Medical prescription from registered medical practitioner mandated for e-commerce platforms selling Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani drugs containing substances under Schedule E(1) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945

The Central Consumer Protection Authority ( “CCPA”) has prohibited E-commerce platforms from selling and facilitating any Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani drugs containing ingredients as listed in Schedule E (1) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 ( “D&C Rules”) without uploading a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner on the E-commerce platform.

Under Rule 161(2) of the D&C Rules, the container of the medicine meant for internal use for treatment of human ailments must be labelled conspicuously with the words “ Caution : To be taken under Medical Supervision” both in English and Hindi language if it is made from any substance specified in Schedule E(1).

Necessary action under provisions of Consumer Protection Act, 2019 will be taken if it is found that the list of drugs under Schedule E (1) are offered for sale on the E-Commerce platform in violation to the legal framework.

A copy of the Advisory is attached herewith for ease of reference.

Source: Department of Consumer Affairs