US exempts speciality drugs from tariffs on imports from India, 19 countries

The US will not charge any ad valorem tariff on certain speciality drugs and associated ingredients used for treatment of rare medical conditions imported from India and 19 other countries.The US commerce department published the list of countries in the Federal Register as it prepares to impose a 100% tariff on certain patented pharmaceutical imports and associated ingredients from Sept 29.On Apr 2, President Trump issued a proclamation to impose tariffs on imports of patented pharmaceuticals, biologics and associated ingredients into US as part of efforts to encourage domestic production.Eligible products for the zero per cent tariff rate include drugs designated for rare diseases, infertility treatments, cell therapies, gene therapies, antibody-drug conjugates and animal pharmaceuticals. Components of these drugs are subject to a zero per cent tariff rate.Generic pharma products and associated ingredients are not subject to Section 232 pharmaceutical tariffs, according to the commerce dept notice.