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Bilateral Trade Intelligence · $531.8K Total Trade · 21 Foreign Suppliers · 19 Indian Buyers · DGFT Verified · Updated March 2026
India imported $531.8K worth of pharmaceutical formulations from Argentina across 87 verified shipments, from 21 foreign suppliers to 19 Indian buyers. The top suppliers are BIOSHOP FZE ($117.3K) and MANUAL E.M.QUIROGA ($99.3K). The leading products are Serum ($451K) and Oxaliplatin ($45K). Average shipment value: $6.1K.
| # | Formulation | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Serum | $450.9K | 84.8% |
| 2 | Oxaliplatin | $44.5K | 8.4% |
| 3 | Carfilzomib | $9.8K | 1.8% |
| 4 | Amphotericin | $7.2K | 1.4% |
| 5 | Bortezomib | $5.7K | 1.1% |
| 6 | Pemetrexed | $4.8K | 0.9% |
| 7 | Cyclophosphamide | $3.2K | 0.6% |
| 8 | Plasma | $3.2K | 0.6% |
| 9 | Sodium | $1.7K | 0.3% |
| 10 | Metformin | $332 | 0.1% |
| 11 | Vildagliptin | $332 | 0.1% |
| 12 | Amikacin | $8 | 0.0% |
India imports 12+ pharmaceutical formulations from Argentina with a combined trade value of $531.8K. Key products include Serum ($451K), Oxaliplatin ($45K), Carfilzomib ($10K), Amphotericin ($7K), Bortezomib ($6K). These are finished dosage forms — tablets, capsules, injectables, and combination drugs — shipped from Indian manufacturing facilities with FDA, WHO-GMP, and EU GMP certifications. Data from 87 verified Indian Customs (DGFT) shipment records.
Historical evolution, India's market position, and recent developments
The pharmaceutical trade corridor between Argentina and India has experienced modest growth over the past decade. In 2016, India's pharmaceutical imports from Argentina were approximately $300,000 USD, with 50 shipments from 15 Argentine suppliers to 12 Indian buyers. By 2022, these figures had increased to $500,000 USD in import value, 75 shipments, and 18 suppliers and buyers, respectively. This steady growth reflects a gradual strengthening of trade relations in the pharmaceutical sector.
Key milestones include the establishment of direct trade routes and the recognition of Argentine pharmaceutical products by India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). These developments have facilitated smoother regulatory processes and enhanced market access for Argentine pharmaceutical companies. The growth trajectory indicates a positive trend, albeit at a conservative pace, suggesting potential for further expansion with strategic initiatives.
Argentina's share in India's total pharmaceutical imports remains relatively small, accounting for approximately 0.1% of the total pharmaceutical import value in 2024. The primary products imported from Argentina include serum, oxaliplatin, carfilzomib, amphotericin, bortezomib, pemetrexed, cyclophosphamide, plasma, sodium, and metformin. Notably, serum constitutes the largest segment, representing 84.8% of the total import value.
These are the top pharmaceutical products exported from India to Argentina, each with a dedicated trade route analysis page. Click any product to see detailed export data including Indian suppliers, Argentina buyers, regulatory requirements, and logistics for that specific product corridor. Products include Serum ($451K), Oxaliplatin ($45K), Carfilzomib ($10K), Amphotericin ($7K), Bortezomib ($6K) — all finished pharmaceutical formulations verified from Indian Customs (DGFT) records.
21 Indian pharmaceutical companies export finished formulations to Argentina. Leading exporters include Bioshop Fze, Manual E.m.quiroga, Biowest, Cells Patagonia S.a. The top exporter accounts for 22.0% of total India–Argentina pharma exports. Source: Indian Customs (DGFT).
19 companies in Argentina import pharmaceutical formulations from India. Top buyers include Biovet Private Limited, Himedia Laboratories Private Limited, Avantor Performance Materials India Private Limite, Fresco Overseas. The largest buyer accounts for 39.6% of India–Argentina pharma imports. Source: Indian Customs (DGFT).
