Dr. Roxana Kia, CEO of Nexus, a subsidiary of the Actover Pharmaceutical Group, called attention to the regulatory imbalance that continues to disadvantage licensed domestic supplement manufacturers in favor of imported, and often unregulated, foreign products.

Dr. Kia underscored that domestically produced supplements, developed under stringent quality standards and oversight from the Iran Food and Drug Administration (IFDA), are generally more trustworthy than many imported products, which frequently enter the market through unofficial or smuggled channels.

“Despite our strict adherence to regulatory frameworks and quality assurance protocols, domestic supplements face disproportionate restrictions in terms of advertising and retail placement,” she said. “Meanwhile, foreign products—some of questionable origin—are widely available, even in general supermarkets.”

She emphasized that this double standard undermines both consumer trust and the competitiveness of the national supplement industry, urging authorities to implement more balanced, supportive policies.

“Creating a fair and transparent market environment is essential. Licensed domestic products should not be at a disadvantage when it comes to visibility, distribution, and public communication.”

Commenting on the exhibition, Dr. Kia praised the high level of industry participation despite changes in scheduling and format this year.

“Iran Supplex has once again proven to be a vital platform for showcasing innovation, product quality, and production capacity. The presence of major domestic manufacturers presenting their latest advancements is a testament to the strength and growth of this sector.”

She also positioned Iran Supplex as a space for healthy competition, where producers strive to distinguish themselves through higher quality and improved consumer satisfaction.

“Given the abundance of similar products in the market, the focus among responsible manufacturers is increasingly on excellence, safety, and transparency. This benefits both consumers and the industry at large.”

Dr. Kia stressed the need for more frequent and well-organized trade events of this nature to raise awareness of Iranian-made supplements and educate consumers on the value of quality-regulated local production.

Addressing the contrast between domestic and imported supplement distribution, she concluded:

“It is paradoxical that unregistered imports are freely sold in supermarkets while fully licensed domestic products face stringent limitations on where and how they can be promoted. This discrepancy must be addressed through thoughtful reform.”

The 13th Iran Supplex and the 14th Congress on Herbal Medicines and Natural Products took place from July 22 to 24 at the Iran Mall International Exhibition Center. Nexus, as part of the Actover Group, showcased its latest innovations under the Nextyle brand of pharmaceutical and nutritional supplements, drawing considerable interest from both industry stakeholders and the public.