Colchicine Export Market Intelligence: India's 177 Suppliers Shipping to 85 Countries — TransData Nexus 2026

Q: Who are the top colchicine exporters from India?

The top colchicine exporters from India are: 1. ALKEM LABORATORIES LIMITED — $8.6M (40.8% market share); 2. ANNORA PHARMA PRIVATE LIMITED — $2.1M (10.2% market share); 3. BRAWN LABORATORIES LIMITED — $1.6M (7.6% market share); 4. STRIDES PHARMA SCIENCE LIMITED — $1.3M (6.2% market share); 5. PAR FORMULATIONS PRIVATE LIMITED — $1.3M (6.1% market share). Together they account for 71.0% of India's total colchicine export value.

Q: What is the total export value of colchicine from India?

The total export value of colchicine from India is $21.1M USD, recorded across 1,739 shipment transactions from 177 active exporters to 85 destination countries. The average shipment value is $12.1K.

Q: Which countries import colchicine from India?

India exports colchicine to 85 countries worldwide. The top importing countries are: UNITED STATES (64.9% share, $13.7M), PHILIPPINES (6.1% share, $1.3M), VIETNAM (5.8% share, $1.2M), UNITED KINGDOM (5.4% share, $1.1M), SOUTH AFRICA (3.3% share, $702.6K). These five markets account for 85.6% of total export value.

Q: What is the HS code for colchicine exports from India?

The primary HS code for colchicine exports from India is 30049099. This 8-digit classification falls under Chapter 30 (pharmaceutical products) of the Harmonized System and is used by Indian Customs (DGFT) for tracking and reporting pharmaceutical trade flows.

Q: What is the average price of colchicine exports from India?

The average unit price for colchicine exports from India is $5.18 USD per unit, with prices ranging from $0.01 to $4505.81 depending on formulation, packaging, and order volume. The total market is valued at $21.1M across 1,739 shipments.

Q: Which ports handle colchicine exports from India?

The primary ports for colchicine exports from India are SAHAR AIR (17.6% of shipments), DELHI AIR CARGO ACC (INDEL4) (16.8% of shipments), SAHAR AIR CARGO ACC (INBOM4) (12.9% of shipments), DELHI AIR (10.8% of shipments), NHAVA SHEVA SEA (INNSA1) (5.8% of shipments). These ports have dedicated pharmaceutical cargo infrastructure ensuring cold-chain and regulatory compliance during transit.

Q: Why is India a leading exporter of colchicine?

India is one of the world's leading exporters of colchicine due to its large base of 177 WHO-GMP and US FDA approved manufacturers, significantly lower production costs compared to Western markets, well-established API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) supply chains, and strong government support for pharmaceutical exports through the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil). India exports colchicine to 85 countries, demonstrating 44% global market coverage.

Q: What certifications do Indian colchicine exporters need?

Indian colchicine exporters typically require WHO-GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification for most regulated markets, US FDA approval for exports to the United States, EU GMP certification for European markets, and country-specific regulatory approvals for markets in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Additional certifications may include ISO 9001, Schedule M compliance under Indian drug laws, and Free Sale Certificates issued by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).

Q: How many buyers import colchicine from India?

There are 320 registered buyers importing colchicine from India, spread across 85 countries. The repeat buyer rate is 50.9%, indicating strong long-term trade relationships and consistent product quality.

Q: What is the market share of the top colchicine supplier from India?

ALKEM LABORATORIES LIMITED is the leading colchicine exporter from India with a market share of 40.8% and total export value of $8.6M across 34 shipments. The top 5 suppliers together control 71.0% of total export value.

