Importing traditional and Chinese proprietary medicines into Singapore: what is required?
Yes — Chinese proprietary medicines require listing with HSA before they can be supplied.
The short answer
| Short answer | Yes — Chinese proprietary medicines require listing with HSA before they can be supplied. |
|---|---|
| Competent Authority | Health Sciences Authority (HSA) |
| Type of requirement | Product listing, dealer licensing, and ingredient restrictions |
Importing traditional and Chinese proprietary medicines into Singapore
Chinese proprietary medicines and traditional remedies are regulated as health products in Singapore, with a listing requirement before supply and restrictions on certain ingredients. The recurring enforcement issue in this category is products adulterated with undeclared pharmaceutical substances, which means genuine importers face more scrutiny than the products themselves might suggest.
What is typically involved
Requirements depend on the specific product, so treat this as the shape of the process rather than a checklist for your particular case. Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is the authority on the detail.
- Listing of the product with HSA before supply.
- Dealer licensing appropriate to the activity.
- Compliance with restrictions on toxic and prohibited ingredients.
- Heavy metal and microbial limits.
- Labelling in the required form.
What catches importers out
These are the recurring surprises in this category — the points where an assumption carried over from another market causes a problem here.
- Adulteration with undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients is an active enforcement concern and carries serious consequences.
- Some traditional ingredients are restricted or prohibited on toxicity grounds.
- Ingredients derived from protected species bring CITES requirements as well.
- Products sold freely in the country of origin may not meet Singapore limits.
- Testing requirements can add significant lead time before a first shipment.
Official sources
Control status depends on the specific product, and requirements change. These are the authorities that decide — confirm your particular goods with them before shipping.
Last reviewed August 2026. This page describes the general framework for this category of goods. It does not determine whether your specific product is controlled — only the relevant Competent Authority can do that.
Questions we get asked about this
What is a Chinese Proprietary Medicine for these purposes?
It is a defined regulatory category covering finished traditional medicine products, with its own listing requirement. Whether a specific product falls within it is a question of composition and presentation, and HSA is the authority on it.
Why are these products scrutinised heavily?
Because adulteration with undeclared pharmaceutical substances has been a recurring problem internationally. Legitimate importers carry the consequence of that history in the form of testing and documentation expectations.
Do any ingredients bring CITES requirements?
Yes. Traditional preparations sometimes contain material derived from protected species, which requires CITES permits or may be prohibited outright. Review the full ingredient list, including traditional names, before importing.
More in Do you need an import permit?
Health Supplements
Regulated by HSA — requirements depend on ingredients and on what the product claims.
Tobacco & Cigarettes
Yes — a licence, substantial duty, and strict packaging rules. Some tobacco products are banned outright.
E-Waste & Used Electronics
Yes — waste electronics are controlled, and hazardous waste movement is tightly restricted.
Chemicals & Hazardous Substances
Yes for controlled substances — a licence or permit from NEA, plus transport rules on top.
Radioactive Materials & X-Ray Equipment
Yes — a licence is required, including for equipment that merely contains a source.
Petroleum Products & Lubricants
Petroleum products are dutiable and controlled; storage brings further licensing.
Related pages
Health Supplements
Regulated by HSA — requirements depend on ingredients and on what the product claims.
CITES & Wildlife Products
Yes — CITES permits are required, and the rules apply to finished goods containing listed material.
Customs and import coordination
Help understanding what a shipment needs before it clears — permits, declarations, and the information a Declaring Agent will ask for.
TradeNet permit guidance
Plain-language guidance on the TradeNet permit process — what a UEN and Customs Account are for, and how a Declaring Agent fits in.
Have a shipment that fits this?
Start the guided enquiry and describe it in plain terms. We will tell you what is involved — including if the answer is that you do not need us.