Exclusion of Certain Alcohol-based Hand-rubs from the Operation of Certain Provisions of the Act


South Africa
Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965

Exclusion of Certain Alcohol-based Hand-rubs from the Operation of Certain Provisions of the Act

Government Notice R721 of 2020

I, Dr Zwelini Lawrence Mkhize, Minister of Health, in terms of section 36(1) of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965 (Act 101 of 1965) (the Act), and on the recommendation of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, hereby exclude, subject to the conditions listed: -a. the medicine listed in the Schedule hereto from the operation of sections 14(1) of the Act and regulations 11 and 12 of the General Regulations made in terms of the Act (Government Notice No. R. 859 of 25 August 2017) (the General Regulations), andb. the manufacturer, importer or distributor, licensed in terms of section 22C(1 )(b) of the Act, of alcohol-based handrubs listed in this Schedule from regulations 23(1 )(c)(ii), 23(1)(c)(iv), and 23(2)(aa) of the General Regulations made in terms of the Act (Government Notice No. R. 859 of 25 August 2017) (the General Regulations).This exclusion shall be effective immediately for a period not exceeding twelve (12) months from the date of signature of this Notice.Dr Zwelini Lawrence Mkhize, MPMinister of Health
 

Schedule

MedicineProvisions from which excludedConditions of exclusion
Category A medicines in class 13 or 20, consisting of alcohol-based handrubs used or purporting to be suitable for use to prevent or treat infection within a health establishment as defined in the National Health Act 61 of 2003, or other high-risk environment.1. Sections 14(1) of the Act, in respect of the registration requirements for medicines.2. Regulation 11 and 12, in respect of the requirement for inclusion of professional information and a patient information leaflet.3. Regulation 23(1)(c)(ii), in respect of the requirement for a responsible pharmacist, registered with the South African Pharmacy Council.4. Regulation 23(1)(c)(iv), in respect of the requirements for compliance with good manufacturing, wholesaling or distribution practices.5. Regulation 23(2)(aa), in respect of the appointment and designation of a responsible pharmacist.1. Any medicine sold in accordance with this notice must be—a. manufactured according to the WHO-recommended Handrub Formulations, as provided for in the "Guide to Local Production: WHO-recommended Handrub Formulations"¹; andb. labelled in accordance with regulation 10 of the General Regulations, including:i. a statement to the effect that it was "Prepared according to the Guide to Local Production: WHO-recommended Handrub Formulations";ii. if intended for surgical hand preparation, the recommended method of application (including contact time, volume to be applied and application procedure); andiii. the disclaimer "This unregistered medicine has not been evaluated by the SAHPRA for its quality, safety or intended use"2. An application for a licence in terms of section 22C(1)(b) of the Act and regulation 23, to manufacture, import or distribute the alcohol-based handrubs listed in this Schedule, shall be accompanied by the following documentary evidence:i. Site Master File (SMF)ii. a manual of procedures and practices to be implemented to ensure the safety, efficacy and quality of the said handrubs; including procedures for the conduct of analytical tests;iii. an inventory of equipment to be used to manufacture said handrubs;iv. the master batch manufacturing record;v. certificate of analysis; andvi. a signed declaration by the responsible person of the holder of the licence: -(aa) that the hand rub is prepared according to the "Guide to Local Production: WHO-recommended Handrub Formulations";(bb) that the hand rub is tested according to and compliant with the test methodology provided in the South African National Standard (SANS) 490:2013 "Disinfectant alcohol-based handrub";(cc) that the concentration of ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol used will be verified for each batch using gas chromatography, alcoholmeter, hydrometer, or other chemical analysis of equivalent or greater accuracy;(dd) that the hand rub is manufactured under sanitary conditions using equipment that is well maintained and fit for purpose;(ee) that records relating to the manufacture of the hand rub will be kept by the manufacturer; and(dd) that the hand rub is safe for its intended use.3. In order to continue to be sold beyond the expiry of this notice, any such medicines must be registered in terms of section 14(1) of the Act and the manufacturer, importer or distributor of said medicine must comply to all the provisions of regulation 23.
¹ WHO; Guide to Local Production: WHO-recommended Handrub Formulations https://www.who.int/gpsc/5may/Guide_to_Local_Production.pdf?ua=l
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26 June 2020 this version
18 June 2020
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