India’s pharmaceutical exporters have raised concerns over prolonged customs clearance delays at the Jawaharlal Nehru Customs House (JNCH) at Nhava Sheva Port, warning that the bottlenecks are disrupting export schedules and increasing logistics costs for time-sensitive shipments.
Industry representatives said slower processing of export documentation and cargo examinations has led to longer dwell times for consignments, affecting the timely movement of pharmaceutical products to overseas markets. Exporters fear that continued delays could impact supply commitments, particularly for temperature-sensitive medicines and critical healthcare products.
The pharmaceutical sector, which relies heavily on predictable transit schedules and efficient customs procedures, has urged authorities to streamline clearance processes and expedite cargo handling. Industry bodies have also called for greater coordination among customs officials, port operators, and logistics service providers to minimise operational disruptions.
Exporters noted that delays at one of India’s busiest container gateways can have wider implications for the country’s pharmaceutical supply chain, potentially affecting customer confidence and increasing freight and warehousing costs. Small and medium-sized exporters are expected to face the greatest challenges as prolonged clearance times add to operational expenses.
Stakeholders remain optimistic that the issues can be resolved through administrative measures, enhanced digital processing, and improved resource allocation at JNCH. They believe faster customs clearances will help maintain the competitiveness of India’s pharmaceutical exports while ensuring uninterrupted supplies to global markets.
