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Manufacturing Licences in India

India's manufacturing licence framework splits authority between CDSCO (Class C/D) and State Licensing Authorities / SLAs (Class A/B).

Manufacturing licence types

FormPurposeIssuing authority
Form MD-5New manufacturing licenceCDSCO (Class C/D) or SLA (Class A/B)
Form MD-9Loan / contract manufacturingCDSCO or SLA

Key requirements

  • Premises must comply with Schedule 5 GMP requirements;
  • Technical staff qualifications as specified in MDR 2017;
  • Full quality system documentation;
  • CDSCO/SLA inspection prior to grant of licence.

Official source: Medical Devices Rules 2017, Chapter IV; CDSCO

Loan Manufacturing Definition:

Loan (contract) manufacturing allows a licensed manufacturer to produce devices for another entity. Form MD-9 is used for such arrangements. Both the licensee and the contract manufacturer must maintain full traceability and quality documentation. The contract manufacturer assumes responsibility for GMP compliance during production, while the licensee remains responsible for product quality and regulatory compliance.