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.

FAQs

Q1. What is RPTUAS?
It is a government scheme under the Department of Pharmaceuticals to provide capital subsidies to MSME pharma units for technology upgradation.

Q2. Who can apply for RPTUAS?
Any existing MSME pharmaceutical manufacturing unit with at least three years of operations.

Q3. From when are the investments eligible?
Only investments made after 01 January 2024 are eligible.

Q4. What is the maximum subsidy amount?
maximum ₹2 crore per company, released in two equal installments.

Q5. Are imported machines eligible under this scheme?
Yes. The cost including customs duty, GST, and related charges is considered eligible.

Q6. Which certificates are mandatory?
Revised Schedule M certificate and WHO-GMP certificate.

Q7. Who verifies the application and expenditure?
The Project Management Consultant (PMC) and the Scheme Steering Committee (SSC).

Q8. How is the subsidy released?
In two installments: 50% after Revised Schedule M, and 50% after WHO-GMP certification.

Q9. Can the assets purchased under the scheme be sold?
No. Assets cannot be disposed of or diverted for at least five years.

Q10. Is online application mandatory?
Yes. All applications must be submitted online in the prescribed form.

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.