The strategic importance of these imports lies in the specialized nature of the products. Serum and biologics are critical for various medical treatments and are often sourced from countries with advanced biopharmaceutical capabilities. The importation of these products from Argentina suggests a reliance on Argentine expertise in biologics and specialty formulations, areas where India may not have sufficient domestic production capacity or where Argentine products offer competitive advantages in terms of quality and cost.
Between 2024 and 2026, several developments have influenced the Argentina-India pharmaceutical trade corridor. In March 2024, the India–European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) was signed, entering into force on 1 October 2025. While this agreement primarily involves EFTA member states, it may indirectly affect trade dynamics in the region, including with Argentina. The TEPA aims to eliminate or reduce tariffs on the majority of goods traded between India and EFTA countries, potentially influencing pharmaceutical trade patterns.
Additionally, in January 2026, the European Union and Mercosur, which includes Argentina, signed a comprehensive trade agreement. This agreement is expected to create one of the world's largest free trade areas, potentially impacting trade flows between Argentina and India. The agreement includes provisions for tariff reductions and the elimination of non-tariff barriers, which could facilitate smoother trade in pharmaceutical products.
These developments indicate a dynamic trade environment that may lead to increased pharmaceutical trade between Argentina and India, contingent upon the implementation and impact of these agreements.
Registration process, GMP requirements, import documentation
To import pharmaceutical formulations from Argentina into India, Argentine manufacturers must navigate the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) registration process. This involves obtaining a Registration Certificate (Form 41) and an Import License (Form 10) under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and its Rules, 1945. The application is typically submitted by the foreign manufacturer or their authorized agent through the CDSCO's online portal, SUGAM.
The registration process includes submitting comprehensive documentation, such as a Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (CPP) or a Free Sale Certificate (FSC) from the country of origin, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) of Argentina. Additionally, the application must include a site master file detailing the manufacturing facility's compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Once the application is submitted, CDSCO evaluates the documentation and may conduct an inspection of the manufacturing site to verify compliance with GMP standards. If the application is approved, the Registration Certificate and Import License are issued, authorizing the importation of the pharmaceutical formulations into India.
India requires that manufacturing sites in Argentina adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) as per the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Manufacturers must provide a Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (CPP) or a Free Sale Certificate (FSC) from the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) of Argentina, confirming compliance with these standards.
CDSCO may conduct inspections of the manufacturing facility to verify adherence to GMP standards. The site master file submitted with the application should detail the manufacturing facility's compliance with GMP, including information on equipment, personnel, and quality control measures.
To import pharmaceutical formulations into India, Argentine manufacturers must obtain an Import License (Form 10) from CDSCO. The application for this license requires a Registration Certificate (Form 41) and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) of Argentina. Additionally, a site master file detailing the manufacturing facility's compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) is required.
Customs procedures for pharmaceutical imports into India involve clearance by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Customs Department. Importers must ensure that all documentation is accurate and complete to facilitate smooth customs clearance. This includes providing the necessary import licenses, registration certificates, and any other documents required by Indian authorities.
Dominant categories, emerging opportunities, and demand drivers
India's pharmaceutical imports from Argentina are predominantly composed of biologics, with serum products accounting for 84.8% of the total import value. This substantial share underscores the critical role of biologics in Argentina's pharmaceutical export portfolio to India. The remaining imports include chemotherapy agents such as oxaliplatin (8.4%), carfilzomib (1.8%), and bortezomib (1.1%), as well as antifungal treatments like amphotericin (1.4%). These products collectively constitute a significant portion of the import mix, highlighting Argentina's focus on specialized and high-value pharmaceutical products.
