The Revamped Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (RPTUAS) is a flagship initiative under the Strengthening of Pharmaceuticals Industry (SPI) program, launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India. This scheme aims to support MSME pharmaceutical manufacturers in upgrading their production facilities to meet national and international quality standards, ensuring global competitiveness in drug exports and compliance with import-related regulatory requirements.
For India’s pharmaceutical exporters and importers, RPTUAS provides critical financial assistance in modernizing infrastructure, enabling compliance with WHO-GMP, Schedule M, and global regulatory certifications.
Key Objectives
Promote high-quality, safe, and stable drug production for both domestic and international markets.
Support pharmaceutical MSMEs in technology upgradation and compliance with global regulatory standards.
Enhance India’s role as a leading exporter of affordable and reliable medicines.
Provide capital investment subsidy to ensure long-term sustainability of the pharma sector.
Eligibility Criteria
Pharmaceutical manufacturing units can apply for the scheme if they meet the following conditions:
Must be an existing MSME pharma unit with operations for at least the last three years.
Investments made for upgradation after 01.01.2024 are eligible.
Units must show an average turnover as specified by the scheme guidelines.
Both imported and domestically purchased machinery are eligible. For imported machinery, customs duty, other related charges, and GST are included in the eligible investment.
Eligible Activities
Utilities (water, steam, HVAC systems)
Clean Room facilities
Testing laboratories and stability chambers
Effluent treatment and waste management
Production equipment
Consultation and certification expenses
Any other activity recommended by the Technical Committee
Benefits of RPTUAS for Importers & Exporters
Capital subsidy of maximum ₹2 crore per company.
Support for compliance with WHO-GMP & Schedule M, essential for exports.
Inclusion of imported machinery costs (with duties & GST) under subsidy eligibility.
Enhanced ability to access regulated markets like US, EU, and WHO-prequalified supply chains.
Strengthened trust with global importers, improving India’s export footprint.
Step-by-Step Application & Approval Process
Step 1: Online application submission with detailed gap analysis. Step 2: Evaluation by Project Management Consultant (PMC). Step 3: Shortlisted applicant submits Revised Schedule M certificate and CA-certified expenditure proof. Step 4:1st Instalment (50% of subsidy, max ₹1 crore) released after SSC approval. Step 5: Applicant submits WHO-GMP certificate and updated CA-certified expenditure. Step 6:2nd Instalment (remaining 50%, up to ₹1 crore) released.
The entire process is monitored by the Scheme Steering Committee (SSC) and the PMC.
WHO-GMP – World Health Organization – Good Manufacturing Practices
CA – Chartered Accountant
MSME – Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises
PLI Scheme – Production Linked Incentive Scheme
Conclusion – How STAR GROUP Can Assist
Navigating the RPTUAS application and compliance process requires expert knowledge of DGFT, customs, and pharma regulations. Many MSMEs face challenges in documentation, certification, and subsidy claim verification.
At STAR GROUP, we specialize in assisting pharmaceutical importers and exporters with:
End-to-end application support for RPTUAS
Compliance with Schedule M and WHO-GMP requirements
Documentation, certification, and CA verification assistance
Customs duty, GST, and import-related compliance
With STAR GROUP’s expertise, pharma businesses can seamlessly access RPTUAS benefits, enhance export readiness, and achieve global competitiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a government scheme under the Department of Pharmaceuticals to provide capital subsidies to MSME pharma units for technology upgradation.
Any existing MSME pharmaceutical manufacturing unit with at least three years of operations.
Only investments made after 01 January 2024 are eligible.
maximum ₹2 crore per company, released in two equal installments.
Yes. The cost including customs duty, GST, and related charges is considered eligible.
Revised Schedule M certificate and WHO-GMP certificate.
The Project Management Consultant (PMC) and the Scheme Steering Committee (SSC).
In two installments: 50% after Revised Schedule M, and 50% after WHO-GMP certification.
No. Assets cannot be disposed of or diverted for at least five years.
Yes. All applications must be submitted online in the prescribed form.
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