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Narcotic register

The dedicated record required for narcotic and psychotropic substances.

Substances controlled under the NDPS Act, and those in Schedule X of the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, require dedicated record-keeping beyond the ordinary sale record. The two regimes are separate legislation and some substances fall under both, in which case both sets of obligations apply.

Typical requirements include a bound register with consecutive entries, prescriptions retained for a prescribed period, secure locked storage with restricted access, and production of the records on inspection. Schedule X specifically requires the prescription in duplicate with one copy retained for two years.

The discipline is the same as for the Schedule H1 register but the consequences of failure are more serious, and the enforcement is not limited to the drug control authority.

Requirements differ by substance and by state. This is one area where a national summary is not sufficient — confirm the exact obligations for what you intend to stock with your state authority before stocking it.

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Related terms

Schedule XThe most restricted class under the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, requiring a separate licence and register. Schedule H1Prescription-only medicines that additionally require a dedicated register entry under Rule 65. Rule 65The rule in the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules 1945 setting out sale conditions and record-keeping. Drug licence (Form 20 / Form 21)The retail licence required to sell medicines in India, issued by the state authority.

All terms

Batch numberBreakage and damageCDSCOCGST, SGST and IGSTCold chainCredit noteDPCO (Drugs Prices Control Order)Drug licence (Form 20 / Form 21)Expiry returnFEFO (First Expiry First Out)Generic vs branded medicineGSTR-1GSTR-3BHSN codeInput tax credit (ITC)Loose sale (cut strip)MRP (Maximum Retail Price)Narcotic registerNear-expiry stockNPPAPack factor (units per pack)Pharmacist registrationPTR (Price to Retailer)PTS (Price to Stockist)Purchase invoiceRed-border warning labelReorder levelRetail vs wholesale drug licenceReturn to vendor (RTV)Rule 65Rx symbolSalt compositionSchedule HSchedule H1Schedule XScheme goods (free goods)Shortbook (short book)Stock rotationStockist

This glossary is a practical reference for Indian retail pharmacy, not legal, tax or clinical advice. Requirements under the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules are enforced by state drug control authorities and vary; GST treatment should be confirmed with your CA. Verify anything you intend to rely on against the current notified position. As of August 2026.