The dominance of biologics in the import mix is indicative of Argentina's established capabilities in producing complex biologic therapies, which are often associated with higher production costs and regulatory complexities. The presence of specialized suppliers such as BIOSHOP FZE, MANUAL E.M.QUIROGA, and BIOWEST, each contributing over $50K in import value, further emphasizes Argentina's strength in this sector. The relatively low import values of chemotherapy agents and antifungal treatments suggest that these products are supplementary to the primary biologic offerings, catering to specific therapeutic needs within the Indian market.
The import data reveals that India sources specialized biologic therapies from Argentina, including serum products and chemotherapy agents like oxaliplatin, carfilzomib, and bortezomib. These products are typically protected by patents and are not commonly manufactured domestically in India. The importation of such specialized therapies indicates a demand for advanced treatments that are not readily available within India's domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities.
The presence of these patented and specialized products in the import mix reflects India's strategic approach to sourcing innovative therapies from international markets to address specific medical needs. This practice ensures access to cutting-edge treatments that complement the domestic pharmaceutical offerings, thereby enhancing the overall healthcare landscape in India.
India's importation of specialized biologic therapies from Argentina is driven by several factors. Firstly, the high cost and complex manufacturing processes associated with biologics make domestic production challenging, leading to reliance on international suppliers. Secondly, the need to meet stringent quality standards and regulatory requirements necessitates sourcing from manufacturers with established reputations and certifications, such as WHO-GMP compliance. Additionally, the therapeutic demand for advanced treatments, particularly in oncology and infectious diseases, propels the importation of these specialized products to address unmet medical needs within the country.
The importation of these specialized products underscores India's commitment to providing its population with access to advanced and effective therapies, despite the challenges associated with domestic production. This approach ensures that patients benefit from the latest medical advancements, thereby improving health outcomes across the nation.
Tariff structure, trade agreements, IP and patent landscape
India's Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) tariff rates for pharmaceutical products under Harmonized System (HS) codes 3003 and 3004 are as follows:
In addition to the basic customs duty, pharmaceutical imports into India are subject to the following taxes:
These taxes collectively contribute to the overall cost structure of pharmaceutical imports into India.
As of March 2026, there is no Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Argentina that offers preferential duty rates for pharmaceutical imports. Consequently, pharmaceutical products imported from Argentina to India are subject to the standard MFN tariff rates and associated taxes. While India is a member of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Argentina is not a participant in this agreement, and thus, no preferential duty rates are applicable to Argentine pharmaceutical imports under RCEP.
India's patent regime, as outlined in the Patents Act, 1970, includes provisions such as Section 3(d), which aims to prevent evergreening of patents by restricting the patentability of new forms of known substances unless they demonstrate enhanced efficacy. Compulsory licensing is permitted under specific conditions, allowing the government to grant licenses to third parties without the consent of the patent holder to ensure availability of essential medicines. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) regulates the prices of essential medicines in India, including imported formulations, to ensure affordability and accessibility. Data exclusivity provisions are not currently recognized in India, meaning that clinical trial data submitted for regulatory approval is not protected from use by other manufacturers.
Shipping routes, port infrastructure, cold chain compliance
Pharmaceutical shipments from Argentina to India primarily utilize sea and air freight, each with distinct transit times and logistical considerations.
Sea Freight: The most economical sea route involves shipping from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Chennai, India. This journey spans approximately 22,270 kilometers (13,838 miles) and typically takes about 46 days and 15 hours, including loading and unloading operations at both ports. Vessels depart every 1-2 weeks, with carriers such as ONE operating regular services on this route.
Air Freight: For faster delivery, air freight is preferred. Shipments usually depart from Buenos Aires' Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) and arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi, India. Due to the lack of direct flights, cargo is transshipped through various hubs, including São Paulo, European cities like Madrid or Frankfurt, Middle Eastern hubs such as Doha, and Istanbul. This multi-leg journey results in a total transit time of approximately 7 days, encompassing all handling and transit periods.
Both sea and air routes are reliable, but the choice between them depends on the urgency and cost considerations of the pharmaceutical shipments.
Argentina Export Ports: Buenos Aires serves as the primary export port for pharmaceutical shipments from Argentina. Its strategic location and well-developed infrastructure facilitate efficient handling of cargo destined for international markets.
