Selling herbal medicine
When I was a child, my grandmother used to give us a mix of herbs to prevent Malaria. I believe this is the reason why I have never suffered from Malaria and am now considering selling this herbal mix. Is it legal to sell herbal medicine in Tanzania? Please, guide me.
RF, Kagera
Congratulations on your creativity.
Yes, it is legal to sell herbal medicine in Tanzania, provided that the local manufacturers, suppliers or distributors of herbal medicine ensure that the herbal medicine is registered before it is sold. There are two forms of herbal medicine regulated by two principal legislation, that is, herbal medicine which are labelled and in a form of pharmaceutical dosage and those not labelled and in pharmaceutical dosage.
On the one hand, herbal medicines which are labelled and in a form of pharmaceutical dosage need to be registered with the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority before they are distributed for use to the population as provided under Medicines and Medical Devices Act [Cap.219 R.E 2021]. On the other hand, herbal medicines not meeting this criteria fall under the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act, 2002. (Act No. 3 of 2002) which requires such medicine to be registered with the Traditional and Alternative Health Practice Council. Based on this, both forms of herbal medicine should be registered before they are sold. Your lawyer can guide you further.