Suresh Sormare

Colchicine

India Pharmaceutical Trade Intelligence

$21.1M177 Suppliers85 CountriesHS 30049099

ExportsIndia → UNITED STATES64.9%India → PHILIPPINES6.1%

ImportsSOUTH AFRICA → India$23.5K GERMANY → India$1.7K

#1 Supplier: ALKEM LABORATORIES #1 Buyer: ASCEND LABORATORIES,LLC

Colchicine Export Analysis | India Pharmaceutical Trade Intelligence | TransData Nexus

How India Exports Colchicine to the World

Between 2022 and 2026, India exported $21.1M worth of colchicine across 1,739 verified shipments to 85 countries — covering 44% of world markets in the Lipid & Metabolism segment. The largest destination is UNITED STATES (64.9%). ALKEM LABORATORIES LIMITED leads with a 40.8% share. All figures are drawn from Indian Customs (DGFT) shipping bill records spanning four years of trade activity.

Source: Indian Customs (DGFT)·Published March 2026·Updated March 2026·

Colchicine export data from India — top exporters, importing countries, pricing and trade statistics compiled by TransData Nexus — Colchicine export data snapshot — $21.1M · 177 exporters · 85 countriesTransData Nexus · Indian Customs Data

Top Colchicine Exporters from India

177 active exporters · Ranked by export value

View all 177 →

Top Colchicine Exporters from India — Ranked by Export Value
#	Supplier Name	Export Value (USD)	Shipments	Countries	Market Share
1	ALKEM LABORATORIES LIMITED	$8.6M	34	2	40.8%
2	ANNORA PHARMA PRIVATE LIMITED

Top Countries Importing Colchicine from India

85 destination markets · Ranked by import value

All 85 countries →

Top Countries Importing Colchicine from India — Ranked by Import Value
#	Country	Import Value (USD)	Market Share
1	UNITED STATES	$13.7M	64.9%
2	PHILIPPINES	$1.3M	6.1%
3	VIETNAM	$1.2M	5.8%
4	UNITED KINGDOM	$1.1M	5.4%
5	SOUTH AFRICA	$702.6K	3.3%
6	NETHERLANDS	$456.2K	2.2%
7	UNITED ARAB EMIRATES	$424.6K	2.0%
8	SOUTH KOREA	$416.2K	2.0%
9	POLAND	$276.4K	1.3%
10	CZECH REPUBLIC	$191.1K	0.9%

UNITED STATES is India's largest colchicine export destination, absorbing 64.9% of total exports worth $13.7M. The top 5 importing countries — UNITED STATES, PHILIPPINES, VIETNAM, UNITED KINGDOM, SOUTH AFRICA — together account for 85.6% of India's total colchicine export value. The remaining 80 destination countries collectively receive the other 14.4%, indicating a broadly diversified export footprint across multiple regions.

Who Supplies Colchicine to India?

5 origin countries · Total import value: $27.2K

India imports colchicine from 5 countries with a combined import value of $27.2K. The largest supplier is SOUTH AFRICA ($23.5K, 10 shipments), followed by GERMANY and ITALY. All values are from Indian Customs (DGFT) import records.

Countries Supplying Colchicine to India — Ranked by Import Value
#	Origin Country	Import Value (USD)	Shipments	Share
1	SOUTH AFRICA	$23.5K	10	86.6%
2	GERMANY	$1.7K	2	6.1%
3	ITALY	$1.1K	1	3.9%
4	UNITED STATES	$899	5	3.3%
5	TURKEY	$0	2	0.0%

SOUTH AFRICA is the largest supplier of colchicine to India, accounting for 86.6% of total import value. The top 5 origin countries — SOUTH AFRICA, GERMANY, ITALY, UNITED STATES, TURKEY — together supply 100.0% of India's colchicine imports. Click any country to see detailed supplier and buyer data for that import corridor.

Regulatory Landscape — Colchicine

Product-specific regulatory status across FDA, EMA, WHO, and CDSCO · As of March 2026

1FDA & US Market Regulatory Status

In the United States, colchicine is approved for the treatment of gout and familial Mediterranean fever. The FDA approved the New Drug Application (NDA) for Colcrys (colchicine, USP) tablets 0.6 mg on July 30, 2009. Subsequently, the FDA granted orphan drug designation to colchicine for the treatment of familial Mediterranean fever on September 25, 2007, with marketing approval on July 29, 2009. The exclusivity period for this indication ended on July 29, 2016.

