If you want to launch your own brand of tablets or capsules without building a factory, tablet third party manufacturing is the fastest, lowest-capital route into the Indian pharma market. A WHO-GMP partner makes the product for you under your brand name, while you focus on marketing and distribution. This guide explains exactly how the tablet and capsule manufacturing process works, the typical minimum order quantity (MOQ), your packaging options, the documentation involved, what drives pricing and lead times, and how to request an accurate manufacturing quote.
Key takeaways (TL;DR)
- Third-party (contract) manufacturing lets you sell tablets and capsules under your own brand while a certified factory produces them.
- Typical MOQ for tablets/capsules is around 1 lakh tablets/capsules (roughly 100 boxes) per product, though it varies by formulation and packaging.
- You choose the packaging — blister, strip (Alu-Alu), or bottle — which directly affects cost and lead time.
- Standard lead times run about 20–45 days from confirmed order, depending on packing material and artwork approval.
- Pricing depends on the molecule, batch size, packaging, and whether you supply your own packing material or artwork.
What is third-party manufacturing for tablets and capsules?
Third-party manufacturing — also called contract or loan-licence manufacturing — is an arrangement where you own a brand and a manufacturing company produces tablets and capsules for you on a job-work basis. The factory holds the WHO-GMP certification, the manufacturing licence, and the production capacity; you provide the brand name, packaging design, and your marketing reach. The finished product carries your brand, with the manufacturer’s details printed as required by law.
Unlike a PCD pharma franchise (where you distribute another company’s brand), in third-party manufacturing you build your own brand identity. It suits entrepreneurs, established distributors moving up the value chain, and companies wanting a custom product range without the capital cost of a factory, Schedule M compliance, and regulatory overhead.
The tablet and capsule manufacturing process: step by step
Step 1: Share your product requirement
Tell the manufacturer the molecule(s)/composition, strength, quantity, and packaging type you want. The more specific you are, the more accurate your quote will be.
Step 2: Quotation and agreement
You receive a per-unit or per-batch quote. Once agreed, you sign a manufacturing agreement and submit the required documents (drug licence, GST, brand/trademark details).
Step 3: Artwork and packaging approval
You approve the carton, foil, and label artwork. This stage is a common cause of delay, so finalise designs early. The packing material is then procured against your confirmed order.
Step 4: Production and quality control
The factory manufactures the batch under WHO-GMP and Schedule M conditions — granulation, compression (for tablets) or filling (for capsules), coating where required, and in-process quality checks. Each batch is tested before release.
Step 5: Packing, documentation and dispatch
The product is blister/strip/bottle packed, cartoned, and dispatched with the relevant batch documentation. You receive your branded stock ready for the market.
Typical MOQ, packaging and lead-time factors
Minimum order quantity (MOQ), packaging choice, and lead time are the three numbers most buyers ask about first. The table below shows indicative ranges — actual figures depend on the molecule, batch economics, and the manufacturer.
| Factor | Typical range / option | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MOQ (tablets / capsules) | ~1,00,000 units (≈100 boxes) per product | Higher MOQ usually lowers per-unit cost |
| Packaging – Blister | 10×10, 10×15 etc. | Most common; cost-effective for high volume |
| Packaging – Strip / Alu-Alu | Moisture-sensitive products | Better protection; slightly higher cost |
| Packaging – Bottle | Multivitamins, large counts | Suited to nutraceutical/OTC ranges |
| Lead time | ~20–45 days from confirmed order | Artwork + packing material drive timing |
Note: figures are indicative industry ranges and vary by product, batch size and manufacturer. Always confirm exact MOQ, packaging specs and timelines in your quote.
Documents required for third-party manufacturing
| Document | Purpose | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
| Drug License Number | Legal authorisation to deal in pharmaceutical products | Yes |
| GST Registration Number | Tax compliance for job-work and supply of goods | Yes |
| Trademark / brand name (TM application) | Right to use your brand on the product | Recommended |
| Manufacturing / job-work agreement | Defines scope, pricing and responsibilities | Yes |
| PAN & bank details | Payments and accounting | Yes |
What affects pricing and lead times?
- Molecule & composition: active ingredient cost is the biggest driver; speciality molecules cost more than standard generics.
- Batch / order size: larger orders spread fixed costs and reduce per-unit price.
- Packaging type: Alu-Alu and bottle packing cost more than standard blister.
- Coating & formulation: film-coated, enteric-coated or sustained-release tablets add process steps.
- Artwork & packing material: custom cartons and delayed artwork approval extend lead times.
- Material supply: whether you supply packing material/artwork or the manufacturer procures it.
Manufacture your tablet & capsule range with Seclis Labs
Seclis Labs offers end-to-end third-party manufacturing for tablets and capsules, backed by 300+ WHO-GMP certified products across 12+ therapeutic segments and a 1000+ product range. Production runs at established partner facilities — Akums, Windlas Biotech, Synokem Pharma, Tirupati Medicare, Theon Pharma and others — with DCGI-approved, Schedule M-compliant standards, flexible packaging (blister, strip/Alu-Alu, bottle), and pan-India dispatch across 20+ states from our Panchkula and Mumbai offices.
Ready to produce your own branded tablets and capsules? Request a manufacturing quote for your requirement →
Related guides
- Third-Party Pharma Manufacturing in India
- Third-Party Manufacturing in Baddi, Himachal
- PCD Franchise vs Third-Party Manufacturing
- PCD Pharma Franchise: The Complete Guide
Frequently asked questions
What is the MOQ for third-party tablet manufacturing?
The typical minimum order quantity is around 1,00,000 tablets or capsules (roughly 100 boxes) per product, though it varies with the molecule, batch economics and packaging. Larger orders usually reduce the per-unit cost.
What packaging options are available for tablets and capsules?
Common options are blister packing (most cost-effective), strip or Alu-Alu packing (for moisture-sensitive products), and bottle packing (often used for multivitamins and large counts). The right choice depends on your product and target price point.
How long does third-party manufacturing take?
Lead times typically range from 20 to 45 days from a confirmed order. Finalising artwork early and confirming packing material quickly are the best ways to keep your timeline short.
What documents do I need for third-party pharma manufacturing?
You need a valid Drug License Number and GST Registration, plus a signed manufacturing/job-work agreement. A trademark application for your brand name, along with PAN and bank details, is also recommended.
What is the difference between third-party manufacturing and PCD franchise?
In third-party manufacturing you own and sell your own brand while a factory produces it for you. In a PCD franchise you distribute another company’s existing brand in a monopoly territory. Manufacturing gives you brand ownership; PCD gives you a faster, lower-effort start.
Author: Seclis Labs Editorial Team — insights based on Seclis Labs’ experience in PCD pharma franchise and third-party manufacturing across 20+ Indian states. This article is general business information and not medical or legal advice. Figures are indicative; confirm exact terms with the company.