A meeting on drug, medical device and cosmetic regulation is held on Nov 6 in Shanghai. [Photo/nmpa.gov.cn]

A meeting on regulation of drugs, medical devices and cosmetics was held on Nov 6 in Shanghai during the third China International Import Expo (CIIE).

The meeting was hosted by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and the CIIE Bureau, and co-organized by the Shanghai Medical Products Administration, the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Medicines and Health Products and the public health and epidemic prevention committee of the CIIE Enterprise Alliance.

Yan Jiangying, Deputy Commissioner of the NMPA, and Yu Jianhua, Vice-Minister of Commerce and Deputy Representative of International Trade Negotiation, attended and addressed the meeting.

A total of over 130 participants included delegates from the NMPA, the Ministry of Commerce, the National Healthcare Security Administration, provincial-level medical products administrations, and pharmaceutical, medical device and cosmetic companies from home and abroad, as well as media representatives.

Yan noted that China, given its status as a big producer and consumer of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and cosmetics, is not only benefiting from the rapid growth of the industry but also facing major opportunities and challenges brought about by the development of new technologies in this field.

The NMPA always keeps in mind the responsibility and mission of protecting lives and public health and will continue to implement the Four Most Stringent Requirements.

Yan said that based on the realities and with a global vision, the NMPA will constantly deepen the reform of the review and approval system with a more open and inclusive mind, improve the standard system of drug supervisory laws and regulations, and vigorously promote the modernization of the regulatory system and capabilities. Efforts will also be made to accelerate the marketing of innovative products and to comprehensively enhance the quality of China's manufacturing and innovation capabilities. While continuing to meet the needs of the Chinese public, the NMPA will actively participate in international governance, and contribute Chinese wisdom and strength to the cause of global health.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the NMPA has spared no efforts in pandemic prevention and control, continuously optimized its work process, and contributed its "China Speed" in drug regulation to the country's important strategic achievements in combating COVID-19 and the global fight against the virus.

Yan said that the NMPA sincerely welcomes the world's outstanding pharmaceutical, medical device and cosmetic enterprises to China, bringing their most advanced and high-quality products to the vast Chinese market and sharing new opportunities from China's development. The NMPA also welcomes advice and suggestions from the industry for China's drug regulation and the innovative development of the pharmaceutical industry.

As one of the supporting activities of the third CIIE, the meeting gave official interpretation on the ideas and progress in China's registration and regulation of drugs and medical devices, regulation on cosmetics, and reforms in medical care and medical insurance payment methods. It also gave explanation on the upcoming Regulations on the Supervision and Administration of Cosmetics, helping domestic and overseas enterprises better understand the Chinese market and the regulatory policies.