Joined by Irish MEP Marian Harkin, the groups met with the European Commission’s Directorate General for Enterprise and Industry and stated, “the Directive fell short of its intended purpose of providing an effective simplified registration system for traditional herbal medicines”.

The 30/15-year rule that requires companies to demonstrate a history of safe use in and outside the EU was highlighted as problematic as Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs), for instance, often did not have the requisite backing.

“I am personally very glad to see that the European Commission is prepared to rethink its current approach,” said Harkin.

The THMPD is due to take effect in April, 2011.