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Bilateral Trade Intelligence · $2.9K Total Trade · 1 Foreign Suppliers · 1 Indian Buyers · DGFT Verified · Updated March 2026
India imported $2.9K worth of pharmaceutical formulations from Benin across 6 verified shipments, from 1 foreign suppliers to 1 Indian buyers. The top suppliers are AGENCE PRO MEDICALE ($2.9K). The leading products are Artesunate ($1K) and Pyrimethamine ($1K). Average shipment value: $489.
| # | Formulation | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Artesunate | $1.5K | 50.0% |
| 2 | Pyrimethamine | $1.5K | 50.0% |
India imports 2+ pharmaceutical formulations from Benin with a combined trade value of $2.9K. Key products include Artesunate ($1K), Pyrimethamine ($1K). 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 6 verified Indian Customs (DGFT) shipment records.
These are the top pharmaceutical products exported from India to Benin, each with a dedicated trade route analysis page. Click any product to see detailed export data including Indian suppliers, Benin buyers, regulatory requirements, and logistics for that specific product corridor. Products include Artesunate ($1K), Pyrimethamine ($1K) — all finished pharmaceutical formulations verified from Indian Customs (DGFT) records.
1 Indian pharmaceutical companies export finished formulations to Benin. Leading exporters include Agence Pro Medicale, . The top exporter accounts for 100.0% of total India–Benin pharma exports. Source: Indian Customs (DGFT).
1 companies in Benin import pharmaceutical formulations from India. Top buyers include Ajanta Pharma Limited, . The largest buyer accounts for 100.0% of India–Benin pharma imports. Source: Indian Customs (DGFT).
Historical evolution, India's market position, and recent developments
The pharmaceutical trade corridor between Benin and India has experienced modest activity from 2022 to 2026. In 2022, India imported pharmaceutical products valued at approximately $1,530 from Benin. This figure remained relatively stable in subsequent years, with a total import value of $3,000 over six shipments by 2026. The primary products imported include Artesunate and Pyrimethamine, each accounting for 50% of the total import value. The sole supplier from Benin is AGENCE PRO MEDICALE, which has consistently supplied these products to AJANTA PHARMA LIMITED in India. This steady trade pattern indicates a niche but stable pharmaceutical exchange between the two nations.
Benin's contribution to India's overall pharmaceutical imports is minimal. In 2024, India's total pharmaceutical imports were valued at $166.51 million, with Benin accounting for a mere fraction of this amount. The imports from Benin are limited to finished pharmaceutical formulations, specifically Artesunate and Pyrimethamine, which are used in the treatment of malaria. This suggests that Benin's role in India's pharmaceutical supply chain is specialized and focused on these specific antimalarial drugs.
Between 2024 and 2026, there have been no significant policy changes or trade agreements between India and Benin affecting pharmaceutical imports. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has maintained its existing regulatory framework for the importation of pharmaceutical products, with no new regulations or harmonization efforts impacting this trade corridor. The steady nature of this trade relationship reflects a lack of major developments during this period.
Registration process, GMP requirements, import documentation
For Benin-based companies to register pharmaceutical products for import into India, they must comply with the CDSCO's regulatory requirements. The process involves submitting an Integrated Registration Form (IRF) through the Sugam portal, accompanied by necessary documents such as an undertaking form, valid address proof of the firm, and a valid ID proof of the authorized person. Additionally, a legal undertaking on a Rs. 100 stamp paper (notarized) is required, along with specific usage details and permissions from concerned authorities. The timeline for registration can vary, but the CDSCO aims to process applications within a reasonable period, provided all documentation is complete and accurate.
India requires that manufacturing sites in Benin adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards as per the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Manufacturers must provide evidence of GMP compliance, which may include certifications or inspection reports. The CDSCO may conduct inspections to verify compliance with these standards. Additionally, WHO prequalification is often necessary for certain pharmaceutical products, ensuring they meet international quality standards. Manufacturers should be prepared for such inspections and provide all requested documentation to facilitate the approval process.
To import pharmaceutical products into India, Benin companies must obtain an import license (Form 10) from the CDSCO. This license authorizes the importation of specific drugs and is valid for a limited period. A registration certificate is also required, confirming that the product has been approved for sale in India. Additionally, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the CDSCO may be necessary, especially for products intended for non-medicinal use. A test license is required for conducting any necessary testing of the imported products. Customs procedures must be followed, including the submission of all relevant documentation to Indian customs authorities for clearance.
Dominant categories, emerging opportunities, and demand drivers
The pharmaceutical imports from Benin to India are concentrated in the antimalarial drug segment, specifically Artesunate and Pyrimethamine. These products are essential in the treatment of malaria, a disease that remains a significant health concern in India. The focus on these two products indicates a targeted import strategy, addressing specific therapeutic needs within the Indian market. There is no evidence of imports of patented drugs, biologics, or specialty products from Benin to India during this period.
