On May 28, 2026, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) issued Announcement No. 0528-2, adding new substances to Drug List and Non-drug List and introducing a new "Scientific Name" column for plant-derived ingredients in Non-drug List. The amendments took immediate effect upon announcement.
Japan distinguishes foods from pharmaceuticals through its Food-Drug Classification framework. As part of this system, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) publishes the Directory Distinguishing Food and Drug Ingredients, which provides official references for determining whether a substance is regarded as a pharmaceutical ingredient or may be used in food products.
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China's overseas food manufacturer registration, commonly referred to as GACC/CIFER registration, has been in force since 2022 and applies to all foreign food manufacturers exporting to China. The system requires eligible producers to obtain registration prior to export, ensuring compliance with China's food safety and regulatory standards.
A new regulatory framework is set to take effect on June 1, 2026, introducing updated requirements and procedures that will further impact overseas manufacturers.
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