From May 1, 2026, new requirements for dietary supplements will be introduced in Russia. Now they will be evaluated not only for safety but also for efficacy. For a supplement to be considered compliant with the norms, it must pass several checks. The measure was adopted by a decision of the Russian government.
Under the new rules, dietary supplements in Russia must meet all four quality criteria and at least one efficacy criterion.
The quality criteria include the following indicators:
- the manufacturer must have a certificate of state registration for the dietary supplement;
- the supplement must be marked with identification means, and information about it must be entered into the product monitoring system subject to mandatory labeling;
- an accredited testing laboratory in Russia must confirm compliance with safety indicators and the content of biologically active substances specified in the manufacturer's technical documentation;
- the dietary supplement must comply with the requirements of the EAEU technical regulations.
The efficacy criterion can be the presence of published scientific research or a review of scientific sources on the composition, dosage, and method of use of the dietary supplement, the presence of information in current clinical guidelines, or the manufacturer's own data on efficacy studies, including clinical trials.
Earlier, from March 1, 2026, the procedure for prescribing dietary supplements already came into force. If indicated, medical professionals can prescribe registered supplements from a special list.
The list will be approved by the Ministry of Health. It will include only those dietary supplements that meet the quality and efficacy criteria, as well as the requirements of the EAEU technical regulations.
However, it is important to remember: even if all quality and efficacy criteria are met, a dietary supplement remains a food product and is not equivalent to medicine. It is recommended to consult a doctor before use.