Pharma body seeks exemptions for R&D, drug samples

The body also requests that all excisable goods used for R&D purposes should be exempted from central excise duty

The Indian Drug Manufacturers' Association (IDMA) here today asked the government 'control samples' and samples given to physicians be exempted from duties and taxes in the Budget.

The drug makers’ body in a memorandum sent to the Finance Ministry also requested that all excisable goods used for Research & Development purposes should be exempted from central excise duty, besides allowing exemption for capital goods, raw materials, consumables, and reference standards for R&D purposes.

“Pharma manufacturers are required to keep a few boxes of each batch of medicine manufactured till its expiry as ‘control samples’, as per the provisions of the Drug and Cosmetic Act and Rules. These cannot be sold and hence, should be fully exempted from the central excise duty.

Similarly, medicine samples are provided to doctors as ‘physician’s samples’, which should also be kept out of purview of all duties and taxes,” the IDMA said in the memorandum.

It expects that the weighted deduction of 200 per cent of R&D expenses in an in-house facility will be extended for further period of five years, it said.

The industry body said in the last few Budget presentations, the pharma industry has been ‘overlooked’.

“This year we expect the dynamic and forward thinking new government to create a transparent atmosphere of confidence and trust and provide suitable incentives and concessions to keep our growth momentum going,” it said.