeding one year may have to be passed or that it is, for any other
reason, undesirable to try the case summarily, the Magistrate shall, after hearing the parties,
record an order to that effect and thereafter recall any witness who has been examined and
proceed to hear or rehear the case in the manner provided by the said Code.]

**6[36AB. Special Courts. — (1)** The Central Government, or the State Government, in consultation with

the Chief Justice of the High Court, shall, for trial of offences relating to adulterated drugs or spurious drugs
and punishable under clauses (a) and (b) of section 13, sub-section (3) of section 22, clauses (a) and (c) of
section 27, section 28, section 28A, section 28B and clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 30 and other
offences relating to adulterated drugs or spurious drugs, by notification, designate one or more Courts of
Session as a Special Court or Special Courts for such area or areas or for such case or class or group of cases
as may be specified in the notification.

_Explanation._ —In this sub-section, “High Court” means the High Court of the State in which a

Court of Session designated as Special Court was functioning immediately before such designation.

(2) While trying an offence under this Act, a Special Court shall also try an offence, other than an

offence referred to in sub-section (1), with which the accused may, under the Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), be charged at the same trial.

**36AC. Offences to be cognizable and non-bailable in certain cases.** — (1) Notwithstanding

anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974),—

(a) every offence, relating to adulterated or spurious drug and punishable under clauses (a) and

(c) of sub-section (1) of section 13, clause (a) of sub-section (2) of section 13, sub-section (3) of
section 22, clauses (a) and (c) of section 27, section 28, section 28A, section 28B and sub-sections
(1) and (2) of section 30 and other offences relating to adulterated drugs or spurious drugs, shall be
cognizable.

1. The words and figures “section 32 of” omitted by Act 13 of 1964, s. 29 (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
2. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 38, for “the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898” (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
3. Subs. by s. 38, ibid., for “any Presidency Magistrate or any Magistrate of the first class” (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
4. Ins. by s. 39, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
5. Subs. by Act 26 of 2008, s. 19, for “all offences under this Act” (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).
6. Ins. by s. 20, ibid. (w.e.f. 10-8-2009).

37


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(b) no person accused, of an offence punishable under clauses _(a). and (c) of sub-section (1) of_

section 13, clause (a) of sub-section (2) of section 13, sub-section (3) of section 22, clauses (a) and
_(c) of section 27, section 28, section 28A, section 28B and sub-sections (1)_ and (2) of section 30 and
other offences relating to adulterated drugs or spurious drugs, shall be released on bail or on his own
bond unless—

(i) the Public Prosecutor has been given an opportunity to oppose the application for such

release; and

(ii) where the Public Prosecutor opposes the application, the court is satisfied that there are

reasonable grounds for believing that he is not guilty of such offence and that he is not likely to
commit any offence while on bail:

Provided that a person, who, is under the age of sixteen years, or is a woman or is sick or infirm, may

be released on bail, if the Special Court so directs.

(2) The limitation on granting of bail specified in clause (b) of sub-section (1) is in addition to the

limitations under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974) or any other law for the time being in
force on granting of bail.

(3) Nothing contained in this section shall be deemed to affect the special powers of the High Court

regarding bail under section 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974) and the High Court
may exercise such powers including the power under clause (b) of sub-section (1) of that section as if the
reference to “Magistrate” in that section includes also a reference to a “Special Court” designated under
section 36AB.

**36AD. Application of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 to proceedings before Special**

**Court. — (1) Save as otherwise provided in this Act, the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure,**
1973 (2 of 1974) (including the provisions as to bails or bonds), shall apply to the proceedings before a
Special Court and for the purposes of the said provisions, the Special Court shall be deemed to be a

Court of Session and the person conducting the prosecution before the Special Court, shall be deemed to be
a Public Prosecutor:

Provided that the Central Government or the State Government may also appoint, for any case or class

or group of cases, a Special Public Prosecutor.

(2) A person shall not be qualified to be appointed as a Public Prosecutor or a Special Public Prosecutor

under this section unless he has been in practice as an advocate for not less, than seven years, under the Union or
a State, requiring special knowledge of law.

(3) Every person appointed as a Public Prosecutor or a Special Public Prosecutor under this section shall

be deemed to be a Public Prosecutor within the meaning of clause (u) of section 2 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974) and the provisions of that Code shall have effect accordingly.

**36AE. Appeal and revision. — The High Court may exercise, so far as may be applicable, all the**

powers conferred by Chapter XXIX or Chapter XXX of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), on a
High Court, as if a Special Court within the local limits of the jurisdiction of the High Court were a Court of
Session trying cases within the local limits of the jurisdiction of the High Court.]

**37. Protection of action taken in good faith.—No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall**

lie against any person for anything which is in good faith done or intend to be done under this Act].