The FDA has also approved generic versions of colchicine. For instance, Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc. received approval for Colchicine Tablets USP, 0.3 mg, on July 19, 2019. As of March 2026, there are multiple approved Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs) for colchicine, indicating a competitive market landscape.

Given that 64.9% of India's colchicine exports are directed to the United States, it is imperative for Indian exporters to ensure compliance with FDA regulations, including adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and bioequivalence requirements.

2EU & UK Regulatory Framework

In the European Union, colchicine is subject to marketing authorization by national competent authorities. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has issued product-specific bioequivalence guidance for colchicine tablets (0.5 mg and 1 mg), with the latest revision effective January 1, 2026. (ema.europa.eu) This guidance outlines the requirements for demonstrating bioequivalence, which is crucial for the approval of generic formulations.

The EMA also conducts periodic safety update report single assessments (PSUSAs) for colchicine. The most recent assessment, procedure number PSUSA/00000858/202307, resulted in a maintenance outcome, indicating no significant changes to the product's safety profile as of July 2023. (ema.europa.eu)

In the United Kingdom, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) oversees the authorization of medicinal products, including colchicine. Post-Brexit, the UK has established its own regulatory framework, and Indian exporters must ensure compliance with MHRA requirements to access the UK market.

3WHO Essential Medicines & Global Standards

Colchicine is included in the World Health Organization's (WHO) Model List of Essential Medicines, underscoring its importance in global health. The inclusion in the list signifies that colchicine is considered essential for addressing key health needs.

Regarding pharmacopoeial standards, colchicine is monographed in major pharmacopoeias, including the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), British Pharmacopoeia (BP), European Pharmacopoeia (EP), and Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP). Compliance with these standards is essential for ensuring the quality and efficacy of colchicine products in various markets.

4India Regulatory Classification

In India, colchicine is classified as a Schedule H drug under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, indicating that it is a prescription-only medication. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) regulates the pricing of essential medicines; however, as of March 2026, colchicine is not listed under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), and thus, its price is not subject to government-mandated ceilings.

For export purposes, Indian manufacturers must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and ensure compliance with the importing country's regulatory requirements.

5Patent & Exclusivity Status

The primary patent for Colcrys (colchicine) expired on July 29, 2016, ending the exclusivity period for the treatment of familial Mediterranean fever. This expiration has led to increased generic competition in the market, providing opportunities for Indian exporters to supply colchicine to various countries.

6Recent Industry Developments

In April 2025, the FDA granted orphan drug designation to colchicine for the treatment of pericarditis, indicating ongoing interest in expanding its therapeutic applications.

In July 2025, the EMA adopted a revised product-specific bioequivalence guidance for colchicine tablets, effective January 1, 2026, reflecting updated regulatory expectations for generic formulations. (ema.europa.eu)

In July 2023, the EMA completed a periodic safety update report single assessment (PSUSA/00000858/202307) for colchicine, resulting in a maintenance outcome, indicating no significant changes to the product's safety profile. (ema.europa.eu)

These developments highlight the dynamic regulatory environment surrounding colchicine, emphasizing the need for exporters to stay informed and compliant with evolving standards.

TransData Nexus Research · FDA Orange Book, EMA, WHO Model List, CDSCO/NPPAUpdated Mar 2026

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Global Price Benchmark — Colchicine

Retail & reference prices across 9 markets vs. India FOB export price of $5.18/unit

Global Price Benchmark for Colchicine across major pharmaceutical markets
Market	Price (USD/unit)	Currency	Reference
United States	$0.15834	USD	According to the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) data effective October 2025, the average wholesale price for Colchicine 500 mcg tablets is $0.15834 per unit.
United Kingdom	Approximately $1.05	GBP	Colchicine 500 mcg tablets are available in the UK market at an average price of £0.79 per tablet.
Germany	Approximately $0.93	EUR	Colchicine 500 mcg tablets are available in the German market at an average price of €0.85 per tablet.
Australia

Supply Chain Risk Assessment — Colchicine

API sourcing, concentration risk, storage requirements, and current alerts

MEDIUM RISK

1API Sourcing & Raw Material Dependency

Colchicine, a critical pharmaceutical compound, is predominantly manufactured in India. However, the production of its Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) heavily relies on Key Starting Materials (KSMs) sourced from China. This dependency is part of a broader trend where approximately 70% of India's APIs are imported from China, underscoring a significant supply chain vulnerability.

