China Passes First-Ever Law to Regulate Traditional Medicine Sector

(Beijing) — China's top legislature, the National People's Congress, passed the country's first-ever law to regulate the booming traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) sector on Sunday amid concerns about the quality and safety of drugs.

The law, which comes into effect on July 1, has not been made public in its entirety.

But lawmakers did say it focuses on addressing issues affecting drug safety. For example, herb farmers could be detained by police for up to 15 days if they are found to be using highly toxic pesticides.