India Pharma Outlook Team | Monday, 01 June 2026
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The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Oman has come into force with a strong focus on pharmaceuticals, enabling zero-duty access and faster regulatory approvals for Indian pharma exports.
Operational from June 1, 2026, the agreement marks a significant step in expanding India’s global pharmaceutical footprint. It provides tariff-free access for medicines, vaccines, and pharmaceutical ingredients, including penicillins, streptomycins, and tetracyclines, significantly improving cost competitiveness in the Omani market.
Beyond tariff benefits, the agreement introduces major regulatory relaxations, positioning it as a transformative move for Indian pharmaceutical exporters.
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The CEPA comes at a time when Indian pharmaceutical companies are seeking faster global market access and reduced regulatory bottlenecks.
A key provision allows products approved by global regulators such as the USFDA, EMA, UK MHRA, and TGA to receive marketing authorization within 90 days without prior inspection. Even in cases requiring inspections, approvals are targeted within 270 working days.
Additionally, the acceptance of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) inspection reports significantly lowers compliance burdens, reduces duplication, and accelerates time-to-market for Indian exporters.
This streamlined regulatory pathway enhances predictability and enables companies to scale exports more efficiently in the Gulf region.
Oman’s pharmaceutical market is emerging as a high-potential destination for Indian exporters. Valued at USD 302.84 million in 2025, it is projected to reach USD 473.71 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.6 percent.
The demand spans across formulations, APIs, nutraceuticals, and wellness products, creating a broad opportunity base for Indian companies.
With zero-duty access and faster approvals, Indian pharmaceutical companies are well-positioned to expand their market share in this growing ecosystem.
To ensure smooth implementation, the Department of Commerce (DoC), in collaboration with Pharmexcil, is actively facilitating early consignments during the initial phase of the agreement.
Exporters have been encouraged to share shipment details for coordinated support, with senior officials closely monitoring the transition to ensure seamless execution.
This proactive approach is expected to help companies quickly capitalize on the agreement’s benefits.
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The CEPA also includes dedicated provisions for traditional medicine, creating new opportunities for India’s Ayush, nutraceutical, and wellness sectors. This opens avenues for deeper collaboration in healthcare services, including medical value travel and traditional treatment systems, further strengthening bilateral engagement.
The India–Oman CEPA is more than a trade agreement for pharmaceuticals—it is a strategic enabler of faster market access, reduced compliance burden, and enhanced export competitiveness.
By combining zero-duty access with regulatory fast-tracking, the agreement positions Indian pharmaceutical companies to scale efficiently in the Gulf region. As Oman’s healthcare market expands, the CEPA strengthens India’s role as a reliable supplier of affordable, high-quality medicines while deepening long-term trade and healthcare partnerships.
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