Collaborating with Merchant Exporters to Enhance Pharma Supply to South Africa
Intro by Interviewer.
In today's highly regulated and fast-changing pharmaceutical trade environment, merchant exporters are becoming essential bridges between India's manufacturing prowess and Africa's increasing healthcare needs. In this exclusive interview, we meet with the Pharmgenity Health team, a top merchant exporter in India, to learn about what they do to bridge the pharmaceutical supply chain from Indian manufacturers to South African customers. From pushing through SAHPRA regulations to making on-time, compliant shipments — Pharmgenity tells us all about pushing pharmaceutical exports with precision and purpose.
Question 1:
Thank you for having us. First, can you tell us about the contribution of merchant exporters towards the Indian pharma export environment?
Pharmgenity Health Team:
While manufacturers concentrate on making products, merchant exporters deal with the intricacies of market access — linking manufacturers with foreign buyers, particularly in regulated markets such as South Africa. We take care of regulatory harmonization, logistics, compliance documentation, and even product fitting to suit the specific requirements of various geographies. Our job is to make high-quality Indian medicines accessible to patients worldwide, safely and effectively.
Question 2:
Why do South African buyers prefer dealing with merchant exporters rather than directly sourcing from manufacturers?
Pharmgenity Health Team:
South African purchasers — both public procurement entities and private distributors — value dependability, regulatory experience, and presence in a range of compliant product portfolios. Flexible exporter merchants like Pharmgenity Health provide nimbleness and effectiveness. We deal with a pre-vetted set of WHO-GMP, USFDA, EU-GMP, and PIC/S-approved plants throughout India. Whatever it is — generic, herbal supplements, or even nutraceuticals and cosmetics — we can readily supply high-quality goods, complete with requisite SAHPRA documentation and bespoke packaging.
Question 3:
How does Pharmgenity Health assist buyers with regards to compliance and regulatory documentation?
Pharmgenity Health Team:
Compliance is at the core of what we do. South Africa is regulated by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), which has strict standards of quality, stability, labelling, and registration. We collaborate closely with our partner manufacturers to ensure each consignment is accompanied by correct Certificate of Analysis (CoA), product dossiers, batch documentation, and labelling according to MCC/SAHPRA guidelines. We also assist in stability data preparation, white-labelling, and product customization, ensuring smoothness for the importers.
Question 4:
What is your onboarding procedure for Indian pharma manufacturers who are interested in collaborating with Pharmgenity Health?
Pharmgenity Health Team:
Our onboarding is collaborative and open. We start off with an examination of the manufacturer's product portfolio, certifications (WHO-GMP, ISO, USFDA, etc.), and export preparedness. We proceed to sampling, pricing models, and documentation harmonization if there is a strategic compatibility. In the end, our objective is to establish long-term supply relationships that are mutually beneficial.
Question 5:
Any tips for South African distributors or purchasing agencies considering Indian pharma sourcing?
Pharmgenity Health Team:
Yes — quality & affordability with consistency. Indian pharma has already established itself on the world stage, and players like Pharmgenity Health facilitate smooth sourcing, swift delivery, and better alignment to local needs. We suggest beginning with a handpicked portfolio review, offering local market understanding, and utilizing merchant exporters to provide error-free execution.
