Q1: What is the procedure to import controlled drugs/psychotropic substances?

You must be a registered pharmacist holding a valid poisons licence. If the product is a finished product, you must have either:

• The relevant product licence, or
• An import licence and a wholesale dealer's licence

In addition for controlled drugs, you must hold a licence to import controlled drugs for each consignment of controlled drugs and a licence to deal in controlled drugs by wholesale.

Q2: My company deals in laboratory reagents and test reference standards. Some of these reference standards contain minute quantity of substances such as LSD, MDMA and MDA. Can we import and distribute these products in Singapore?

The above substances are currently controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act. You cannot import or distribute these reference standards unless you are a registered pharmacist holding the following valid licences issued by HSA:

• Poisons licence
• Licence to import controlled drugs
• Licence to deal in controlled drugs by wholesale

In addition, a licence to export controlled drugs for each consignment of controlled drugs is also required if you export the laboratory reagents or test reference standards containing these substances.

Q3: I am a foreigner working in Singapore. Can I import some medication for my personal consumption?

Medicinal products may only be brought into Singapore through officially authorised or licensed persons under existing legislation. Approval must be obtained from the licensing authority before any importation of medicinal products. You need to produce the MQA approval letter to Customs at the point of import. To apply for such approval, furnish the following details to MQA:

• Name, strength, quantity and dosage of the medication; and
• Local doctor's certification/statement on the need for such medication