Nine departments, including the Ministry of Commerce, released an opinion document on 22 January on the subject of how to boost the high-quality development of the pharmaceutical retail sector.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has issued a notice of its intent to publish a temporary order to adopt import and export restrictions on a psychoactive substance.

The Catalogue of High-end Medical Devices for Priority Examination and Approval (2025 Edition), released on 26 December by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), took effect on the same day.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has issued a final order that effective 11 February establishes import and export restrictions on two additional opioid substances.

With consumer-facing med-tech one of the leading categories at CES, user-friendly operation was seen as one of the primary selling points.

In line with the Work Plan for Regulatory Innovation and Development of Drugs and Medical Devices in the GBA, the “Hong Kong and Macao Medicine and Equipment Connect” scheme and relevant laws and regulations, Guangdong’s Provincial Health Commission and Medical Products Administration recently announced a fourth batch of designated medical institutions under the scheme. A total of 27 medical institutions were added the list, with one being removed. As of 10 December 2025, a total of 71 designated hospitals had joined the scheme.

On 3 December, the General Administration of Customs (GAC), the National Health Commission, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) issued a notice to immediately initiate a pilot programme for category management of imported substances that are traditionally used as both food and Chinese herbal medicine.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is accepting comments through 15 January on a proposed rule to restrict imports and exports of certain synthetic cannabinoids.

Administrative Measures on Investigator-Initiated Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Clinical Research in Medical Institutions, released by the National Administration of TCM on 24 November began pilot implementation on 1 December.

Indonesia has strengthened halal certification with the implementation of Government Regulation No. 42/2024 (GR 42/2024), enforcing provisions of the Halal Product Assurance Law. The regulation introduces clearer procedures, expanded transition periods, and new rules for recognising overseas halal certificates.