In a notable step towards strengthening the country's veterinary biological testing infrastructure, the Government of India has notified amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945, expanding the functions of the Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) at the Chaudhary Charan Singh–National Institute of Animal Health (CCS-NIAH), Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, for veterinary vaccine testing. The amendments have been notified vide Gazette Notification G.S.R. 65(E), dated the 28th January, 2026 in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, section 3, sub-section (i) under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

The notification is in line with the Government's ongoing efforts to augment vaccine and biological testing capacity in the country and further strengthen the regulatory framework for ensuring the quality, safety and efficacy of veterinary vaccines.

Prior to this amendment, CCS-NIAH was notified for testing only two veterinary vaccines. With the latest notification, the scope of testing at the institute has been substantially expanded, enabling it to test 42 veterinary vaccines. These include vaccines used for the prevention and control of diseases such as Canine Distemper, Canine Coronavirus, Duck Plague, Fowl Pox, Salmonella and Tetanus, among others, affecting dogs, horses, poultry and other livestock.

The enhanced testing capacity at CCS-NIAH is expected to facilitate improved ease of import and regulatory clearance of veterinary biologicals, while significantly strengthening the national quality assurance system for veterinary vaccines. The expanded mandate will also help reduce testing timelines and improve turnaround time for manufacturers.

India is among the leading producers of veterinary vaccines globally. The expansion of testing facilities at CCS-NIAH will support the growth of the veterinary vaccine sector, promote timely availability of quality-assured vaccines, and contribute to safeguarding animal health and livestock productivity across the country.

The e-Gazette notification can be accessed at: https://egazette.gov.in/WriteReadData/2026/273682.pdf

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HFW/ Union Health Ministry Notifies expansion of CDL /20 June 2026/2

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