Revamped Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (RPTUAS)

October 06, 2025

Introduction

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.

Documents Required

Online application form (prescribed format)

Gap analysis report

Revised Schedule M certificate

WHO-GMP certificate

Chartered Accountant (CA) certified expenditure report

Proof of investment in eligible activities

Any additional compliance documents requested by PMC/SSC

Advantages of RPTUAS

Facilitates compliance with global drug import regulations.

Enables access to international pharmaceutical markets.

Reduces financial burden on MSMEs by covering customs duty & GST for imported machinery.

Improves India’s competitiveness as a pharmaceutical export hub.

Supports environment-friendly practices through effluent treatment and waste management.

Recent Updates

The revised scheme guidelines came into effect from 01 January 2024.

Subsidy disbursement linked strictly with Schedule M and WHO-GMP certifications.

Online application facility introduced for ease of access.

Glossary

RPTUAS – Revamped Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme

SPI – Strengthening of Pharmaceuticals Industry

PMC – Project Management Consultant

SSC – Scheme Steering Committee

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.