1[38. Rules to be laid before Parliament.—Every rule made under this Act shall be laid as

soon as may be after it is made before each House of Parliament while it is in session for a total
period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions,
2[and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive
sessions aforesaid], both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or both Houses agree
that the rule should not be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or
be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be
without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule.]

1. Ins. by Act 13 of 1964, s. 30 (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
2. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 40, for certain words (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).

38


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1[THE FIRST SCHEDULE

[See section 3 (a)]

2[A.—AYURVEDIC AND SIDDHA SYSTEMS]

SI. No. Name of book SI. No. Name of book

_Ayurveda_

1. Arogya Kalpadruma 29. Sarvaroga Chikitsa Ratnam

2. Arka Prakasha 30. Sarvayroga Chikitsa Ratnam

3. Arya Bhishak 31. Sharangadhara Samhita

4. Ashtanga Haridaya 32. Siddha Bhaishajya Manimala

5. Ashtanga Samgraha 33. Siddha Yoga Samgraha

6. Ayurveda Kalpadruma 34. Sushruta Samhita

7. Ayurveda Prakasha 35. Vaidya Chintamani

8. Ayurveda Samgraha 36. Vaidyaka Shabda Sindu

9. Bhaishajya Ratnavali 37. Vaidyaka Chikitsa Sara

10. Bhart Bhaishajya Ratnakara 38. Vaidya Jiwan

11. Bhava Prakasha 39. Basava Rajeeyam

12. Brihat Nighantu Ratnakara 40. Yoga Ratnakara

13. Charaka Samhita 41. Yoga Tarangini

14. Chakra Datta 42. Yoga Chintamani

15. Gada Nigraha 43. Kashyapasamhita

16. Kupi Pakva Rasayana 44. Bhelasamhita

17. Nighanttu Ratnakara 45. Vishwanathachikitsa

18. Rasa Chandanshu 46. Vrindachikitsa

19. Rasa Raja Sundara 47. Ayurvedachintamani

20. Rasaratna Samuchaya 48. Abhinavachintamani

21. Rasatantra Sara Siddha 49. Ayurveda-ratnakar

Prayoga Samgraha 50. Yoga ratnasangraha


3[21A. Rastantra Sar Va Siddha Prayog 51. Rasamrita

Samgraha Part II (Edition 2006).] 52. Dravyagunanighantu

22. Rasa Tarangini 20212132002002006)] 53. Rasamanjari

23. Rasa Yoga Sagara 54. Bangasena

24. Rasa Yoga Ratnakara 4[54A. 5[Ayurvedic Formulary of India and its Parts]

25. Rasa Yoga Samgraha 54B Aurveda Sara Sangraha]

26. Rasendra Sara Samgraha 6[54C Aurvedic Pharmacopoeia of india.]

27. Rasa Pradipika 3[54D Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia

28.  Sahasrayoga of India and its Parts]

_Siddha_

55. Siddha Vaidya Thirattu 61. Therayar Yamagam

56. Therayar Maha Karisal 62. Agasthiyar Chenduram (300)

57. Brahma Muni Karukkadai (300) 63. Agasthiyar (1500)

58. Bhogar (700) 64. Athmarakshamrutham

59. Pulippani (500) 65. Agasthiyar Pin (80)

60. Agasthiyar Paripuranam (400) 66. Agasthiyar Rathna Churukkam

1. Subs. by Act 13 of 1964, s. 31, for the Schedule, the First Schedule came into force (w.e.f. 1-2-1969) and the Second

Schedule came into force (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).

2. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 41, for the heading “A-AYURVEDIC (INCLUDING SIDDHA) SYSTEM” (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
3. Ins. by G.S.R. 337(E), dated 15-4-2010.
4. Ins. by G.S.R. 735 (E), dated 28-8-1987.
5. Subs by G.S.R. 337 (E), dated 15-4-2010.
6. Ins. by G.S.R. 423 (E), dated 11-6-2002.

39


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SI. No.     Name of book SI. No.     Name of book

67. Therayar Karisal (300) 76. Chimittu Rathna (Rathna)

68. Veeramamuni Nasa Kandam Churukkam

69. Agasthiyar (600) 77. Nagamuni (200)

70. Agasthiyar Kanma Soothiram 78. Agasthiyar Chillarai Kovai

71. 18 Siddhar's Chillarai Kovai 79. Chikicha Rathna Deepam

72. Yogi Vatha Kaviyam 80. Agasthiyar Nayana Viahi

73. Therayar Tharu 81. Yugi Karisal (151)

74. Agasthiyar Vaidya Kaviyam (1500) 82. Agasthiyar Vallathi (600)

75. Bala Vagadam 83. Therayar Thaila Varkam

1[84. Siddha Formulary of Unani Medicine

(Part I)]

2[85. Siddha Pharmacopoeia of India and

its Parts.]

