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Medicated soaps in Pakistan: DRAP rules

Soaps with an antiseptic or other active ingredient sold for a skin problem or germ protection.

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Since 6 October 2026, medicated soaps are notified by DRAP as therapeutic goods under S.R.O. 1688(I)/2026.

What counts

Medicated soaps contain an active ingredient, for example an antiseptic, sulphur or an antifungal, and are sold for a skin problem or for protection from germs. Ordinary beauty soaps are not covered.

What S.R.O. 1688 changed

The DRAP Act lists medicated soaps among health and OTC products. S.R.O. 1688(I)/2026 now notifies them as therapeutic goods.

Who regulates it

DRAP. We could not find a published enlistment route specific to medicated soaps, so ask DRAP which division, forms and fees apply.

What companies should do

  • Check that your firm (manufacturer or importer) is enlisted with DRAP and that each product is enlisted. Under the 2014 Enlistment Rules a manufacturer applies on Form 1, an importer on Form 2, and products on Form 3 (general or nutritional claims), Form 4 (disease-reduction or therapeutic claims) or Form 5 (imported products).
  • Do not run any advertisement, including on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok or WhatsApp, until DRAP's Advertisement Board has given written approval for that advertisement. One application is needed for each advertisement and each product, and an approval is valid for two years.
  • Remove claims that a product treats or cures a disease unless DRAP has approved that claim. Advertisements may not compare with other products, call a product "the most effective", or encourage self-medication.
  • Watch DRAP for a notice on timelines and fees. DRAP revised its regulatory fees for therapeutic goods on 1 October 2026 (S.R.O. 1660(I)/2026).
  • Soap makers who advertise germ protection or skin treatment on TV or social media should get Advertisement Board approval first.

Pharmacies, hospital buyers and the public

  • Pharmacies and distributors: buy from firms that can show their DRAP enlistment, and keep invoices that name the firm.
  • Hospital and public-sector buyers: ask bidders for the DRAP enlistment (or registration) of the firm and the product in the tender.
  • Public: a supplement or medicated product is not a replacement for medicine your doctor prescribed. Be careful with products that claim to cure diseases such as diabetes or cancer; DRAP does not allow such advertising.
Still unclear: DRAP has not yet said (as of 14 October 2026) whether there is a transition period, or whether existing provisional enlistments simply continue. We will update this page when DRAP publishes guidance.

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Other health and OTC product types

ProbioticsDisinfectantsNutritional productsFood supplementsSpecialised baby milk for medical conditionsMedicated cosmeticsMedicated shampoos

Sources

  1. DRAP: Notification of Health and OTC Products as Therapeutic Goods, S.R.O. 1688(I)/2026, 6 October 2026
  2. Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan Act, 2012 (as amended till February 2022), sections 2(xv), 2(xxxvi) and 4
  3. Therapeutic Goods (Advertisement) Rules, 2025 (27 January 2025)

Prepared by the MedInfoBase team of pharmacists, physicians and academics. Last checked 14 October 2026. This page explains public DRAP documents in plain English; it is not legal advice. Always check DRAP's official notices before acting.

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