Government repeals Therapeutic Products Law and promotes dietary supplements

The Therapeutic Products Act Repeal Bill has been passed by Parliament, clearing the way for better regulation for medicines, medical devices, and natural health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced.

“Repealing the Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) was a promise this Government made to the New Zealand public, and I am happy that we have delivered on this,” Ms Costello says.

Repealing the TPA is about more than delivering on an election commitment; it means the Government can continue its important work to prioritise timely and equitable access to quality health services. Repealing the TPA will allow for better replacement legislation to foster innovation within our healthcare system and for fit for purpose regulations around natural health products.

The TPA was not due to take effect until September 2026 and repealing the Act now means that industry and practitioners will not have to change their businesses or the way they operate, and there will be no disruption to consumers or the health system. In the interim, the Medicines Act 1981 and the Dietary Supplements Regulations 1985 will continue in force.

The Repeal Act states that the Dietary Supplements Regulations 1985 (the Regulations) are to be treated as if they were made under the Food Act 2014 (unlike in many other countries, dietary supplements are regulated as a type of food in New Zealand).

The Regulations set out the labelling and composition requirements (ie permitted ingredients and maximum daily doses) that dietary supplements must comply with, and were made under a statute that is no longer in force.  By expressly reissuing the Regulations under the current Food Act, the Repeal Act has clarified a long-standing question in the sector - whether exemptions are available under the Food Act from the labelling and composition requirements under the Regulations. 

For further information (in English), click on the Link / Link