Swissmedic and the complementary and herbal medicine (CHM) industry and associations meet regularly to discuss topics relating to the regulation of medicinal products, and of complementary and herbal medicines in particular, at a Round Table on CHM (referred to below as the Round Table). The Round Table enables the various stakeholders to make their concerns heard in order to respond promptly and appropriately to regulatory and technical changes and signals, as necessary. Swissmedic is keen to discuss changes in the regulation of medicinal products with representatives of the CHM industry and associations before the changes are made, so that practical aspects of operational implementation can be properly taken into account and communicated appropriately to the target audience.
The Round Table comprises representatives of the CHM industry and its associations plus senior representatives of the Authorisation division at Swissmedic. Over the years, the direct exchange between Swissmedic and the CHM industry and associations in the context of the Round Table has proven to be a productive way of promoting mutual understanding of the different stakeholders’ concerns and of planning and implementing regulatory, process-related and technical changes and issues in an efficient manner.
The Round Table’s guidelines for cooperation are set out in the Terms of Reference (TOR).