Emergency in Tanzania

On Saturday, 10 September 2016, a 5.9-magnitude earthquake hit North-Western Tanzania and has resulted in an emergency situation, which may require, inter alia, urgent shipments of medications, including medicines containing internationally controlled narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

The INCB would like to remind all Governments that in acute emergencies, it is possible to apply simplified control procedures for the export, transportation and provision of medicinal products containing controlled substances. In the current situation, national competent authorities may permit the export of medicines containing narcotic drugs and/or psychotropic substances to Tanzania even in the absence of the corresponding import authorizations and/or estimates. Emergency deliveries need not be included in the estimates of the receiving country of Tanzania ( click here for the circular letter in PDF).

Competent national authorities would find further information on this subject in the Guidelines for the international provision of controlled medicines for emergency medical care developed by WHO in cooperation with INCB.

Competent national authorities are invited to contact INCB in case of assistance or information being required in order to facilitate the supply of controlled substances to Tanzania.

Photo credit: Dave Schumaker