HSA Launches Voluntary Notification Initiative to Establish Local Database of Health Supplements and Traditional Medicines that Meet Safety and Quality Standards

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is introducing a voluntary notification initiative for companies that deal with health supplements and traditional medicines. The aim is to establish a local database of safe and good quality complementary health products that consumers can refer to when they make their purchases. It will also allow for better traceability and follow-up actions by HSA if there are any safety or quality issues.

2        HSA will launch this initiative in phases from 1 August 2022, starting with commonly purchased products, such as vitamin and mineral supplements, and products at higher risk of adulteration, such as those for weight loss, pain relief and male vitality enhancement. HSA will gradually include other product categories in the subsequent phases.

Required product safety and quality standards 

3        Companies that participate in this initiative are required to provide HSA with the relevant documents to demonstrate that their products meet the necessary safety and quality standards and labelling requirements. Only products that are compliant with these standards will be published on the HSA database. Nevertheless, inclusion in this database should not be misconstrued as HSA’s endorsement of the product.

4        Currently, HSA prohibits the addition of medicinal ingredients such as steroids and sets strict limits on toxic heavy metals in both health supplements and traditional medicines. HSA also conducts postmarketing surveillance to detect safety concerns that may arise when these products are used by consumers. Please refer to the HSA website for more information on the required safety and quality standards for health supplements and traditional medicines.

5        HSA has conducted industry consultations and is launching this voluntary notification initiative with the industry’s support. Companies may start submitting their documents for these products from 1 August 2022. Information on the submission procedure and requirements are available from the HSA website at https://www.hsa.gov.sg/health-supplements/vns. HSA will also be holding training sessions to facilitate participation by companies and will share more details with the industry soon. For enquiries, please email HSA_CHP@hsa.gov.sg.

HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
23 JULY 2022

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Published: 23 Jul 2022

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