Central Drugs Standard Control Organization

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization is the national regulatory body for Indian pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and serves parallel function to the European Medicines Agency of the European Union, the PMDA of Japan and the Food and Drug Administration of the United States.

Within the CDSCO, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) regulates pharmaceutical and medical devices, under the gamut of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The DCGI is advised by the Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) and the Drug Consultative Committee (DCC). It is divided into zonal offices which do pre-licensing and post-licensing inspections, post-market surveillance, and recalls when needed.

Though they have a good track record with the World Health Organization, they have also been accused of past collusion with independent medical experts and pharmaceutical companies. They plan to open international offices in Beijing, China.