China NMPA Drug Inspection - Hebei Union Pharmaceutical CO., LTD. - Licorice (licorice tablets)

The State Administration for Market Regulation (NMPA) issued Announcement No. 23 of 2018 on February 2, 2018, detailing significant quality issues with traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces. Investigations conducted by the Beijing Institute for Drug Control identified 65 batches of non-compliant products from 61 enterprises.

Key findings revealed that 63 batches of licorice (licorice slices) and two batches of processed licorice root were substandard. Major violations included discrepancies in product appearance and failure to meet specified content determination standards, as outlined in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2015 Edition). Notable companies involved in these violations included Jiangxi Zhangshu Tianqitang Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoction Pieces Co., Ltd., Beijing Guancheng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and numerous others across various provinces.

In response, provincial food and drug administration departments were mandated to implement immediate control measures, such as product sealing, seizure, suspension of sales, recalls, and requiring enterprises to rectify issues. The State Food and Drug Administration instructed these departments to investigate illegal activities under Articles 73, 74, and 75 of the "Drug Administration Law of the People's Republic of China." Public disclosure of investigation results is required within three months, with severe penalties for confirmed violations. Enterprises also have a right to object to product authenticity, triggering further investigation.