The Drug & Cosmetic Act was passed in 1940 with the objective of regulating the import, manufacture, distribution, and sale of drugs and cosmetics in India. The Act aims to prevent the import and manufacture of substandard or spurious drugs. It provides for control over the sale and distribution of drugs by trained persons and regulates Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani, and Homeopathic drugs. The Act also regulates import, manufacture, sale and distribution of cosmetics. It provides for regular inspection of licensed premises and control over drug and cosmetic standards.