You may have heard about this new piece of legislation currently being developed in New Zealand to regulate therapeutic products.
The bill is currently under review by the Health Select Committee, and it is expected to be introduced to Parliament in 2023. If passed, the bill will represent a significant overhaul of New Zealand’s regulatory framework for therapeutic products, including natural health products. In general, the aim of the Bill is to protect public health and safety, while also allowing consumers access to products that may offer health benefits in a regulated way.
As Community Health Stores, we want all Kiwis to have access to safe, high-quality natural health products that support their well being. We think it is wonderful that The Therapeutic Products Bill finally recognises that natural health products do have therapeutic benefits and would allow claims to be made based on traditional use and science.
However, The Bill in its current format is not very transparent and does not contain any details on specific ingredients and claims that will be allowed, or how or who will be deciding on this or the cost involved to our industry. Community Health stores are concerned that this bill may see many of the high quality natural health supplements and services no longer available to our customers.
In effect this could reduce consumers access to products that offer so many health benefits. We would like to work proactively with the government to create a regulatory framework specifically for the Natural Health Industry. We hope they hear our voice.
The Bill passed its first reading on 14th December and is now open for feedback. We would love it if you had your say on this important piece of legislation which is likely to regulate our access to natural health products for years to come.
Public submissions are open until midnight March 5 via the Parliament website. https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/make-a-submission/