To enhance ease of doing business and simplify regulatory processes for medical device manufacturers and importers, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has upgraded its online system for issuing Market Standing Certificate (MSC) and Non-Conviction Certificate (NCC). These certificates are essential for overseas regulatory submissions, tenders, and other statutory compliances. Traditionally, applicants had to file requests manually through the online portal, which would then undergo scrutiny by the Central Licensing Authority (CLA) before issuance. 

This cumbersome process often led to delays and compliance bottlenecks. To address these concerns, CDSCO has rolled out a new workflow that enables auto-generation of MSC and NCC for medical devices licensed by the CLA. This digitised enhancement aims to reduce human intervention, improve turnaround times, and bring uniformity to certificate issuance. 

Detailed Comparison of Provisions 

Amendments and Their Implementation 

• All MSC and NCC requests in the old workflow will be automatically rejected by the system as part of the transition. 

• Applicants must resubmit fresh applications for MSC and NCC through the new automated workflow from April 09, 2025. 

• The auto-generation will be based on already issued licences under the CLA, eliminating the need for further documentation or approval. 

Advantages of the Amendments 

• Faster Turnaround: Significantly reduces processing time for certificate issuance. 

• Improved Efficiency: Less administrative burden on CDSCO and applicants. 

• Transparency and Consistency: Automated decision-making ensures uniform treatment of similar applications. 

• Digital Compliance Push: Aligns with India’s broader vision of single-window and paperless regulatory governance. 

Implications and Future Prospects 

• Immediate Impact: Stakeholders must adapt to the revised system and resubmit applications, which may initially cause a short-term surge in portal activity. 

• Regulatory Assurance: Automated certificate issuance reduces the chances of subjectivity or delays in processing. 

Conclusion 

This move marks a progressive step in India’s medical device regulatory landscape. By automating the issuance of crucial compliance documents like MSC and NCC, CDSCO is reducing red tape and reinforcing a trust-based system driven by pre-validated licensing data. Stakeholders should act promptly by resubmitting applications under the new system and ensure familiarity with the upgraded digital interface.