The imports from Benin to India are limited to established antimalarial drugs, Artesunate and Pyrimethamine. There is no indication of innovator drugs, novel formulations, or advanced therapies being imported from Benin. This suggests that the trade relationship is focused on supplying existing, well-established treatments rather than introducing new or specialized pharmaceutical products to the Indian market.
India imports Artesunate and Pyrimethamine from Benin primarily due to the need to address specific therapeutic requirements, particularly in the treatment of malaria. The demand is driven by the necessity to procure these essential medicines from reliable sources. The limited domestic production of these specific antimalarial drugs may also contribute to the importation from Benin. Additionally, the established trade relationship between AGENCE PRO MEDICALE and AJANTA PHARMA LIMITED facilitates the continued import of these products.
Tariff structure, trade agreements, IP and patent landscape
India's import tariff structure for pharmaceutical formulations includes the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rates, basic customs duty, Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST), and health cess. The MFN tariff rates are applied to imports from countries with which India has trade agreements. The basic customs duty is levied on the imported goods, and the IGST is applicable as per the Goods and Services Tax regime. A health cess may also be imposed on certain pharmaceutical imports. The exact rates can vary and are subject to change; therefore, importers should consult the latest notifications from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) for current rates.
As of March 2026, there are no specific Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or preferential duty rates between India and Benin concerning pharmaceutical imports. India's trade policies are influenced by its participation in regional agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). However, these agreements do not currently provide preferential treatment for pharmaceutical imports from Benin. Importers should stay informed about any future trade negotiations that may impact duty rates and import procedures.
India's patent regime, particularly Section 3(d) of the Indian Patents Act, aims to prevent evergreening of patents by disallowing patents for new forms of known substances unless they result in enhanced efficacy. This provision affects the importation of certain pharmaceutical products. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) regulates the prices of essential medicines, including imported drugs, to ensure affordability. Imported drugs are subject to price controls, which can impact the pricing strategies of foreign suppliers.
Shipping routes, port infrastructure, cold chain compliance
Pharmaceutical shipments from Benin to India are typically transported via sea routes, with transit times varying based on the specific ports of departure and arrival. The reliability of these routes is generally high, but factors such as weather conditions and port congestion can affect delivery schedules. Air freight options are also available but are less commonly used due to higher costs. Importers should coordinate with logistics providers to ensure timely and secure delivery of pharmaceutical products.
Benin's primary export port is the Port of Cotonou, which handles a significant portion of the country's international trade. In India, major ports such as Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata are equipped to handle pharmaceutical imports. These ports have the necessary infrastructure to manage the importation of pharmaceutical products, including storage facilities that comply with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) standards. Efficient port operations are crucial for maintaining the integrity and timely delivery of pharmaceutical shipments.
Upon arrival at Indian ports, pharmaceutical imports undergo customs clearance, which includes verification of documentation and compliance with CDSCO regulations. The CDSCO may conduct testing of imported pharmaceutical products to ensure they meet safety and efficacy standards. Cold chain management is essential for certain pharmaceutical products to maintain their quality during transit and storage. Importers must ensure that their logistics partners adhere to GDP and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines to preserve the integrity of the products.
Market size, healthcare system, growth outlook
Despite being a major manufacturer of pharmaceuticals, India imports specific products like Artesunate and Pyrimethamine to meet domestic demand, particularly for treatments not extensively produced locally. The importation of these antimalarial drugs from Benin addresses a critical health need, indicating that India's import dependency is driven by the necessity to procure essential medicines that complement domestic production.
AGENCE PRO MEDICALE is the primary Benin-based pharmaceutical company supplying products to India. Their strategy involves exporting essential antimalarial drugs to meet the needs of the Indian market.
India exported pharmaceuticals worth $2.9K to Benin across 6 verified shipments.
1. AGENCE PRO MEDICALE — $2.9K. Total: 1 suppliers.
1. AJANTA PHARMA LIMITED — $2.9K. 1 buyers total.
1. Artesunate ($1.5K, 50.0%); 2. Pyrimethamine ($1.5K, 50.0%)
Export: . Import: .
India's cost-competitive generic drug manufacturing, WHO-GMP certified facilities, and broad product portfolio. This $2.9K 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.
$489 per consignment across 6 shipments.
1 Indian companies. Largest: AGENCE PRO MEDICALE with $2.9K.
TransData Nexus covers 1 active exporters with shipment history and trade values at transdatanexus.com.
Access complete shipment records, supplier intelligence, buyer histories, and price analytics for all 6 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
1 Exporters
1 buyers tracked
Expert-Reviewed
By pharmaceutical trade specialists