Active Ingredients Used in the Manufacture of Clinical Research Materials
Understand the requirements for dealing in active ingredients used in the manufacture of Clinical Research Materials.
Last updated 13 March 2026
Regulatory overview
Under the Health Products (Active Ingredients) Regulations 2023, you do not need to apply for dealer licences for the manufacture, import and wholesale supply of active ingredients for use in the manufacture of a relevant health product (i.e., therapeutic product, Class 2 cell, tissue or gene therapy product, or medical device) for clinical research/clinical trial use, regardless of whether the clinical research/clinical trial is conducted in Singapore or overseas.
This is provided an active ingredient notification is made to HSA prior to the import or supply of active ingredients, as summarised in the table below:
Submission of active ingredients notification
Activity | Who should submit Active Ingredients notification | When Active Ingredients notification should be submitted |
|---|---|---|
Import of Active Ingredients
| Importer of the active ingredient | Before importing the active ingredient |
Supply of Active Ingredients by a local manufacturer of the Active Ingredient(s)
| Local manufacturer of active ingredient | Before supply of the active ingredient by the local manufacturer of the active ingredient |
You do not need to make an active ingredient notification if you are already an importer or local manufacturer who holds a valid licence that allows you to import or supply the active ingredient for use in the manufacture of a health product.
Submit an active ingredients notification
Additional requirements
If the active ingredient comprises any of the following substances, additional requirements apply, as indicated in the table below:
Additional requirements
Substance | Additional requirement(s) |
|---|---|
Controlled drugs and psychotropic substances | |
Radiopharmaceuticals | The import, export, possession, use, transport and disposal of radioactive material is regulated under the Radiation Protection Act by the National Environment Agency. |
Dealer's duties and obligations
The active ingredients regulations are intended to ensure supply chain integrity. It is critical for local importers and wholesalers of active ingredients used to manufacture relevant health products in Singapore to ensure proper record keeping, labelling , disposal and transportation of the active ingredients.
Refer to the Health Products (Active Ingredients) Regulations 2023 for more information.