Paraguay defines procedure to export medical cannabis to Brazil

Paraguay's National Directorate of Health Surveillance (DINAVISA) has defined the conditions for exporting finished non-psychoactive cannabis-based products intended for Brazilian patients with exceptional import authorization granted by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa). The measure is detailed in DINAVISA Note No. 1880/2026, issued in October.

The document establishes a procedure for the individualized dispatch of these products via international courier or express delivery services, with direct delivery to the patient or their legal representative. The operation requires prior authorization from the Paraguayan health authority and compliance with the documentation requirements outlined in the note.

The announcement updates a case concerning the export challenges faced by Paraguay's medical cannabis industry, covered by Portal Sechat in an article published on October 7. At the time, Diego Barros, CCO of Pharma Industries, reported difficulties related to differences in regulatory interpretation and the lack of integrated export procedures.

DINAVISA establishes conditions for export

In the note forwarded to Pharma Industries Sociedad Anónima, DINAVISA states that there is no legal impediment, within its purview, to the export of the products under the conditions described in the document.

Among the requirements are proof that the products have a THC concentration below 0.5%, a manufacturer's certificate of analysis identifying the batch, and valid patient registration for exceptional import granted by Anvisa, in accordance with RDC No. 660/2022.

Documentation must also include a prescription from a qualified healthcare professional. Transportation must be carried out by an authorized or properly licensed logistics service for the operation, with export procedures processed through Paraguay's Ventanilla Única de Exportación.

The exporting company must request prior authorization from DINAVISA for each operation, submitting the documents required by the agency.

Pharma Industries case receives regulatory progress

The note was issued in response to requests submitted by Pharma Industries in August 2026. The company had requested the definition of a procedure to send cannabis-based products to Brazilian patients authorized by Anvisa via international courier or express delivery services.

With this position, DINAVISA recognized the legal feasibility of the arrangement and established the requirements for requesting export authorizations.

The document refers to individualized shipments for patients and does not represent general authorization for the commercialization of Paraguayan cannabis-based products in Brazil. Importation remains subject to Brazilian health regulations, and exportation depends on prior approval for each operation.

Export remains subject to the rules of each market

In the article published by Sechat, Barros stated that discrepancies between Paraguay's requirements and those of destination countries can lead to export delays, stranded inventory, idle production capacity, and additional operating costs.

The executive also called for greater coordination among the public agencies involved, including clear definitions of responsibilities, required documents, and review timelines.

DINAVISA Note No. 1880/2026 establishes a procedure for the specific modality presented by the company. The scope of the measure is restricted to the conditions described in the document and does not eliminate regulatory requirements applicable to other product categories or export modalities.

The progress of the case adds a new development to the discussion on regulatory predictability and the Paraguayan medical cannabis industry's access to international markets.