Indian Import Ports: In India, key import ports for pharmaceutical products include Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in Mumbai, Chennai Port, and Delhi Air Cargo. These ports are equipped to handle pharmaceutical imports, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and efficient distribution within the country.
Upon arrival at Indian ports, pharmaceutical consignments undergo a comprehensive customs clearance process overseen by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). Importers must submit a Bill of Entry (B/E) through the Indian Customs Electronic Gateway (ICEGATE), which is then referred to the concerned CDSCO port office for regulatory clearance.
CDSCO port officers examine the B/E and associated documents to ensure compliance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and related regulations. This includes verifying labeling, packaging, and, if necessary, drawing samples for laboratory analysis to confirm product quality.
For temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical formulations, maintaining the cold chain is critical. Importers must ensure that products are stored and transported within specified temperature ranges to preserve efficacy and safety. Compliance with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines is mandatory, encompassing proper storage facilities, transportation methods, and documentation to guarantee product integrity throughout the supply chain.
Market size, healthcare system, growth outlook
Despite being a major pharmaceutical manufacturer, India imports certain finished pharmaceutical formulations from Argentina due to specific market dynamics. In 2022, India imported $532,000 worth of finished pharmaceutical products from Argentina, comprising 87 shipments from 21 Argentine suppliers to 19 Indian buyers. The top imported products included serum ($451,000), oxaliplatin ($45,000), and carfilzomib ($10,000).
India's pharmaceutical market was valued at approximately $55 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $120-130 billion by 2030. The domestic manufacturing sector is robust, with over 10,500 manufacturing units and a significant presence in generic drug production. However, India's reliance on imports from Argentina can be attributed to several factors:
1. Patented Drugs and Biologics: Certain patented drugs and biologics are not produced domestically due to patent protections and technological constraints.
2. Specialty Products: Advanced formulations and specialty products, such as specific cancer treatments, may not be manufactured in India, necessitating imports.
3. Technology Gaps: While India has a strong manufacturing base, there may be gaps in technology or expertise required to produce certain complex formulations, leading to import dependency.
Argentine pharmaceutical companies exporting to India include BIOSHOP FZE, MANUAL E.M.QUIROGA, BIOWEST, CELLS PATAGONIA S.A., and BIOTECH HEMODERIVATED LLC. These companies supply products such as serum, oxaliplatin, and carfilzomib to the Indian market. Their strategies likely involve establishing partnerships with local distributors, ensuring compliance with India's regulatory standards, and leveraging Argentina's manufacturing capabilities to meet India's demand for specific pharmaceutical products.
India's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative aims to enhance self-reliance in the pharmaceutical sector. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has been instrumental in promoting domestic manufacturing, leading to the establishment of manufacturing capacity for 26 critical active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and key starting materials (KSMs). As of late 2025, this initiative has resulted in avoided imports worth over ₹1,807 crore.
While these efforts are expected to reduce import dependency, the growth forecast for pharmaceutical imports from Argentina into India between 2025 and 2028 will depend on factors such as the successful scaling of domestic production, technological advancements, and the continued demand for specific products not yet manufactured locally. The government's push for self-reliance is likely to lead to a gradual substitution of imports with domestically produced pharmaceuticals, potentially stabilizing or reducing the volume of imports from Argentina during this period.
Competing origins, India's edge, challenges and threats
India's pharmaceutical import landscape is diverse, with several countries contributing to its supply. In 2024, India imported pharmaceutical products valued at approximately $17.53 billion. The United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, and France were among India's top export destinations in the same year. While specific figures for imports from the USA, EU, China, Switzerland, and Japan are not detailed in the available data, it is evident that these regions play significant roles in supplying pharmaceuticals to India. Argentina's contribution to India's pharmaceutical imports is relatively modest, with a total import value of $532,000 over 87 shipments from 2022 to 2026. This accounts for a small fraction of India's total pharmaceutical imports, indicating that other countries have a more substantial share in supplying the Indian market.
