How herbal supplements are regulated in South Africa - and what that means for your safety

Who regulates herbal supplements in South Africa?

• South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) oversees medicines and complementary medicines.
• Complementary and traditional medicines are assessed within the medicines framework for risk, quality and safety.

Registration and risk categories

• Risk-based approach: low-risk supplements have simpler evidence requirements.
• Higher-risk products or disease treatment claims require stronger safety and efficacy evidence.
• Products that meet the legal definition must be registered or comply with the Act and regulations.

Manufacturing, licensing and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)

• Manufacturers, importers and packers must hold appropriate SAHPRA licences.
• GMP is enforced to ensure consistent production and quality control.
• Licensed facilities maintain validated processes and documentation.

Labelling, claims and advertising

• Advertising and labelling are regulated and must not include misleading or unapproved therapeutic claims.
• Promotional materials must avoid implying a supplement cures or treats a disease without approval.
• Consumer Protection rules and marketing codes add further expectations for honest claims.

Post-market safety and reporting

• SAHPRA operates pharmacovigilance and adverse event reporting systems.
• Consumers and healthcare professionals should report suspected adverse events.
• Suppliers and manufacturers are required to participate in safety monitoring.

What that means for you, the shopper

• Green flags
  • SAHPRA registration or listing in the public database.
  • Clear label with ingredient list, dosage, batch number and expiry date.
  • Manufacturer or distributor contact details on packaging.
  • Certificate of analysis available on request showing contaminant and potency testing.
  • Responsible marketing with no unapproved disease claims.
• Red flags
  • Vague labels such as "proprietary blend" without ingredient amounts.
  • Claims that promise cures for serious diseases without approval.
  • No batch number, no expiry date, or no supplier details.
  • Products sold only through offshore marketplaces with no local verification.

What we do at CorVia Vitality to keep products safe

• Source from licensed, reputable manufacturers who follow GMP.
  
• Provide transparent labelling with ingredients, dosage, batch and expiry details.
• Follow SAHPRA guidance on safety and labelling and ensure compliant marketing.
• Encourage and facilitate safety reporting and investigate any customer reports.

How you can verify a product quickly

• Search SAHPRA’s registered health products database to confirm registration.
• Ask the seller or manufacturer for the batch Certificate of Analysis.
• Check the label for SAHPRA numbers, batch code, expiry and contact details.
• Ask a healthcare provider before combining supplements with prescription medicines.
• Report suspected adverse reactions to SAHPRA’s e-reporting portal or ADR email.

Final note - our commitment

• Regulation is intended to reduce risk and ensure product quality and reproducible results.
• CorVia Vitality sources carefully, insists on testing, follows SAHPRA guidance, and communicates clearly so customers can make informed choices.

• Sources

  • SAHPRA guidance on complementary medicines and registration.
  • SAHPRA guidance on Good Manufacturing Practice for medicines.
  • SAHPRA advertising and labelling guidance.
  • SAHPRA pharmacovigilance and adverse event reporting resources.
  • SAHPRA registered health products database.