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India–Oman CEPA to begin from June 1 with zero tariffs on Indian pharma exports
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Shardul Nautiyal, Mumbai
May 30 , 2026
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In a major boost to India’s pharmaceutical exports, the operationalisation of the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) from June 1, 2026, is set to usher in zero tariffs on Indian pharmaceutical products, including active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and formulations. In this backdrop, the Department of Commerce (DoC) has announced special facilitation measures for consignments scheduled during the first half of June 2026.
The DoC, working closely with Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil) and senior government officials, will actively facilitate early consignments bound for Oman as part of the landmark implementation exercise. Exporters have been urged to submit shipment details to enable coordinated support and smooth execution during the transition period, which is being closely monitored by the ministry of commerce and industry.
The India–Oman CEPA, signed in December 2025, marks a strategic milestone in bilateral trade relations and is expected to significantly expand opportunities for India’s pharmaceutical, Ayush, nutraceutical, wellness, and healthcare sectors. The immediate implementation of zero customs duties on Indian pharmaceutical exports is being viewed as a transformative development that could substantially improve the competitiveness of Indian products in the Oman market.
According to the communication issued to member companies, consignments scheduled during the first half of June 2026 will receive direct facilitation support from senior officials of the DoC.
Industry stakeholders believe the agreement could accelerate pharmaceutical trade between the two countries by reducing costs, simplifying regulatory pathways, and enhancing market access. One of the most significant provisions under the CEPA framework is the fast-tracking of marketing authorisations for pharmaceutical products already approved by stringent global regulatory agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (UK MHRA).
The agreement also provides for the acceptance of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) inspection documents, a move expected to reduce compliance burdens, lower operational costs, and significantly cut approval timelines for Indian pharmaceutical exporters entering the Omani market.
In a first-of-its-kind commitment by any country under a trade agreement with India, the CEPA includes dedicated provisions for traditional medicine across all modes of cooperation. This is expected to create substantial opportunities for India’s Ayush and wellness sectors while also promoting medical value travel and strengthening collaboration in traditional healthcare systems.
Trade experts note that the agreement’s enhanced market access and trade facilitation measures are likely to improve export competitiveness for Indian pharmaceutical and healthcare products in Oman, particularly in high-demand categories such as formulations, APIs, nutraceuticals, herbal products, and wellness services.
The operationalisation of the India–Oman CEPA comes at a time when India is actively expanding its pharmaceutical footprint across the Gulf region. Oman, strategically positioned in the Middle East, is considered an important gateway market for Indian healthcare products and services.
Pharmexcil has also advised member companies to actively explore emerging business opportunities arising from the agreement. Industry representatives expect the agreement to deepen bilateral economic cooperation while further strengthening India’s position as a reliable global supplier of affordable, high-quality pharmaceutical and healthcare products.
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