New Delhi: The Ministry of Health is ready to deregulate the sale of ordinary domestic liquid antiseptics, with a new policy in the works to alleviate wholesale license requirements for these products.
At present, only retail sale of antiseptics purchased from licensed wholesalers are exempt from licensing, two officials and documents were reviewed by a coin.
Household antiseptics are those used to clean wounds or disinfect surfaces at home, such as Dettol and Savlon.
The aim of this proposed change, supported by the Advisory Committee for Drugs (DCC), is to make hygienic products for consumers more affordable and easier access to access. It will also be beneficial companies that produce and sell liquid antiseptics, which are often used in homes for first aid on live tissues and historically face stricter regulations.
This step comes in the background of the center plan to allow drug sales without regulations in the neighborhood stores.
Discussed
The discussion of this matter was held at the 66th Consulting Committee for Drugs (DCC), which took place last month by the chairman of the drug controller in India (DCGI).
There is currently a difference in how antiseptics and disinfectants are treated. While the disinfectants, usually used for general purification purposes, are usually exempt from requiring special sales licenses, antiseptics that are specially designed for application to living tissues, have always been more regulated.
“This problem will be wiped off with regard to 2022 to facilitate the purchase of domestic liquid antiseptics. They were allowed to sell without a special retail license if they were purchased from a licensed wholesaler or manufacturer.
In May 2025, there was also a meeting with pharmaceutical companies and associations to move the matter forward.
A brighter approach
The official said that the government has proposed a clearer approach, ie it will divide the antiseptics into two main groups. One of the groups would be the antiseptics of “household/daily use” and the other would be the antiseptics of the “hospital class”.
“The idea is that the stronger version of the hospital stage would still be sold only in licensed medical stores. But everyday household antiseptics could be sold in regular stores, like other common household items,” added the clerk.
“The proposal of the rule was even prepared to change existing regulations. However, the Ministry recommended to obtain more contributions from various stakeholders and further discuss it,” said the second official who would.
“DTAB will now consider all these points and issue its recommendations on this matter. If it was approved, it could mean that picking up a bottle of domestic antiseptics could become as straightforward as buying other daily needs from local trade,” the clerk added.
Krishna Khatwani, Sales Head (India), Godrej Consumer Products LTD said that dedicated antiseptic brands may benefit from increased division after deregulation.
Questions sent by spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, DCGI and antiseptic manufacturers ITC, Reckitt, Apollo Pharmacy and Hul remained unanswered.
(Tagstotranslate) Antiseptics of household liquid
