India to USA · sector guide
Exporting pharmaceuticals from India to the USA
The US imported $15.3B of pharmaceuticals from India in 2025, 5.6% of its imports of the main products in this sector. Generic medicines are India's second-largest export to the US by value. Packaged dosage forms dominate, with APIs, vitamins and antibiotics as well.
- US imports from India, 2025
- $15.3B
- Jan–Aug 2026 vs last year
- -37.2%
- India's share
- 5.6%
- Average duty paid
- 0.1%
- Shipped by sea
- 41%
Five-year trend
US imports of pharmaceuticals from India
Jan–Aug 2026: $7.11B, down 37.2% on the same months last year.
Top products
What the US buys most
| Product | HS | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Medicines (Packaged Dosage Forms) | 3004 | $14.6B |
| Pharmaceutical Goods (Sutures, Kits) | 3006 | $134M |
| Vaccines, Blood & Biological Products | 3002 | $133M |
| Organ Extracts & Heparin | 3001 | $126M |
| Alkaloids | 2939 | $101M |
| Vitamins & Provitamins | 2936 | $94.2M |
| Bulk Medicines | 3003 | $55.1M |
| Hormones & Steroids | 2937 | $51.1M |
| Antibiotics | 2941 | $20.5M |
| Bandages, Gauze & Dressings | 3005 | $14M |
US ports
Where it enters the US
| US port | Share |
|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | 18.6% |
| Savannah, GA | 16.4% |
| JFK International Airport, NY | 15.7% |
| Newark, NJ | 13.7% |
| Norfolk-Newport News, VA | 7.3% |
| Port Huron, MI | 5.3% |
Requirements
US rules for pharmaceuticals
- FDAThe manufacturing site must be registered with the FDA and the drugs listed; generic drugs need an approved application (ANDA) and the site must pass FDA inspection.
- FDADrug imports are reviewed by FDA at entry and can be detained if the site or product is not compliant.
- CBPAn Importer Security Filing must reach CBP at least 24 hours before the container is loaded in India.
On the Indian side
- Register with Pharmexcil, the pharmaceutical export promotion council.
- Keep the export documentation consistent with the FDA listing: product, strength and manufacturer.
Packing and shipping
- Much of the value goes by air, but bulk generics increasingly ship by sea, often in reefer containers with temperature monitoring.
- Agree temperature ranges and monitoring with the buyer before booking.
Questions
Pharmaceuticals from India to the USA: FAQs
How much pharmaceuticals does the US import from India?
$15.3B in 2025, led by medicines (packaged dosage forms), pharmaceutical goods (sutures, kits), vaccines, blood & biological products. Jan–Aug 2026: $7.11B, down 37.2% on the same months last year.
What US rules apply to pharmaceuticals from India?
FDA: The manufacturing site must be registered with the FDA and the drugs listed; generic drugs need an approved application (ANDA) and the site must pass FDA inspection. FDA: Drug imports are reviewed by FDA at entry and can be detained if the site or product is not compliant. CBP: An Importer Security Filing must reach CBP at least 24 hours before the container is loaded in India.
What do Indian exporters of pharmaceuticals need to do?
Register with Pharmexcil, the pharmaceutical export promotion council. Keep the export documentation consistent with the FDA listing: product, strength and manufacturer.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau international trade data (general imports, and duty calculated on imports for consumption), 2021–2025 and Jan–Aug 2026. Requirements summarised for guidance; check the agency rules for your exact product.
Exporting pharmaceuticals to the USA?
Atmavaan books the container, handles the export paperwork and can file the ISF and clear US customs for your buyer.
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