Importing/bringing antiretroviral drugs into Singapore

The import of medicinal products into Singapore is regulated under the Medicines Act. In addition, medicinal products containing Controlled Drugs listed under the Misuse of Drugs Act like antiretroviral drugs are subject to additional controls.

=Medicinal products not containing controlled substances=

Medicinal products not containing any substance listed in Appendix A may be imported into Singapore without the need for prior approval from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).

The quantity imported in each instance should not exceed 3 months' supply based on the dosage prescribed by the doctor or the dosage recommended by the manufacturer or supplier of the medicinal product.

The relevant supporting documents (i.e. a letter from the doctor and/or a copy of the prescription) should accompany the medicinal product(s) as proof that they are for personal medical use.

The person importing the medicinal product(s) shall take full responsibility for the use of the medicinal product(s) in Singapore.

=Medicinal products containing controlled substances=

Prior approval from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is required for each import of medicinal products containing any substance listed in Part I of Appendix A.

To apply for approval, this application form must be downloaded and the completed form must be submitted at least ten working days before the arrival date.

The following documents and information are required to be submitted with the application:

A copy of a doctor's letter or prescription verifying
 * the need for the medicinal products
 * the total quantity of the medicinal products to be imported into Singapore
 * a copy of the travel itinerary indicating intended arrival and departure dates into/from Singapore (applicable for visiting tourists)
 * a copy of the passport page with personal particulars

The application form must be submitted (preferably in one pdf file) via:

Email : hsa_info@hsa.gov.sg

Fax : (65) 64789068; or

Mail :

Audit and Licensing Division

Health Products Regulation Group

Health Sciences Authority

150 Cantonment Road, Cantonment Centre

Blk A, #01-02, Singapore 089762

Upon approval, the licence / permit will be sent to the applicant via email / fax.

Import of substances listed in Part II of Appendix A is prohibited as these substances have limited or no medicinal use.

Medicinal products containing Ephedrine and Pseudoephedrine

Routine check upon arrival

If an individual is bringing in the medicinal products with his personal belongings, he are not required to declare them upon his arrival in Singapore. However, all the supporting documents must be ready for verification when requested.

Individuals are reminded not to sell or supply the medicinal products to anyone in Singapore. For tourists visiting Singapore, the remaining medicinal products with them when they leave Singapore.

Availability of medicinal products in Singapore

If you need additional supplies of medicinal products while you are in Singapore, please seek advice from a pharmacist or consult a medical doctor in Singapore.

If the medicinal products needed are not registered in Singapore and there are no suitable alternatives available locally, a Singapore-registered doctor may seek approval from the Therapeutic Products Branch, Pre-Marketing Division, Health Products Regulation Group, HSA MedProd Enquiry (HSA) (HSA_MedProd_Enquiry@hsa.gov.sg) for a permit to import the medicinal products.

=See also=

=References=

=Acknowledgements=

This article was written by Roy Tan.