Supplying Medicines and Supplements to Nepal
A practical guide for Nepali importers, distributors and hospital buyers who source from abroad, and for manufacturers and exporters worldwide selling into Nepal.
Nepal's local manufacturers supply about half of the market, and the rest is imported. Registration has three steps: the foreign company, then each product, then an import recommendation for each shipment.
Two things to plan for: an on-site GMP inspection for plants in countries without a stringent regulator, and maximum retail prices that importers must not exceed.
Nepal at a glance
| Regulator | Department of Drug Administration (DDA) |
|---|---|
| Who applies | A Nepali importer registers the foreign company, then each product, then gets an import recommendation |
| Foreign plants | Plants in countries without a stringent regulator get an on-site DDA inspection before registration |
| Pricing | DDA publishes maximum retail prices, and importers undertake that their price is no higher than in the exporting country |
| Local industry | About half of the market, and pushing for import curbs |
How to supply medicines to Nepal
- Find a Nepali importer. The importer registers your company with DDA first, then each product.
- Plan the GMP inspection. Unless your plant is in a country with a stringent regulator, expect a DDA on-site inspection before registration. Keep your GMP evidence ready.
- Register the products. A product dossier for each product, with a CoPP and the price undertaking.
- Import. Each shipment needs a DDA import recommendation. Public tenders for free medicines are price-driven, so check the economics before bidding.
For a medicine not registered in Nepal, ask your importer whether DDA permission is possible for your case. We can also help through our named-patient service. See named-patient and special import and government tender supply.
Supplements
Supplements can be regulated as foods or as medicines in Nepal, depending on ingredients and claims. Confirm the classification with DDA before you print labels. We help brands get supplements made under their own label by GMP-certified contract manufacturers: see nutraceutical private label.
What people in Nepal search for
Semrush data from October 2026 shows that people in Nepal search most for vitamin D (about 8,100 searches a month) and vitamin B12 (5,400), then vitamin C, protein and vitamin E. Ayurvedic hospitals are also searched often. Among medicines, aceclofenac, folic acid, cefixime, azithromycin and metronidazole lead.
Supplements we can help you make
The most searched medicines include aceclofenac, folic acid, cefixime, azithromycin and metronidazole. Some examples we list:
Documents to ask your supplier for
- A Certificate of a Pharmaceutical Product (CoPP) in WHO format.
- The plant's GMP evidence, such as a WHO-GMP, EU-GMP or PIC/S certificate, plus any inspection by your regulator.
- The registration dossier (CTD or ACTD), with bioequivalence data for generics where required.
- Stability data for hot climates.
- A Certificate of Analysis for every batch.
Not sure a supplier is genuine? Read how to verify a pharmaceutical supplier. For the neighbouring markets, see our South Asia and SAARC import guide.
Sourcing for Nepal?
Send the product, strength, quantity and the documents your regulator needs. We will match you with GMP-certified manufacturers and suppliers who can serve your market, wherever they are based.
Send your requirement Talk to our team