UPDATE: New regulations impacting health supplements across the Asia-Pacific region are set to take effect imminently, reshaping the nutraceutical landscape. Starting May 1, 2023, Australia mandates that products featuring vitamin B12 in the form of mecobalamin must be labeled strictly as “mecobalamin,” a significant shift in labeling standards aimed at enhancing consumer clarity.
This is part of the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) initiative under the International Harmonisation of Ingredient Names (IHIN) project, which transitions products from dual names to sole names by April 30, 2026. This change is crucial for manufacturers and consumers alike as it standardizes health product information during a time of increasing scrutiny on food and health supplements.
DEVELOPING: Additionally, the TGA has initiated a public consultation about new labeling standards that will replace Therapeutic Goods Order No. 92 (TGO 92) before its sunset on October 1, 2026. Proposed updates include clearer labeling for allergens and biological ingredients, directly responding to rising health concerns. The consultation period will conclude on February 24, 2026, emphasizing the urgent need for manufacturers to adapt quickly.
In a parallel move, the Chinese authorities are set to implement Decree No. 280 on June 1, 2023, easing the registration process for overseas health supplement manufacturers. This decree allows direct registration with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), reducing barriers for international products entering the Chinese market. Industry experts anticipate this will significantly benefit consumers and expand market access for manufacturers.
Meanwhile, Indonesia will enforce mandatory halal certification for all health supplements from October 17, 2023, requiring products to display the Indonesian halal logo. This regulation is part of a broader initiative to ensure that all products sold in the country comply with halal standards, reflecting the growing demand for such assurances in the marketplace.
Japan is also tightening its regulations; beginning September 1, 2023, all Foods with Function Claims (FFC) must adhere to new Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and labeling requirements. This includes clear notifications on product packaging about the nature of the claims and potential ingredient interactions, driven by consumer safety concerns following previous incidents.
South Korea is set to introduce stricter labeling for high-caffeine products starting January 1, 2024, mandating clear warnings for products containing guarana and sugar alcohols. This initiative aims to address rising health concerns related to excessive caffeine consumption, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Vietnam’s health supplement regulations are also evolving; from September 1, 2023, manufacturers may need to comply with GMP or HACCP standards. This move is in response to past scandals involving counterfeit products and aims to enhance product safety and consumer trust.
NEXT STEPS: Industry stakeholders must prepare for these upcoming changes, as compliance will be critical for market entry and consumer safety. Manufacturers are urged to review and update their labeling and certification processes to align with these new regulations, prioritizing transparency and safety as consumer awareness continues to rise.
As these critical updates unfold, consumers and manufacturers alike must stay informed to navigate the rapidly changing nutraceutical landscape in the APAC region. Share this article to keep others updated on these vital developments!
