Boost to Pharma & Wellness Sectors: DGFT Fixes New SION for Minoxidil, Benfotiamine & Vitamin B1 HCL [Read Notice]

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has fixed two new Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs) under the “Chemical and Allied Products” group (Product Code ‘A’) vide Public Notice No. 19/2025-26 dated 22 August 2025.

The notification, issued under paragraph 1.03 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 empowers Regional Authorities to issue Advance Authorisations directly without routing each case to the Norms Committee effectively permitting the authorities to expedite clearances and ensure uniformity in the issuance of advance authorisations.

Under SION A-3693, the notified export product is Minoxidil Topical Aerosol 5% (Foam) in 60 gm can, with the permitted input being Minoxidil USP at 3.06 gm. Minoxidil foam is widely formulated as a topical solution for addressing hair loss and pattern baldness, while Minoxidil USP is the pharmaceutical-grade active ingredient required for its manufacture.

SION A-3694 fixes norms for the export of Benfotiamine at 1 kg, with an allied input of Thiamine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B1 HCL) at 0.922 kg. Benfotiamine is a derivative of Vitamin B1 commonly used in dietary supplements and wellness formulations, particularly to manage complications related to diabetes. Thiamine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B1 HCL) is the water-soluble vitamin input that is converted into Benfotiamine for export formulations.

The notification ends with the “Effect of this Public Notice” which records that the two new SIONs would allow Regional Authorities to issue Advance Authorisations directly, ensuring faster processing, uniform implementation and operational clarity for exporters of these wellness-linked products.

By specifying precise input - output ratios for Minoxidil Topical Foam and Benfotiamine, DGFT has streamlined the authorisation process for pharma and wellness products.

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