HSA Singapore Updates Guidelines on Manufacturing Standards for Health Supplements and Traditional Medicine

In September 2024, the Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) released revised guidelines concerning manufacturing standards for Health Supplements (HS) and Traditional Medicine (TM). This update focuses on improving access to information about accredited certification bodies, which is crucial for manufacturers to ensure compliance with quality standards.

A key amendment includes the updated weblink in paragraph 2.3, directing users to the Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) accredited certification bodies at SAC Search and bodies recognized under SAC’s Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) at IAF Recognized Bodies.

Manufacturers must possess at least one of the following documents to demonstrate compliance with manufacturing standards: a manufacturer’s license from the country of manufacture, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification from regulatory authorities, or third-party certification (e.g., GMP, Food Safety Management certification) from SAC-accredited bodies or those listed under SAC’s MRA.

The guidelines emphasize the responsibility of dealers in health supplements, traditional medicines, medicated oils, balms, and medicated plasters to ensure that their products are manufactured according to good manufacturing practices and standards. The primary objective of these guidelines is to ensure products are consistently produced to quality standards appropriate for their intended use, thereby safeguarding public health.