Objective of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940

Explore the main objective of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and understand its role in regulating drug and cosmetic safety in India.

Objectives

• The Objective of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 (hereafter referred to as “the Act”) is one of the primary legislations in India aimed at regulating the import, manufacture, distribution, and sale of drugs and cosmetics.
• Key objectives include:
• 

1. Ensuring safety, efficacy, and quality of drugs and cosmetics sold in India.
2. Preventing substandard products (adulterated and misbranded drugs/cosmetics) from reaching consumers.
3. Establishing legal standards and guidelines for the manufacture, import, sale, and distribution of drugs and cosmetics.
4. Protecting public health by ensuring that harmful or ineffective substances do not enter the market.

Scope and Importance

• The Act covers allopathic drugs, homeopathic medicines, and certain aspects related to Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani drugs (as amended and expanded over time).
• It contains provisions for penalties for breaches of the law, ensuring deterrence against malpractices.
• The Act empowers both the Central Government and the State Governments to make rules to carry out the purposes of the Act.

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