The term “traditional medicinal materials” shall cover medicinal materials from plants, animals or minerals in their natural states, or in processed forms that have undergone simple processing, such as cutting or drying. Traditional medicinal materials includes materials used in traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Indian medicine, traditional Malay medicine (Jamu) and also herbal medicines from other countries.

Traditional medicinal materials basically fall under two broad categories, mainly those sold in loose or bulk form, and those that are pre-packed for sales (stating information such as product name, brand name, ingredients, dosages and/or instructions for use on the packaging materials).

Presently, there is no licensing requirement for the import and local sale of traditional medicinal materials that are not of finished dosage forms (e.g. capsules, tablets, granules).

However, it is the responsibility of the dealer to ensure that:

(a)  The traditional medicinal materials do not contain any substances controlled under the Poisons Act and other prohibited substances such as Pangamic acid including its salts, Danthron, Suprofen including its salts and Rhodamine B.

(b)  The heavy metal contents of the traditional medicinal materials do not exceed the following limits: Arsenic (5 ppm), Copper (150 ppm), Lead (20 ppm) and Mercury (0.5 ppm).

(c)  The labels and packaging materials of the traditional medicinal materials (if any) do not stipulate any of the 19 diseases/conditions specified in the Schedule of the Medicines (Advertisement and Sale) Act, namely, blindness, cancer, cataract, drug addiction, deafness, diabetes, epilepsy or fits, hypertension, insanity, kidney diseases, leprosy, menstrual disorders, paralysis, tuberculosis, sexual function, infertility, impotency, frigidity, conception and pregnancy.

For requirements on the advertisement and sales promotion of traditional medicinal materials, please refer to the Guidance on Advertisements of Traditional Medicinal Materials.

If the traditional medicinal materials are controlled under the Endangered Species (Import & Export) Act, dealers should contact the Wildlife Regulatory Branch, Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) at 5 Maxwell Road #02-03 Tower Block, MND Complex, Singapore 069110, Tel: (65) 6227 0670, Fax (65) 6325 7646 to obtain the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) import permits, before they are marketed in Singapore.

Please be reminded that the onus of responsibility to ensure the safety and quality of the traditional medicinal materials rests on you as the importer/seller.