ACTION ITEMS FOR SIDMA MEMBERS

Immediate (next 2-4 weeks)

1. Confirm presence at PharmmaEx 2026 – Coimbatore (20-21 Feb 2026) as visitor or exhibitor.
2. Validate and, if relevant, send delegates to Indian Pharma Fair 2026 – Chennai (Feb 2026) and Puducherry multi‑sector fair (1st week March).

Policy, compliance and export‑control actions

1. Update internal SOPs for MDR/CDSCO reforms:

• Incorporate the new Neutral Code auto‑generation for export consignments and the Subsequent Importer pathway into export and import workflows, so sales teams stop relying on legacy manual processes.​
• Map product portfolios to risk‑based MDR classes (A-D) and ensure device files, QMS and testing dossiers reflect the 2025 classification and labelling expectations.

2. Rework labelling and packaging for devices to align with the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 amendments that shift medical‑device packaging squarely under MDR labelling.

• This avoids conflicting LMPC vs MDR requirements and should be built into artwork approval, packaging‑line checks and distributor training.​

3. Run an internal SCOMET/export‑control audit for any potentially dual‑use items (advanced imaging, high‑precision sensors, specialised lab/process equipment):

• Use the outcomes and “Handbook on India’s Strategic Trade Control System” released at NCSTC 2026 as a reference for classification, licence triggers, and red‑flag indicators.
• Nominate 1-2 compliance leads per large SIDMA member to watch DGFT outreach notices (e.g., Chennai SCOMET outreach 2025) and attend future NCSTC or regional sessions.

4. Cross‑check BIS/NABL alignment for any in‑house or partner labs and for devices requiring BIS standards:

• Use recent guidance on CDSCO/BIS/NABL updates (risk classification, testing standards, accreditation expectations) to plug gaps that could block tenders or exports.​

Export & international‑growth actions

1. Evaluate participation in analytica 2026 – Munich (24-27 Mar 2026) as a pure export‑play trip for higher‑end lab/biotech instruments.
2. Coordinate with medical‑device parks and state agencies (UP, TN, MP, HP) for joint branding, testbed access, and cluster‑based proposals when exhibiting at large fairs such as India Pharma Expo, Pharma India Expo, Medical Fair India, CPhI/PMEC.

EVENT CALENDAR AT A GLANCE

Dates (ISO)	Status vs today (2026‑02‑16)	Event	Location	Primary focus
2026-02-03 – 2026-02-06	Past (last 2 weeks)	ChemTECH World Expo 2026	Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, India	Chemicals, biopharma, EPC, process industries, automation, lab analytics, corrosion & QA equipment.
2026-02-09 – 2026-02-12	Past (last week)	World Health Expo (WHX, ex‑Arab Health) 2026	Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE	Global medical devices, hospital equipment, diagnostics, healthcare IT; strong India Pavilion and export focus.
2026-02-20 – 2026-02-21	Imminent (within 7 days)	PharmmaEx 2026	CODISSIA Trade Fair Complex, Coimbatore, India	PCD pharma franchise & third‑party manufacturing; high‑density pharma business audience.
2026-02-XX (Feb 2026)	Upcoming (Feb, exact TBD)	Indian Pharma Fair 2026	Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai, India	Regional pharma brands & healthcare services; good for diagnostics, consumables, small lab devices.
2026-03-01 – 2026-03-07 (week)	Upcoming (early March; exact TBD)	Puducherry multi‑sector trade fair (chemicals/pharma focus)	Puducherry, India	Chemicals, pharma, cosmetics, handicrafts; broader but with pharma/chemicals buyer presence.
2026-04-22 – 2026-04-24	Slightly beyond 60‑day SIDMA window (near‑term major)	analytica Lab India 2026 – Mumbai edition	Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, India	International lab technology, analytical instruments, biotech, diagnostics, lab automation.
2026-04-23 – 2026-04-25	Slightly beyond 60‑day SIDMA window (near‑term major)	India Pharma Expo 2026	HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad, India	International pharma, healthcare and tech; strong in pharma machinery, lab instruments, digital health.
2026-04-24 – 2026-04-26	Slightly beyond 60‑day SIDMA window (near‑term major)	16th Medical Expo India 2026	Gujarat (exact city TBC)	B2B medical equipment, diagnostics, lab devices and hospital infrastructure for western India.