UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Govt. to simplify drug import rules for test, examination, analysis

Question 1

The draft notification proposing an acknowledgement-based mechanism for importing small quantities of drugs for test, examination and analysis (June 2026) was issued by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Answer

Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers

Answer

Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Answer

Indian Council of Medical Research, Department of Health Research

Question 2

The proposed shift from a formal import licence to an acknowledgement-based prior-intimation system for small-quantity drug imports for analysis is being effected by amending which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Drugs Rules, 1945

Answer

New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019

Answer

Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940

Answer

Medical Devices Rules, 2017

Question 3

In the context of the proposed reform, the 'acknowledgement-based (prior intimation) system' for importing drugs for test/examination/analysis means that the importer:

Accepted Answer

Submits a prior intimation and proceeds on the basis of an auto-generated acknowledgement, instead of waiting for a formal import licence

Answer

Must obtain a fresh import licence for each consignment but with a fast-tracked 7-day approval

Answer

Is exempted from all documentation and may import any quantity without informing the regulator

Answer

Receives a one-time blanket licence valid for all future imports of the same drug

Question 4

Which set of rules was the FIRST to be amended (in January 2026) to introduce a notification/prior-intimation system, providing the template later extended to drug imports for testing?

Accepted Answer

New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019

Answer

Drugs Rules, 1945

Answer

Cosmetics Rules, 2020

Answer

Medical Devices Rules, 2017

Question 5

Under the proposed simplified procedure, certain categories of drugs are excluded and will continue to require a prior import licence for examination/test/analysis. Consider the following:
1. Sex hormones
2. Cytotoxic drugs
3. Vitamin formulations
4. Narcotic and psychotropic substances
Which of the above is/are correctly identified as still requiring a prior import licence?

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 4

Answer

2 and 3 only

Answer

1 and 3 only

Answer

1, 2, 3 and 4

UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Govt. to simplify drug import rules for test, examination, analysis

Q1. The draft notification proposing an acknowledgement-based mechanism for importing small quantities of drugs for test, examination and analysis (June 2026) was issued by which of the following?

Q2. The proposed shift from a formal import licence to an acknowledgement-based prior-intimation system for small-quantity drug imports for analysis is being effected by amending which of the following?

Q3. In the context of the proposed reform, the 'acknowledgement-based (prior intimation) system' for importing drugs for test/examination/analysis means that the importer:

Q4. Which set of rules was the FIRST to be amended (in January 2026) to introduce a notification/prior-intimation system, providing the template later extended to drug imports for testing?