GCCI Urges Setting Up of Assistant Drugs Controller Office at Gandhidham/Mundra to Ease Export Bottlenecks

By Admin

31 Mar, 2026

Overview of the Industrial Hub

The Gandhidham–Kandla industrial complex stands as one of Gujarat’s most significant economic zones, handling nearly 40% of India’s EXIM trade through the ports of Kandla Port and Mundra Port. This region plays a vital role in supporting industries, especially pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, contributing heavily to India's export ecosystem.

With growing trade volumes and increasing demand for efficient logistics, the need for streamlined regulatory support has become more crucial than ever.

GCCI’s Representation to the Government

The Gandhidham Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) has formally approached Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, requesting the establishment of a full-fledged Assistant Drugs Controller Office at Gandhidham or Mundra.

GCCI President Teja Kangad highlighted the pressing need for regulatory infrastructure to address ongoing operational inefficiencies faced by exporters in the region.

Challenges Faced by Exporters

A large number of MSMEs and 100% Export Oriented Units (EOUs) operate from the Kandla Special Economic Zone, India’s first Special Economic Zone. These businesses significantly contribute to exports, particularly in the pharma and cosmetics sectors.

However, exporters currently face major challenges:

• Mandatory No Objection Certificates (NOCs) must be obtained from the Assistant Drugs Controller’s Office in Ahmedabad

• Applications are processed only after receiving the Late Export Order (LEO) from Customs

• Exporters are left with a very limited time window often just a few hours before vessel departure

This process frequently leads to:

• Shipment rollovers

• Increased logistics costs

• Financial losses

• Operational uncertainty

Impact on Export Efficiency

According to GCCI Hon. Secretary Mahesh Tirthani, the absence of a local regulatory office is a major bottleneck. He noted that establishing an Assistant Drugs Controller Office at Kandla or Mundra could potentially add around 2,000 TEUs (40-ft containers) annually from Kutch ports.

A dedicated local office would:

• Eliminate procedural delays

• Reduce dependency on Ahmedabad-based approvals

• Improve shipment timelines

• Enhance overall export efficiency

A Step Towards Ease of Doing Business

The proposed initiative aligns strongly with the Government of India’s vision of improving the “Ease of Doing Business.” By simplifying regulatory frameworks and decentralizing approval systems, exporters can operate more efficiently and competitively.

GCCI emphasized that this move would:

• Strengthen the export ecosystem in Kutch

• Support MSMEs and EOUs

• Boost regional economic growth

• Enhance India’s global trade competitiveness

Conclusion

The demand for an Assistant Drugs Controller Office at Gandhidham or Mundra is not just a regional requirement but a strategic necessity. With increasing export volumes and operational complexities, localized regulatory support can significantly reduce bottlenecks and improve efficiency.

As highlighted in the press note shared by GCCI Hon. Secretary Mahesh Tirthani, this initiative has the potential to transform export operations in the region and contribute meaningfully to India’s trade growth.