How does the Union Budget 2026 aim to help patients with rare diseases?

The budget exempts customs duty on personal imports of medicines for seven rare diseases, aiming to reduce treatment costs and improve access to specialized therapies.

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Rare Disease Drugs Now Duty-Free for Personal Import

Q: What is the latest update on customs duty for rare disease medicines in India?

The Union Budget 2026-27 has exempted customs duty on medicines and specialized foods for seven rare diseases for personal imports, effective February 1, 2026.

Q: Which rare diseases are covered by the customs duty exemption in India's Union Budget 2026?

The exemption covers Congenital Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia, Familial Homozygous Hypercholesterolemia, Alpha Mannosidosis, Primary Hyperoxaluria, Cystinosis, Hereditary Angioedema, and Primary Immune Deficiency Disorders.

1 Feb

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Summary

Customs duty exemption for seven rare disease medicines is in effect.
This aims to lower treatment costs for personal imports.
The policy aligns with India's National Policy for Rare Diseases 2021.

Rare Disease Drugs Now Duty-Free for Personal Import

In a significant healthcare relief measure, the Union Budget 2026-27, presented on February 1, 2026, exempts customs duty on medicines and specialized foods for seven rare diseases when imported for personal use. This initiative aligns with the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD), 2021, aiming to alleviate the substantial cost burden faced by patients requiring specialized therapies often sourced internationally.

The exemption targets conditions such as Congenital Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia, Familial Homozygous Hypercholesterolemia, Alpha Mannosidosis, Primary Hyperoxaluria, Cystinosis, Hereditary Angioedema, and Primary Immune Deficiency Disorders. These diseases necessitate highly specialized treatments that are frequently expensive and unavailable domestically.

This fiscal measure is expected to significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients and their families. It complements existing efforts under the NPRD to strengthen rare disease centers and provide subsidized care, thereby enhancing access to life-saving drugs and improving overall healthcare equity for vulnerable populations in India.

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