A government appeal aims to tighten oversight of biologically active additives in Russia
An appeal is being prepared for the Russian government to strengthen control over the production and distribution of biologically active additives in the country. The appeal arises from concerns about a large number of illicit products circulating in the domestic market, according to a report by a major newspaper. The information references the minutes of a meeting held earlier this month by the Delovaya Rossiya public association, a subcommittee focused on developing the parapharmaceutical sector. The session included participants from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Economic Development, Rospotrebnadzor, as well as deputies of the State Duma and members of the Federation Council. Marked notes from the meeting describe the issue as pressing and broad in scope, touching on safety and market integrity in the parapharmaceutical arena.
According to the document, counterfeit dietary supplements can conceal substances that are strictly prohibited. Delovaya Rossiya has proposed several response measures, including enhanced monitoring of purchases by the consumer protection agency, Rospotrebnadzor. The group also advocates reintroducing SanPIN guidelines for the production of dietary supplements and lifting the moratorium on unscheduled workplace inspections to ensure compliance across the supply chain. These ideas are presented as practical steps to curb the entry of unsafe products and to reinforce oversight at multiple points of the distribution network.
The plan is slated for transmission to the Russian Cabinet early next week, a source within the Russian Business Committee for the Development of the Biologically Active Supplements Market told the publication. The same source noted that the document might also entertain the possibility of imposing protective taxes on dietary supplements, particularly as a measure aimed at foreign competitors perceived as hostile to Russia’s market environment. The remarks reflect a broader strategic effort to align regulatory controls with safety standards while protecting domestic manufacturers from unfair competition.
Previously, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia had announced a mandatory labeling regime for dietary supplements, with the rollout set to start on October 1, 2023 in the Russian Federation. This labeling initiative is part of a broader push to improve product traceability, support enforcement actions, and provide clearer information to consumers about ingredient lists and origin. Industry observers note that effective labeling can help reduce the risk of counterfeit products and enhance consumer confidence in the market. The evolving regulatory landscape signals a stronger emphasis on safety, accountability, and transparency across the parapharmaceutical sector.
Analysts and industry participants emphasize that adding layers of oversight—such as stricter purchase verification, collaborative inspections, and clear labeling—could deter illegal activity and raise overall standards. Observers also point out that any policy moves must balance consumer protection with practical considerations for legitimate manufacturers and retailers. The ongoing discussions reflect a charged environment where regulators, business groups, and lawmakers seek coordinated solutions to safeguard public health while maintaining a robust, competitive market for biologically active dietary products. The developments are being watched closely by market stakeholders and the public, who expect timely and effective action to address the proliferation of unsafe products and to strengthen regulatory coherence across the sector. Citations provided here acknowledge reporting from Izvestia and confirmed statements from the Delovaya Rossiya committee and its associates, who requested anonymity for certain details while outlining the proposed measures.