The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 is one of the most important Indian laws governing drugs and cosmetics. It regulates the import, manufacture, distribution and sale of drugs and cosmetics in India.
For pharmacists, manufacturers, distributors, doctors, hospitals, lawyers, law students and regulatory professionals, this Act is central to understanding drug quality, licensing, inspection, prosecution, penalties and public health protection.
Purpose of the Act
The main purpose of the Act is to ensure that drugs and cosmetics sold in India conform to prescribed standards of quality and are not misbranded, adulterated, spurious, unsafe or unlawfully sold.
Important Sections
- Section 3 – Definitions
- Section 16 – Standards of quality
- Section 17 – Misbranded drugs
- Section 17A – Adulterated drugs
- Section 17B – Spurious drugs
- Section 18 – Prohibition of manufacture and sale
- Section 22 – Powers of Inspectors
- Section 25 – Reports of Government Analysts
- Section 27 – Penalties
Disclaimer
This page is prepared for legal education and general information. Readers should verify the current text from official sources before professional reliance.
Last verified: June 2026