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Business
India's drug regulator to assess machinery disposal at non‑compliant pharma units
✍️ Business Standard
🗓 02 Oct 2026, 02:46 AM
👁 11
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation is considering a review of how pharmaceutical companies dispose of equipment that fail to meet regulatory standards.
New Delhi, Oct 1 (Business Standard) – The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has indicated that it may undertake a systematic review of machinery disposal practices at pharmaceutical units that are found non‑compliant with existing regulations. The move aims to close gaps that could allow outdated or unsafe equipment to be repurposed, sold illegally, or disposed of in ways that threaten public health and the environment.
Recent inspections across several states revealed that a number of drug‑manufacturing facilities were not adhering to prescribed waste‑management and equipment‑decommissioning protocols. In many cases, machinery slated for retirement remained on site without proper documentation or safe dismantling, raising concerns about potential contamination and misuse.
CDSCO officials are expected to draft detailed guidelines that will outline mandatory procedures for de‑installation, de‑contamination and final disposal of pharmaceutical plant equipment. Non‑compliant units could face penalties, including suspension of licences, until they demonstrate compliance with the new framework.
Industry bodies have welcomed the regulator’s focus on safety but have urged that any new rules be phased in with clear timelines to avoid disruption to production. The agency is likely to issue a formal notice within the next few weeks, signalling the start of a structured audit and enforcement process.
Recent inspections across several states revealed that a number of drug‑manufacturing facilities were not adhering to prescribed waste‑management and equipment‑decommissioning protocols. In many cases, machinery slated for retirement remained on site without proper documentation or safe dismantling, raising concerns about potential contamination and misuse.
CDSCO officials are expected to draft detailed guidelines that will outline mandatory procedures for de‑installation, de‑contamination and final disposal of pharmaceutical plant equipment. Non‑compliant units could face penalties, including suspension of licences, until they demonstrate compliance with the new framework.
Industry bodies have welcomed the regulator’s focus on safety but have urged that any new rules be phased in with clear timelines to avoid disruption to production. The agency is likely to issue a formal notice within the next few weeks, signalling the start of a structured audit and enforcement process.