These guidelines provide information for the trade in the dealing of raw medicinal herbs in Singapore. The information provided in these guidelines serves to supplement understanding and application of the Laws and Regulations and is not at any time meant to supersede or replace any of the legislation.

Raw medicinal herbs refer to raw herbs with medicinal properties, which are used in herbal medicines, and it includes materials used in traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Indian medicine, traditional Malay medicine (Jamu) and also herbal medicines from other countries.

The term "raw medicinal herbs" 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.

Raw medicinal herbs 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 raw medicinal herbs 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 herbs 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 herbs 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 herbs (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, 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 raw medicinal herbs, please refer to the Guidance on Advertisements of Raw Medicinal Herbs.

If the herbs 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 raw medicinal herbs rests on you as the importer/seller.