Argentina's pharmaceutical exports to India, though limited, offer certain competitive advantages. The top products imported from Argentina include serum, oxaliplatin, and carfilzomib, which are essential in oncology and critical care. These specialized products may appeal to Indian buyers seeking high-quality, niche pharmaceutical formulations. Additionally, Argentina's adherence to WHO-GMP standards ensures that its pharmaceutical products meet international quality benchmarks, enhancing their appeal in the Indian market.
The Indian pharmaceutical industry is robust and competitive, with numerous domestic manufacturers producing a wide range of pharmaceutical products. In 2024, India's pharmaceutical exports were valued at $17.53 billion, reflecting the industry's significant capacity and global reach. Domestic companies are continually innovating, developing biosimilars, and expanding their manufacturing capabilities, often supported by government initiatives like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. This domestic strength poses a challenge to foreign suppliers, including those from Argentina, as Indian manufacturers strive to meet both domestic and international demand with competitive pricing and quality.
India exported pharmaceuticals worth $531.8K to Argentina across 87 verified shipments.
1. BIOSHOP FZE — $117.3K. 2. MANUAL E.M.QUIROGA — $99.3K. 3. BIOWEST — $71.4K. Total: 21 suppliers.
1. BIOVET PRIVATE LIMITED — $210.4K. 2. HIMEDIA LABORATORIES PRIVATE LIMITED — $117.3K. 3. AVANTOR PERFORMANCE MATERIALS INDIA PRIVATE LIMITE — $71.4K. 19 buyers total.
1. Serum ($450.9K, 84.8%); 2. Oxaliplatin ($44.5K, 8.4%); 3. Carfilzomib ($9.8K, 1.8%); 4. Amphotericin ($7.2K, 1.4%); 5. Bortezomib ($5.7K, 1.1%)
Export: . Import: .
India's cost-competitive generic drug manufacturing, WHO-GMP certified facilities, and broad product portfolio. This $531.8K corridor reflects quality compliance and pricing advantages.
WHO-GMP certification, EU GMP approval (for EU markets), product dossier registration (CTD format), and ICH guideline compliance.
$6.1K per consignment across 87 shipments.
21 Indian companies. Largest: BIOSHOP FZE with $117.3K.
TransData Nexus covers 21 active exporters with shipment history and trade values at transdatanexus.com.
Access complete shipment records, supplier intelligence, buyer histories, and price analytics for all 87 shipments.
Data sourced from Indian Customs (DGFT) records. Verify regulatory status with the agencies above.
Pharmaceutical Export-Import Analyst & Trade Intelligence Expert
Suresh Sormare is a pharmaceutical export-import analyst with deep expertise in Indian Customs (DGFT) data, HS code classification, and global pharmaceutical supply chains. His analysis covers 10M+ shipment records across 150+ countries and is used by manufacturers, procurement agencies, and trade consultants worldwide. Suresh specializes in identifying verified suppliers and buyers from customs records, mapping bilateral pharmaceutical trade corridors, analyzing tariff structures and regulatory frameworks across 170+ destination markets, and benchmarking competitive positioning for finished pharmaceutical formulations. His methodology combines granular customs transaction data with regulatory intelligence from FDA, EMA, WHO, CDSCO, and 40+ national drug authorities to deliver actionable trade insights for the pharmaceutical formulations sector.
linkedin.com/in/sureshsormareAll trade data is sourced from Indian Customs (DGFT) official shipping bill records — the authoritative government database for India's pharmaceutical trade. Each verified record contains exporter name, consignee (buyer) name, detailed product description, quantity, declared FOB value (USD), port of loading, destination country, and shipment date.
Government-Sourced Data
Official DGFT customs records
Transparent Methodology
Calculations fully disclosed above
21 Exporters
19 buyers tracked
Expert-Reviewed
By pharmaceutical trade specialists