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Health Sciences Authority

ASEAN Harmonisation of Traditional Medicines and Health Supplements

Find out about the harmonisation efforts of the Product Working Group for Traditional Medicines and Health Supplements (TMHSPWG).

Last updated 13 March 2026

Background

The Product Working Group for Traditional Medicines and Health Supplements (TMHSPWG) was established under the umbrella of ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2004. Reporting to ASEAN Consultative Committee on Standards and Quality (ACCSQ) and with the assistance of the ASEAN TMHS Scientific Committee (ATSC), the ACCSQ TMHSPWG is tasked with:

  • Implementing measures for the integration of traditional medicines and health supplements stipulated in ASEAN Healthcare Integration Roadmap

  • Harmonising technical requirements and explore possible Mutual Recognition Arrangements

  • Eliminating technical barriers to trade for TM and HS, without compromising public health and safety to the ASEAN peoples.

Refer to the ASEAN cooperation on standards and conformance to facilitate trade in the region for more information.

ASEAN Guidelines by the TMHSPWG

Refer to the ASEAN website (click on "POLICY & GUIDELINES" under "Key Documents & Publications" to expand the section and refer to point 11) for the following ASEAN Guidelines developed by the TMHS PWG:

  • ASEAN Guiding Principles for Inclusion into or Exclusion from the Negative List of Substances for Traditional Medicines and Health Supplements

  • ASEAN Guiding Principles for the Use of Additives and Excipients in Traditional Medicines and Health Supplements

  • ASEAN Guidelines on Limits of Contaminants for Traditional Medicines and Health Supplements

  • ASEAN Guidelines for Minimising the Risk of Transmission of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies in Traditional Medicines and Health Supplements

  • ASEAN Guidelines on Stability and Shelf-Life of Traditional Medicines and Health Supplements

  • ASEAN Guiding Principles on Safety Substantiation for Traditional Medicines and Health Supplements

  • ASEAN Guidelines on Claims and Claims Substantiation for Traditional Medicines and Health Supplements

  • ASEAN Guidelines on Good Manufacturing Practice for Traditional Medicines and Health Supplements

  • ASEAN Guidelines on Labeling Requirements for Traditional Medicines and Health Supplements

  • ASEAN General Principles for Establishing Maximum Levels of Vitamins and Minerals in Health Supplements

Guidance for Industry

HSA has developed the following guidance for the industry to address frequently asked questions (FAQ) on the ASEAN Guidelines: