In a strategic move to bolster the support system for Indian pharmaceutical exporters, the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) has appointed two honorary advisors to assist member companies on critical regulatory matters concerning the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Goods and Services Tax (GST), and Customs procedures.

The initiative, spearheaded by Pharmexcil chairman Namit Joshi and vice chairman Bhavin Mehta, is part of a broader agenda to streamline the export operations and help update on evolving trade regulations. This is also aimed at strengthening the council’s advisory and compliance support ecosystem. It will also help respond to increasing complexities in export documentation, taxation, and customs clearance faced by pharma exporters.

Pharmexcil has appointed two industry experts as honorary advisors: Mihir Shah – Advisor for FTP & DGFT matters. He can be contacted at advisor-dgftmatters@pharmexcil.com. T Chakrapani – Advisor for GST & Customs-related issues. He can be contacted at advisor-gstcustoms@pharmexcil.com.

The advisors will offer expert counsel on DGFT policies and export documentation requirements, GST compliance and Input Tax Credit (ITC) related concerns, customs clearance processes and procedural bottlenecks.

Members can submit their queries via email with the appropriate subject line. Depending on the complexity of the query, responses are expected within 24 to 48 hours.

T. Chakrapani, a seasoned professional with over 35 years of distinguished service in the field of indirect taxation, has an expertise in customs, central excise, service tax, and GST. He retired as Superintendent from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India. As a retired Officer from the Department of Indirect Taxation, he has been instrumental in shaping and implementing tax policies and ensuring compliance during his tenure. Chakrapani has been a prominent visiting faculty member at the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics (NACIN), the premier training institute for departmental officers. Post retirement, Chakrapani established a law firm (La Tax Associates) specializing in indirect taxation matters.

Mihir Shah offers Consultancy and Advisory services in relation to Foreign Trade Policy, GST, Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Customs, and other allied subjects related to Export and Import Business. As a Trainer, he provides training in the field of International Business covering various topics from basic setup, marketing, Government Incentives, International Trade Agreements and GST for Foreign Trade.

"This is a step towards streamlining regulatory support and offering timely, expert guidance to our exporters," said K. Raja Bhanu, Director General (DG) of Pharmexcil. He emphasized that the initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of Indian pharmaceutical exports by addressing common procedural and compliance challenges.

“This dedicated advisory support will help exporters navigate evolving trade regulations and minimize delays due to documentation or compliance errors,” added Bhanu.

Pharmexcil has urged all member companies to leverage this facility to optimize their export operations and stay informed about regulatory developments. Pharmexcil operates under the ministry of commerce and industry, Government of India, for the promotion and regulation of pharmaceutical exports.