The Union Health Ministry has notified amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945, introducing stricter measures against applicants who submit fake or fabricated data in support of applications.

In a release issued on Thursday (August 6, 2026), it said that besides the existing enforcement provisions under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, the revised rules empower the licensing authority — either at the Centre or the respective State — to debar such entities from filing fresh applications for a specified period.

Until now, applicants found guilty of submitting fabricated data were liable to face only rejection of applications or cancellation of existing licences. The new provisions go a step further by imposing a temporary ban on future applications, aimed at deterring repeated violations.

“To ensure fairness, the amended rules mandate the issuance of a show-cause notice before any debarment order is passed. The provisions also include an appellate mechanism, allowing affected entities to challenge the decision,’’ said the release.

According to the Ministry, the amendments are intended to strengthen accountability among pharmaceutical applicants, discourage regulatory misconduct, and ensure that drug approvals are based on reliable and scientifically validated evidence.