ZMUni Compliance Centre

On January 15, 2026, China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) officially added a new health function to the Health Function Catalogue Allowed for Health Food Claims - Helps Maintain Bone and Joint Health (Alleviates Pain or Stiffness/Alleviates Cartilage Damage).

This marks the first new function included in the catalogue following the release of the Administrative Measures on Directory of Health Food Raw Materials and Directory of Health Functions and the Detailed Rules on Implementation for Technical Evaluation of New Functions and Health Food with New Functions (Trial). The move represents a significant step in expanding health claims for Chinese health foods and streamlining market access, reflecting the SAMR's progress in reforming the health food registration and notification system.

With China's aging population and growing public interest in fitness and wellness, consumer demand for products that support bone and joint health has risen sharply. China SAMR aims to meet these health needs by providing a clear regulatory pathway for products targeting bone and joint health, supporting industry innovation, improving the well-being of people with joint disorders, and helping reduce risk factors for bone and joint diseases. This initiative aligns with China’s broader goals of promoting healthy living and driving innovation in the health food sector.

Alongside the new function, China SAMR also released technical requirements for testing and evaluation, including trial items, principles, and result determination. Chinese authorities collaborated with leading national institutions and experts, drawing on research and evaluation methods from Europe and North America, and integrating the latest scientific findings in bone and joint health. The resulting framework establishes standardized testing and evaluation procedures, strict quality control, and full data traceability, ensuring that approved products are both safe and effective for consumers.