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[Updated] New Zealand Repeals the Therapeutic Products Act, Affecting Dietary Supplements

New Zealand announces to repeal the Therapeutic Products Act, affecting the future regulation of natural health products. A new, separate and modernized regime for natural health products is in development.

Editor's note: This article was originally published on May 24, 2024, and was updated on December 18, 2024 and July 4, 2024, as per the latest developments. 

On December 18, 2024, the New Zealand Parliament published the Therapeutic Products Act Repeal Bill. As a result, the Therapeutic Products Act 2023 has been officially repealed.


On July 1, 2024, the New Zealand Parliament published the draft Therapeutic Products Act Repeal Bill, which would repeal the Therapeutic Products Act 2023. Any comments can be submitted before July 29, 2024.


On May 8, 2024, New Zealand Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announces the decision to repeal the Therapeutic Products Act (TPA). Initially set to become effective by September 2026, the TPA encompassed regulation over natural health products (NHPs), a diverse category ranging from dietary supplements to traditional medicines. With the act's repeal, the Dietary Supplements Regulations 1985 will remain in force until they are replaced by new legislation.

What Led to the Repeal

On November 30, 2022, the Therapeutic Products Bill was introduced to the House and on July 26, 2023, the TPA received royal assent. However, it soon became mired in controversy. The Health Select Committee's 2023 review of the bill drew intense public interest, culminating in over 16,500 submissions and feedback from more than 300 organizations and individuals. An overwhelming 95% opposed the Bill, particularly for its approach to regulating NHPs, which include dietary supplements, rongoā Māori tradition, Chinese medicine, and western practices such as aromatherapy and homeopathy.

According to Costello, the TPA cannot be the solution for the existing outdated regulations. It was at risk of over-regulation, particularly for lower risk products, such as NHPs. Consumers and importers may face unnecessary costs and may find these products unavailable. The intention to fully repeal the TPA by the end of 2024 reflects a governmental pivot towards listening to and incorporating feedback from concerned parties.

The Future for NHP Regulation

Looking forward, the Government will develop a separate modernized regime for NHPs. This envisioned regime is to be modern and risk-adjusted, aiming to foster innovation and to balance the safety and efficacy of NHPs with the need for cost-effective and timely access. By recognizing industry and consumer concerns about previous over-regulation, the intention is to enable better support for health outcomes without imposing undue burdens on the market. Furthermore, continuous dialogue with consumers, industry stakeholders, and practitioners is on the agenda, ensuring that future regulations are aligned with their needs and enable optimal support.

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