ANSI Seeks Comments on proposal for ISO work item on TCM.
Press Release Summary:
The Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China (SAC) has submitted a work item proposal to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for a new field of ISO technical activity on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). As the U.S. member body to ISO, ANSI invites interested stakeholders to submit comments by April 24, 2009. Feedback received by the deadline will be compiled for consideration in developing a recommended ANSI position and comments.
Original Press Release:
ANSI Seeks Comments on Proposal for ISO Work Item on Traditional Chinese Medicine
The Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China (SAC) has submitted a new work item proposal to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for a new field of ISO technical activity on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). As the U.S. member body to ISO, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) invites all interested stakeholders to submit comments by April 24, 2009.
The proposal calls for standardization in the field of TCM, specifically in terms of basis, application, administration, and related technical fields such as terminology, diagnosis, and treatment methods. Manipulation and training standards, quality standards of appliance and equipment, and production and usage standards of Chinese herbal medicines and their test methods would also be addressed by the proposed activities.
TCM is an ancient medical science practiced in China for thousands of years that continues to gain popularity worldwide. SAC posits that international standards are needed to both assure the safety of TCM users and promote the use of its techniques. Such standards, according to the proposal, would also facilitate the realization of the legal management of TCM in many countries; contribute to fair competition and sound development of an international TCM market; and enhance the progress of skills, management, and services related to TCM.
All comments should be sent to Steven Cornish, program director for international policy at ANSI (scornish@ansi.org). Feedback received by the April 24 deadline will be compiled for consideration in the development of a recommended ANSI position and comments, which will then be presented to the ANSI ISO Council (AIC) for formal approval.
