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Schedule X

The most restricted class under the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, requiring a separate licence and register.

Schedule X covers a small set of psychotropic and habit-forming substances — barbiturates and certain stimulants among them. Handling them requires a separate licence, not merely the ordinary retail drug licence.

The obligations are stricter than Schedule H1 in three ways: the prescription must be in duplicate, with one copy retained by the pharmacy for two years; a dedicated Schedule X register is maintained; and the stock must be held in a securely locked cabinet with restricted access.

Schedule X is often confused with the NDPS Act. They are different legislation: Schedule X sits under the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, while the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act is separate and imposes its own additional requirements. Some substances fall under both, in which case both sets of obligations apply.

Requirements are enforced by state drug control authorities and differ between states. Confirm what applies to your own licence before stocking anything in this class.

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Related terms

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

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.