Imports and medical claims

Tuesday 30 September 2003

If you import a food that is claimed to treat or prevent a disease, or is used for medical purposes, then it may be considered to be a medicine.

This means you will need a licence to sell or supply it under the Medicines for Human Use (Marketing Authorisation etc.) Regulations 1994, the Medicines Act 1968 and Medicines Directive 65/65/EEC.

For example, a product called Semax is used in Russia as a nutritional food, administered in nasal drops for the rehabilitation of patients suffering from Parkinsons Disease, Alzheimers Disease, strokes and other serious conditions. In the UK, Semax is considered to be a medicine rather than a food item, so it can only be sold or supplied in the UK if the importer has a licence.

For more information, contact the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).