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Importing Medicines and Dietary Supplements: When Do You Need a Ministry of Health Permit?

Importing Medicines and Dietary Supplements

Importing Medicines and Dietary Supplements: When Do You Need a Ministry of Health Permit?

The import of pharmaceutical products, medical devices, and dietary supplements into Armenia is subject to some of the strictest customs regulations. Because these products directly impact public health, their border control involves non-tariff restrictions and mandatory state licensing.


For many importers, the biggest challenge lies in distinguishing whether their product is classified as a medicine or a standard food supplement, and determining when exactly an application must be made to the Ministry of Health (MOH).


1. Importing Medicines: Mandatory Registration and Certification
In the Republic of Armenia, only legal entities or individual entrepreneurs holding a specific pharmaceutical import license are authorized to import medicines.

  • State Registration: As a general rule, only medicinal products that are officially registered in Armenia can be legally imported.
  • Import Certificate (Permit): For every single shipment, the importer must obtain an Import Certificate issued by the Ministry of Health. To get this, samples from the cargo must undergo laboratory analysis at the Scientific Centre of Drug and Medical Technology Expertise.

2. Dietary Supplements: EAEU Frameworks
Dietary supplements (vitamins, mineral complexes) are not legally classified as medicines, but they cannot clear customs as regular food items either.

  • State Registration Certificate (SGR): Importing supplements requires a unified EAEU State Registration Certificate (СГР). If the supplement is already registered in any EAEU member state (such as Russia) and listed in the single registry, an additional local MOH permit is usually not required; presenting the existing SGR is sufficient.
  • When to Apply to the MOH: If the product is brand new and not yet registered within the EAEU territory, you must undergo the full state registration process in Armenia, submitting ingredients sheets, safety profiles, and passing laboratory evaluations.

3. Imports by Individuals (For Personal Use)
The law provides exemptions for citizens importing medicines or vitamins for personal medical treatments.

  • Individuals can import or receive via postal shipments a limited quantity of medicines (typically up to 10 packs) without certificates or MOH permits, provided they do not contain narcotic or psychotropic substances. Exceeding this limit will prompt customs to demand a doctor's prescription or a special administrative waiver from the MOH.

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