The single exit price (SEP) mechanism in South Africa lists the maximum price that a medicine can be charged at. Dispensers may charge an additional dispensing fee depending on the price of the medicine. The Medicines and Related Substances Act allows for the following charges (excl VAT):
- Where the SEP is R159.01 or less, the maximum dispensing fee is R23.13 + 46% of the SEP.
- Where the SEP is between R159.02 and R423.55, the maximum dispensing fee is R42.91 + 33% of the SEP.
- Where the SEP is between R423.56 and R1530.72, the maximum dispensing fee is R122.59 + 15% of the SEP.
- Where the SEP is R1530.73 or more, the maximum dispensing fee is R270.54 + 5% of the SEP.
The prices listed in this database represent the maximum price that you should be paying for your medicines (incl VAT). Note that these prices do not apply to dispensing practitioners who have a separate dispensing fee.
Please note that allowed dispensing fees may change and this website may not be completely up-to-date. The dispensing fees above were last updated on 27 August 2026. The prices listed above were valid at 2026-05-26.