Materia Medica Malaysiana

Meditag Labels: Exceptions to the rule

External personal care (EPC) products like medicated soap, shampoo and toothpaste are exempted from carrying Meditag labels to certify that a pharmaceutical product has been registered with the Health Ministry and is safe for use.
Hence, the public should not be alarmed if they do not see any labels on such items.
EPC will be reclassified as cosmetics by 2008 in line with the Asean Harmonised Cosmetics Regulatory Scheme to standardise the registration of cosmetics in Asean countries.
It is also to reduce technical barriers in the trading of such products in these countries.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek stressed that EPC need not carry Meditag labels as they are not products for consumption and can be bought over the counter.
“So while all products registered with the DCA (Drug Control Authority) are required to carry Meditag labels, products like toothpaste, shampoo and medicated soaps will not carry the labels,” said Dr Chua at the launch of Meditag by Mediharta Sdn Bhd at Shangri-La Hotel here yesterday.
He said 20 million labels have been issued since the Meditag requirement was enforced May 1.