The reliance on Chinese KSMs has led to supply disruptions in the past. For instance, in 2024, environmental regulatory actions in China resulted in the shutdown of numerous chemical factories, causing a substantial increase in the prices of essential KSMs. This, in turn, escalated the production costs for Indian pharmaceutical manufacturers. Such incidents highlight the risks associated with over-dependence on a single country for critical raw materials.

2Supplier Concentration & Single-Source Risk

The export market for Colchicine from India is notably concentrated. The top five exporters account for 71.0% of the total export value, with ALKEM LABORATORIES LIMITED alone contributing 40.8%. This high concentration poses a single-source risk, where disruptions affecting these key players could significantly impact global supply.

To mitigate such risks, the Indian government introduced the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in 2024, aiming to bolster domestic API and KSM production. By October 2024, two greenfield plants were inaugurated under this scheme to manufacture essential molecules like Penicillin G and Clavulanic Acid, marking a step towards reducing import dependence. However, the effectiveness of this initiative in diversifying the supplier base for Colchicine remains to be fully realized.

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Frequently Asked Questions — Colchicine Exports from India

Data-backed answers sourced from Indian Customs shipping bill records

Who are the top colchicine exporters from India?

The leading colchicine exporters from India are ALKEM LABORATORIES LIMITED, ANNORA PHARMA PRIVATE LIMITED, BRAWN LABORATORIES LIMITED, and 12 others. ALKEM LABORATORIES LIMITED leads with 40.8% market share ($8.6M). The top 5 suppliers together control 71.0% of total export value.

What is the total export value of colchicine from India?

The total export value of colchicine from India is $21.1M, recorded across 1,739 shipments from 177 active exporters to 85 countries. The average shipment value is $12.1K.

Which countries import colchicine from India?

India exports colchicine to 85 countries. The top importing countries are UNITED STATES (64.9%), PHILIPPINES (6.1%), VIETNAM (5.8%), UNITED KINGDOM (5.4%), SOUTH AFRICA (3.3%), which together account for 85.6% of total export value.

What is the HS code for colchicine exports from India?

The primary HS code for colchicine exports from India is 30049099. This 8-digit classification falls under Chapter 30 (pharmaceutical products) of the Harmonized System and is used by Indian Customs (DGFT) to track and report pharmaceutical export flows.

Official References & Regulatory Resources

Research Methodology & Data Transparency

Suresh Sormare

Verified Author

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/sureshsormare

Primary Data Source

All 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.

Colchicine

Colchicine

Top Colchicine Exporters from India

Top Countries Importing Colchicine from India

Who Supplies Colchicine to India?

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Regulatory Landscape — Colchicine

1FDA & US Market Regulatory Status

2EU & UK Regulatory Framework

3WHO Essential Medicines & Global Standards

4India Regulatory Classification

5Patent & Exclusivity Status

6Recent Industry Developments

Global Price Benchmark — Colchicine

Supply Chain Risk Assessment — Colchicine

1API Sourcing & Raw Material Dependency

2Supplier Concentration & Single-Source Risk

Access Complete Colchicine Trade Intelligence

Frequently Asked Questions — Colchicine Exports from India

Who are the top colchicine exporters from India?

What is the total export value of colchicine from India?

Which countries import colchicine from India?

What is the HS code for colchicine exports from India?

Official References & Regulatory Resources

Research Methodology & Data Transparency

Suresh Sormare

Primary Data Source

India Cost Advantage

3Geopolitical & Shipping Disruptions

4Risk Mitigation Recommendations

What is the average price of colchicine exports from India?

Which ports handle colchicine exports from India?

Why is India a leading exporter of colchicine?

What certifications do Indian colchicine exporters need?

How many buyers import colchicine from India?

What is the market share of the top colchicine exporter from India?

Analysis Methodology