Washington, September 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India has been included in a list of jurisdictions eligible for zero per cent US tariffs on specified speciality pharmaceutical products and ingredients, providing targeted relief to Indian drugmakers ahead of the implementation of Washington’s new pharmaceutical tariff regime.
The US Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued guidance identifying countries and territories whose qualifying speciality pharmaceutical products can receive the zero-tariff treatment under President Donald Trump’s Section 232 proclamation. India is among 19 eligible jurisdictions listed by Commerce.
The relief, however, does not cover all pharmaceutical exports from India. It applies to specified categories covered by the proclamation, including orphan drugs, nuclear medicines, plasma-derived therapies, fertility drugs, cell and gene therapies, antibody-drug conjugates, medical countermeasures related to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats, and certain animal-health products.
The US is set to impose a 100 per cent Section 232 tariff on covered patented pharmaceuticals and associated pharmaceutical ingredients for companies not already covered by earlier implementation measures from September 29. Generic pharmaceuticals and their associated ingredients are not currently subject to the Section 232 pharmaceutical tariffs.
Commerce said the zero-tariff treatment for eligible speciality products is linked to jurisdictions with current or forthcoming trade and security framework agreements with the United States. Companies may also seek approval for speciality pharmaceutical products that Commerce determines meet an urgent US health need.
India’s inclusion is significant for its pharmaceutical industry, which is a major supplier of medicines and pharmaceutical ingredients to the US market. The exemption protects qualifying high-value and specialised therapies from the new tariff even as Washington seeks to encourage greater pharmaceutical manufacturing within the United States.
The broader Section 232 framework stems from Trump’s April proclamation covering imports of patented pharmaceuticals and associated ingredients. The proclamation sets a 100 per cent tariff for specified products, while providing separate pathways for tariff adjustments under certain conditions.
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