How to Register with SAPC: Complete Pharmacy Council Guide 2026

The <a href='/glossary#sapc'>South African Pharmacy Council</a> (SAPC) regulates the pharmacy profession and ensures the provision of safe, effective pharmaceutical services in South Africa. For pharmacists, pharmacy owners, and pharmaceutical service providers targeting government health contracts, SAPC registration is mandatory—and the key to accessing public sector pharmaceutical supply, dispensing, and chronic medication distribution contracts.

Government <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/healthcare'>healthcare</a> in South Africa represents a substantial pharmaceutical market, with national and provincial health departments, public hospitals, and clinic networks requiring verified <a href='/glossary#sapc'>SAPC</a>-compliant pharmacy services. Whether you're establishing a pharmacy to service government contracts, bidding on pharmaceutical supply tenders, or providing chronic medication distribution services, this guide covers everything you need to know about SAPC registration.

What is SAPC and Why Does It Matter?

<a href='/glossary#sapc'>SAPC</a> was established under the Pharmacy Act (Act 53 of 1974) to regulate the pharmacy profession, set standards for pharmaceutical <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/education'>education</a> and practice, and protect the public from unsafe pharmaceutical services. SAPC registers pharmacists, pharmacy support personnel, and pharmacy premises.

For government pharmaceutical <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/supplies'>procurement</a>, <a href='/glossary#sapc'>SAPC</a> registration is the primary compliance verification. The <strong>National Department of Health</strong>, provincial health departments, and public <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/healthcare'>healthcare</a> facilities verify SAPC registration for all suppliers providing pharmaceutical products, dispensing services, or pharmacy-managed healthcare services.

SAPC Registration Categories

Who Needs SAPC Registration for Tenders?

• <strong>All practicing pharmacists:</strong> Whether employed or in private practice
• <strong>Pharmacy owners:</strong> All pharmacies must be registered with <a href='/glossary#sapc'>SAPC</a>, with designated responsible pharmacist
• <strong>Pharmaceutical distributors:</strong> <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/retail-trade'>Wholesale</a> pharmaceutical distributors serving <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/healthcare'>healthcare</a> facilities
• <strong>Chronic medication dispensing services:</strong> Contracted medication distribution programs
• <strong><a href='/sa-tenders/categories/healthcare'>Hospital</a> pharmacy services:</strong> Providing pharmacy services to public hospitals
• <strong>Tender contract pharmacies:</strong> Pharmacies contracted for government prescription dispensing

Requirements for Pharmacist Registration

Educational Requirements

• <strong>BPharm Degree:</strong> Four-year Bachelor of Pharmacy from <a href='/glossary#sapc'>SAPC</a>-accredited South African university
• <strong>Internship:</strong> 12 months structured internship at <a href='/glossary#sapc'>SAPC</a>-approved pharmacy under registered tutor
• <strong>Pre-registration Examination:</strong> Pass <a href='/glossary#sapc'>SAPC</a> professional competence examination
• <strong>Community Service:</strong> 12 months compulsory community service at designated public health facility

Documentation Required

• Certified copy of South African ID or valid work permit
• Original or certified BPharm degree certificate
• Proof of internship completion signed by tutor
• Pre-registration examination results
• Community service completion certificate
• Good standing from <a href='/glossary#sapc'>SAPC</a> (for additional registrations)

Requirements for Pharmacy Premises Registration

Operating a pharmacy to service government contracts requires premises registration in addition to personnel registration.

• <strong>Designated Responsible Pharmacist:</strong> Registered pharmacist assigned to supervise the pharmacy
• <strong>Physical Premises Compliance:</strong> Layout, space, and equipment meeting <a href='/glossary#sapc'>SAPC</a> standards
• <strong>Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP):</strong> Compliance with <a href='/glossary#sapc'>SAPC</a> GPP standards
• <strong>Security Requirements:</strong> Adequate security for scheduled substances
• <strong>Storage Conditions:</strong> Temperature control, refrigeration for cold chain items
• <strong>Provincial DoH Approval:</strong> Some provinces require additional licensing

Step-by-Step Registration Process

For Pharmacists

1. <strong>Complete BPharm Degree:</strong> Graduate from <a href='/glossary#sapc'>SAPC</a>-accredited pharmacy school
2. <strong>Register as Intern:</strong> Apply for intern pharmacist registration with <a href='/glossary#sapc'>SAPC</a>
3. <strong>Complete Internship:</strong> 12 months at <a href='/glossary#sapc'>SAPC</a>-approved pharmacy under tutor supervision
4. <strong>Write Pre-Registration Exam:</strong> Pass <a href='/glossary#sapc'>SAPC</a> professional competence examination
5. <strong>Community Service:</strong> Complete 12 months at allocated public health facility
6. <strong>Apply for Registration:</strong> Submit full registration application via <a href='/glossary#sapc'>SAPC</a> portal
7. <strong>Pay Registration Fees:</strong> Pay applicable fees
8. <strong>Receive Registration:</strong> Obtain <a href='/glossary#sapc'>SAPC</a> registration number and practising certificate

For Pharmacy Premises

1. <strong>Premises Preparation:</strong> Ensure premises meets all <a href='/glossary#sapc'>SAPC</a> structural and equipment requirements
2. <strong>Appoint Responsible Pharmacist:</strong> Designate registered pharmacist for supervision
3. <strong>Complete Application:</strong> Submit pharmacy premises application to <a href='/glossary#sapc'>SAPC</a>
4. <strong>Premises Inspection:</strong> <a href='/glossary#sapc'>SAPC</a> inspector assesses compliance with GPP requirements
5. <strong>Address Deficiencies:</strong> Correct any issues identified in inspection
6. <strong>Pay Fees:</strong> Registration and annual licence fees
7. <strong>Receive Licence:</strong> <a href='/glossary#sapc'>SAPC</a> issues pharmacy premises licence

SAPC Registration Fees 2026

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

<a href='/glossary#sapc'>SAPC</a> requires all registered pharmacists to maintain competence through ongoing professional development:

• <strong>Annual CPD Requirement:</strong> 15 CEUs (Continuing <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/education'>Education</a> Units) per year
• <strong>Ethics Requirement:</strong> Minimum portion must address ethics-related topics
• <strong>Recording:</strong> Log CPD activities via <a href='/glossary#sapc'>SAPC</a> online CPD system
• <strong>Verification:</strong> <a href='/glossary#sapc'>SAPC</a> may audit CPD compliance - maintain certificates and evidence
• <strong>Non-Compliance:</strong> Failure to meet CPD requirements affects annual registration renewal

SAPC and SAHPRA Compliance

Pharmacies bidding on government contracts must also comply with SAHPRA (South African Health Products Regulatory Authority) requirements, particularly for pharmaceutical wholesaling and distribution. See our <a href='/blog/how-to-get-sahpra-approval'>SAHPRA Approval Guide</a> for more information.

Related Resources

• <a href='/industries/healthcare'>Healthcare Industry Guide</a> - Complete overview of <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/healthcare'>healthcare</a> tender requirements
• <a href='/blog/how-to-register-with-hpcsa'>HPCSA Registration Guide</a> - For other <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/healthcare'>healthcare</a> professionals
• <a href='/blog/how-to-register-with-sanc'>SANC Registration Guide</a> - For nursing professionals
• <a href='/blog/how-to-get-coida-letter-good-standing'>COIDA Compliance</a> - Essential for all employers