Pro-Supplement MPs May Block Trans-Tasman Regulatory Plan

Pro-Supplement MPs May Block Trans-Tasman Regulatory Plan

WELLINGTON, New ZealandA joint media statement issued by the Ministers of Health for Australia and New Zealand announced the governments signed a treaty on Dec. 10 establishing a single, bi-national agency to regulate therapeutic products, including medical devices, pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and complementary medicines. Current plans are for the Trans-Tasman Therapeutic Products Agency to commence operation in July 2005.

The agency will function in a manner similar to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with responsibility for pre-market evaluation, product licensing, post-market surveillance, manufacturer licensing and standard setting. According to information from the new agencys project Web site (www.jtaproject.com), there would be no significant changes in the regulation of prescription and OTC medicines, which are similarly regulated in both countries. However, because there is to be no lowering of standards and because regulation of supplements is much stricter in Australia, the plan would significantly impact how dietary supplements are regulated in New Zealand.

In response to concerns from the New Zealand Supplement Industry, the Health Committee of the New Zealand House of Representatives convened an inquiry into the trans-Tasman agency proposal. On Dec. 10, 2003, the committee overwhelmingly recommended removing complementary health care products, such as dietary supplements, from the purview of the trans-Tasman regulatory agency. Instead, it asked the New Zealand government to strengthen domestic regulation of dietary supplements, noting current regulations have not been enforced in this area.

However, the committee report apparently did not influence King, who signed the treaty regardless. In response, MPs from the National, ACT, Greens, New Zealand First and United Future parties held a joint press conference announcing their parties would not vote for legislation resulting from the treaty that would affect regulation of complementary health care products. The government, consisting of the Labour and Progressive Coalition parties, needs the support of legislators from one of the dissenting parties or it wont have enough votes to pass the necessary law.

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