China Adds "Helps Maintain Bone and Joint Health" to Health Food Claim Catalogue

On January 15, 2026, China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), along with the National Health Commission (NHC) and the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (NATCM), released the Health Function Catalogue Allowed for Health Food Claims - Helps Maintain Bone and Joint Health (Alleviates Pain or Stiffness/Alleviates Cartilage Damage). This announcement introduces a new, specific health function for products targeting joint health and provides detailed technical guidelines for its evaluation. The regulation is effective as of January 1, 2026.