India, June 17 -- The measure is expected to promote responsible distribution and sale of cough syrups while ensuring greater compliance with regulatory standards across the country. - Union Ministry of Health and Family welfare

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has tightened rules related to sale of cough syrups in the country. The amendment, called the Drugs (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2026, was published in the official gazette and removes the word "syrup" from Entry No. 13 of Schedule K of the Drugs Rules, 1945, to end the exemption allowing cough syrups to be sold in small villages without full retail licensing.

Schedule K gives certain drugs exemptions from rules, but only under specific conditions. This update brings t...