3[B.—UNANI TIBB SYSTEM]

1. Karabadin Qadri 7. Karabadin Jadid

2. Karabadin Kabir 8. Kitab-ul-Taklis

3. Karabadin Azam 9. Sanat-ul-Taklis

4. Ilaj-ul-Amraz 10. Mifta-ul-Khazain

5. Al Karabadin 11. Madan-ul-Aksir

6. Biaz Kabir Vol. II 12. Makhzan-ul-Murabhat

[1][13. National Formulary of Unani Medicine

4[***]

[5][14. Unani Pharmacopoeia of India]

1. Added by G.S.R. 735 (E), dated 28-8-1987.
2. Ins. by G.S.R. 337 (E), dated 15-4-2010.
3. Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 41, for the heading “B-UNANI (TIBB) SYSTEM” (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
4. The brackets, word and figure “(Part I)” Omitted by G.S.R. 72 (E), dated 31-1-2003.
5. Ins. ibid.

40


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THE SECOND SCHEDULE

(See sections 8 and 16)


STANDARDS TO BE COMPLIED WITH BY IMPORTED DRUGS AND BY DRUGS

MANUFACTURED FOR SALE, SOLD, STOCKED OR EXHIBITED FOR SALE OR

DISTRIBUTED

Class of drug Standard to be complied with


1.  Patent or proprietary medicines [1][other than     The formula or list of ingredients displayed in

Homoeopathic medicines]. the prescribed manner on the label or

container and such other standards as may be
prescribed.

2[2. Substances commonly known as The standards maintained at the Inter
vaccine, seratoxines, toxoids, anti
national Laboratory for Biological Stan
toxins and antigens and biological

dards, Stantans Serum Institute, Copenhagen

products like nature, for human use or

and at the Central Veterinary Laboratory,

for veterinary use.

Way bridge Surrey, U. K., and such other
laboratories recognised by the World Health
Organisation from time to time, and such
further standards of strength, quality, and
purity, as may be prescribed.]

3[*                   *                    *                 *                 *


4. Substances (other than food) intended

Such standards as may be prescribed.

to affect the structure or any function
of the human body or intended to be
used for the destruction of vermin or
insects which cause disease in human
beings or animals.


4[4A. Homoeopathic Medicines:

(a) Drugs included in the Homoeopathic

Pharmacopoeia of India.

(b) Drugs not included in the Homoeo
pathic Pharmacopoeia of India but
which are included in the Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of United
States of America or the United
Kingdom or the German

Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia.

(c) Drugs not included in the Homoeo
pathic Pharmacopoeia of India or the
United States of America, or the
United Kingdom or the German
Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia.

5[5.  Other drugs :

(a) Drugs included in the Indian

Pharmacopoeia.


Standards of identity, purity and strength
specified in the edition of the Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of India for the time
being and such other standards as may be
prescribed.
Standards of identity, purity and strength
prescribed for the drugs in the edition of
such Pharmacopoeia for the time being in
which they are given and such other standards as may be prescribed.

The formula or list of ingredients displayed
in the prescribed manner on the label of the
container and such other standards as may
be prescribed by the Central Government.]

Standards of identity, purity and strength
specified in the edition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia for the time being and such other
standards as may be prescribed.


1. Ins. by notification No. S.O. 887, dated 19th March, 1966, Gazette of India, Pt. II, s. 3 (ii), p. 819.
2. Subs. by notification No. G.S.R. 299 (E), dated 23-4-1984.

3. Omitted, ibid.
4. Subs. by notification No. S.O. 820, dated the 6th June, 1978, Gazette of India, 1978, Pt. II, s. 3 (ii), p. 1471.
5. Subs. by notification No. S.O. 885, dated 4th August, 1973, Gazette of India, 1973, Pt. II, s. 3 (ii), p. 1643.

41


-----

Class of drug Standard to be complied with

In case the standards of identity, purity and
strength for drugs are not specified in the
edition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia for the
time being in force but are specified in the
edition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia

immeiately preceding, the standards of
identity, purity and strength shall be those
occurring in such immediately preceding
edition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia and
such other standards as may be prescribed.


(b) Drugs not included in the Indian Phar
macopoeia but which are included in the
official Pharmacopoeia of any other
country.


Standards of identity, purity and strength
specified for drugs in the edition of such
official Pharmacopoeia of any other country
for the time being in force and such other
standards as may be prescribed.

In case the standards of identity, purity and
strength for drugs are not specified in the
edition of such official Pharmacopoeia for the
time being in force but are specified in the
edition immediately preceding the standards
of identity, purity and strength shall be those
occurring in such immediately preceding
edition of such official Pharmacopoeia and
such other standards as may be prescribed.]]

42


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