India Pharma Outlook Team | Tuesday, 07 July 2026
India's Unregistered IVF Clinics could soon find it difficult to continue operations as the Centre has tightened IVF rules.
The new rules are imposed to improve oversight of the country's growing fertility sector.
The new move aims to ensure that only registered fertility clinics and ART banks can buy critical IVF supplies, bringing greater transparency and accountability.
The decision is expected to strengthen patient trust while making it harder for unauthorized centers to operate outside the law.
The latest directive comes from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), which has instructed manufacturers and distributors to sell essential IVF laboratory products only to clinics and banks registered under the ART Act. The government believes this step will formalize the fertility sector without creating a major financial burden for patients seeking IVF treatment.
Under the new directive, manufacturers and distributors must verify the registration status of fertility centers before supplying important laboratory materials used during IVF procedures.
These include:
By limiting access to these products, the government wants to prevent unregistered clinics from offering fertility services without meeting legal and quality standards.
The move is also expected to improve traceability of medical supplies, making it easier for regulators to monitor how these products are used across the country.
Industry experts believe the latest restrictions will have little impact on registered clinics because many already procure laboratory materials through authorized suppliers and maintain proper documentation.
Some clinics that previously depended on unauthorized procurement channels may face higher purchasing costs or operational challenges. However, experts say patients are unlikely to see a significant increase in treatment expenses because laboratory consumables account for only a part of the overall cost of an IVF cycle.
The policy is expected to deliver several benefits, including:
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The Centre's latest step comes amid growing concerns over unlicensed fertility centers and reported cases involving embryo mix-ups and other irregularities. Restricting the sale of specialized IVF laboratory products is expected to strengthen regulatory control and encourage all providers to comply with existing laws.
Rather than favoring large hospital chains, the new system focuses on regulatory compliance. Smaller clinics that are properly registered and follow legal requirements are expected to continue operating without major disruption.
India's fertility market has expanded rapidly over the past few years. The country currently performs an estimated 2 lakh to 2.5 lakh IVF cycles every year. Demand is expected to grow further, especially in Tier II and Tier III cities, with annual IVF cycles projected to touch nearly 4 lakh by 2030.
As the sector continues to expand, the government hopes the tighter supply controls will improve quality standards, reduce unauthorized practices, and build greater confidence among patients seeking fertility care. The latest policy marks another step toward creating a more regulated and transparent IVF ecosystem in India.