Therapeutic Products Act Repeal Means Export Exemption More Urgent Than Ever

The industry body for the natural health products sector,
Natural Health Products NZ, says the repeal of the
Therapeutic Products Act means urgent Ministerial action is
needed to exempt the sector from New Zealand’s outdated
export restrictions.

“While the TPA made some
important improvements, it was overly bureaucratic and
costly to comply with,” said Samantha Gray from Natural
Health Products NZ.

“However, we are concerned that a
full repeal and replacement means this problem will drag on
for years. New Zealand exporters cannot wait that
long.

“The need for action is urgent. New Zealand’s
own outdated regulations mean our exporters are at a
competitive disadvantage internationally and are essentially
blocked from exporting to some markets.

“With the
right suite of regulations in place our members estimate
exports could roughly double. The industry currently exports
more than $650 million of therapeutic products every year
and employs thousands of New Zealanders.

“We look
forward to working with the Minister on the TPA’s
replacement but in advance of this our sector needs an
export exemption that will allow New Zealand exporters to
sell our products to the world on an equal footing with our
competitors. “It’s important the Minister acts with
urgency to provide this export
exemption.”

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