India is preparing a centralized bulk drug licence regime alongside a national supplier database to improve transparency, compliance, and traceability across pharmaceutical supply chains. Anchored by CDSCO and the ONDLS single-window platform, the framework aims to streamline approvals, standardize documentation, and fix accountability from raw material sourcing to finished formulations.
Regulatory Reform And Governance
The proposed regime consolidates fragmented licensing under a single-window system to reduce duplication and delays. By integrating a searchable supplier database with licence records, regulators can track raw materials, intermediates, and APIs, improving oversight and enabling targeted inspections. The move supports quality-by-design practices, audit readiness, and faster enforcement actions in case of violations.
Operational Architecture And Digital Backbone
The Online National Drugs Licensing System (ONDLS) is being positioned as the digital backbone to standardize applications, documentation, and certifications for manufacturers and importers. With centralized data capture and uniform processes, ONDLS strengthens e-governance, enhances transparency across state regulators, and supports end-to-end traceability of bulk drug transactions and licences.
Key Highlights
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Single-window licence regime for bulk drugs to reduce duplication and speed approvals
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National supplier database linked to licences for traceability and accountability
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Standardized documentation and e-governance via ONDLS across states
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Improved oversight of APIs, intermediates, and raw materials with audit trails
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Faster enforcement pathways for non-compliance, recalls, and quality lapses
Step-By-Step Guide: How Manufacturers And Importers Can Prepare
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Assess current licences and map all API and bulk drug suppliers against updated compliance requirements
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Register on ONDLS and create organizational profiles aligned with CDSCO documentation standards
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Consolidate documentation including GMP certificates, CoAs, site master files, and validation reports
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Submit licence applications through ONDLS with product-wise details, supplier references, and quality controls
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Enable data sharing to the supplier database, ensuring accurate sourcing, batch records, and audit trails
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Implement internal SOPs for traceability from procurement to release, with periodic compliance audits
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Monitor application status on ONDLS, respond to regulator queries, and maintain version-controlled records
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Integrate change control processes for supplier additions or material substitutions with documented risk assessments
Industry Impact And Outlook Ahead
Centralization and data standardization can reduce approval timelines, improve supply chain visibility, and strengthen India’s standing as a reliable pharma hub. Successful execution will depend on regulator capacity, industry adoption of digital workflows, and consistent data quality from suppliers. Over time, unified registries should enable better recall management and international confidence.
Sources: CDSCO Data Bank; Online National Drugs Licensing System (ONDLS) by C-DAC; PSR Compliance
