News

21st November 2002

Herbal medicine laws provide balance between consumer protection and choice

EU laws were amended today to ensure a more balanced approach to the regulation of herbal medicines.

The first stages of the Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive were voted on in Strasbourg with MEPs backing numerous Conservative amendments supporting essential consumer rights. The directive, if agreed, would introduce basic safety checks to ensure consistent quality and safety standards and a registration scheme.

John Bowis MEP, Conservative European Spokesman on Health, said:

"Following our amendments, products already on the market should now be safeguarded. We have also opened the door that should allow small firms to continue innovating and developing new products in this market.

"There have been occasions when some herbal medicinal products have been extremely dangerous so it is right to take action but it is equally right to give consumers the maximum freedom of choice to use the medicines they would like to."

Notes: The proposed directive requires Member States to set up a registration scheme for herbal medicinal products. The UK has limited legislation and no registration scheme. The proposal will also require evidence that the product has been in use within the EU for 30 years, 10 of which can be from outside the UK.