Inquiry into the proposal to establish a trans-Tasman agency to regulate therapeutic products

The Health Committee is inviting public submissions on its inquiry into the proposal to establish a trans-Tasman agency to regulate therapeutic products. The closing date for submissions is 13 November 2002.

“We intend focussing on what would be an appropriate regulatory framework to govern dietary supplements and traditional remedies in New Zealand, and whether this should be by the proposed joint trans-Tasman therapeutic products agency,” said committee Chairperson Steve Chadwick. “As part of our inquiry, we will consider the legislative and regulatory regimes governing such products in other countries,” Mrs Chadwick said.

The inquiry will not extend to pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter medicines or medical devices.

The committee will consider the proposed joint trans-Tasman therapeutic products agency, including an examination of the process followed in developing this proposal. It will assess the risk created by the use of dietary supplements and traditional remedies, and any compliance costs associated with new regulatory arrangements.

“We also intend considering whether indigenous complementary medicinal/rongoa products and extracts used for alternative therapy would be protected by any new arrangements,” Mrs Chadwick said.

The terms of reference for the inquiry are available at http://www.clerk.parliament.govt.nz/programme/committees/submissions/hettanq.html

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