At a press conference held today in Markham, Ontario, the associations outlined the critical issues facing accessibility and affordability of Natural Health Products (NHPs), which Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) are regulated under.

Key Concerns Include:
Costly Fees will Stifel Canadian TCMs
Health Canada has proposed a cost recovery program that will introduce costly fees that substantially increase the cost of TCMs in Canada. The petition calls on the Minister of Health to stop these fees to ensure these essential medicines stay accessible to the community.
Recognition of Established Testing Methods
CCHMC urges Health Canada to recognize testing methods and tolerance limits, such as disintegration time for tablets, documented in the Pharmacopeia of the People’s Republic of China (PPRC), alongside current Health Canada-approved methods.
Innovative Labelling Solutions
New technologies, like QR codes, can provide a practical solution to comply with the new labelling regulations. These innovations could address the challenges faced by the 35-40% of TCM products that are currently unable to meet font size and information requirements due to space limitations on labels. Most TCM products contain more than eight medicinal ingredients, making compliance under the existing framework particularly difficult.
TCM is a highly effective alternative medicine that focuses on preventative healthcare and symptom management, greatly alleviating the immense pressure that exists in our current healthcare system.
Despite its growing popularity among Canadians of diverse backgrounds, patients often pay out of pocket for TCM services and products. With an increasing reliance on TCM, CCHMC and CHFA urge Health Canada to stop the current regulatory approach, which threatens to undermine access to these vital products.
“NHPs, including TCMs, are incredibly important to Canadians. If these laws proceed, it will restrict access to essential remedies and severely limit consumer choice," said Aaron Skelton, president & CEO of CHFA. "This is not just a threat to businesses but also the preservation of an important cultural heritage in Canada."
About the Chamber of Chinese Herbal Medicine of Canada (CCHMC)
The CCHMC is dedicated to supporting the development, education, and advocacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners and suppliers across Canada.
About the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA)
The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) is Canada’s largest trade association dedicated to natural, organic and wellness products. As a national not-for-profit association, our members include manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and importers committed to getting more healthy living products into the hands of more Canadians.
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