The drug controlling authority specified under the Drugs and Cosmetic Act provides the drug licence. The drug controlling authorities (regulating authorities) are as follows:
State Drugs Standard Control Organisation (SDSCO) - Issues licenses for the sales, distribution, and manufacture of drugs regulated by the state authorities.
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) - Responsible for approving the newly made drugs and clinical trials of drugs. It also controls the quality of the imported drugs and coordinates with the SDSCO.
State Drug Controlling Authority with approval by the Central License Approving Authority - Issues licenses for establishing blood banks and their components and products like Vaccines, Sera, etc.
Department of Ayush - Issues licenses for ayurvedic, Unani, Siddha, homoeopathic and herbal products for cosmetic and medical use.