UPDATE: New regulations for nutraceuticals are set to take effect across the Asia-Pacific region, impacting consumers and manufacturers alike. Significant changes are on the horizon, with Australia and China leading the charge as critical deadlines approach.
From May 1, 2023, Australia mandates that all complementary medicines containing vitamin B12 in the form of mecobalamin must display only the name “mecobalamin” on their labels. This is part of a broader initiative by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to streamline product labeling under the International Harmonisation of Ingredient Names (IHIN) project. Compliance is critical as the transition period for this regulation will conclude on April 30, 2026. Currently, over 411 products have updated their labels according to the new standard.
Moreover, the TGA is preparing to sunset Therapeutic Goods Order No. 92 (TGO 92) by October 1, 2026, requiring new labeling standards for non-prescription medicines. A public consultation on these changes is already underway, concluding on February 24, 2026. Proposed updates include clearer labeling of allergens and inactive ingredients, ensuring consumer safety remains a top priority.
In China, a game-changing regulation will come into effect on June 1, 2023, allowing overseas health supplement manufacturers to register their facilities directly with the General Administration of Customs (GACC). This shift under Decree No. 280 is expected to significantly lower entry barriers for foreign products, streamlining the registration process and enhancing market access. Experts anticipate that this will greatly benefit consumers by increasing the availability of health supplements.
Meanwhile, Indonesia is initiating mandatory halal certification for all health supplements by October 17, 2023. This requirement aims to ensure that both local and foreign products display the Indonesian halal logo, reinforcing consumer trust. The Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH) will oversee this transition, although challenges remain regarding the sourcing of halal ingredients.
Japan is also tightening its regulations, enforcing Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for Foods with Function Claims (FFC) starting September 1, 2023. This change comes after previous issues with product quality control. Manufacturers must comply with new labeling requirements that clearly differentiate FFCs from other food categories, enhancing transparency for consumers.
South Korea is preparing for stricter labeling requirements for high caffeine and sugar alcohol products from January 1, 2024. New regulations will require all products containing over 0.15 mg of guarana to display a high caffeine warning, addressing public health concerns regarding excessive caffeine consumption.
Lastly, health supplement manufacturers in Vietnam may soon face stricter compliance standards, including adherence to GMP or HACCP protocols, starting September 1, 2023. This is part of a broader effort to enhance product safety and combat counterfeit health supplements.
These developments underscore a growing emphasis on consumer safety and transparency in the nutraceutical industry across the Asia-Pacific region. As regulations evolve, manufacturers and consumers alike must stay informed to adapt to these significant changes.
What happens next? Watch for compliance updates and consumer reactions as these regulations roll out in the coming months. Share this urgent news to inform others about the critical changes impacting health supplements across APAC.
