Tunisian Parliament Reviews Draft Law on the Manufacture of Dietary Supplements
The Committee on Health, Women, Family, Social Affairs and Persons with Disabilities of the Assembly of the People's Representatives (ARP) examined a draft law concerning the production of dietary supplements. During the session, deputies heard testimony from representatives of the professional association of supplement manufacturers, which is part of the Confederation of Citizen Enterprises of Tunisia (CONECT).
Key Findings Presented by the Industry Group
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Sector size | 76 companies are currently active, employing roughly 600 managers and 1,400 workers. |
| Economic impact | According to an ARP press release, the sector’s product value exceeded TND 59 million in 2023, underscoring its economic potential and job‑creation capacity. |
| Regulatory gap | Despite growth, the industry lacks a specific legal framework, leading to: • Unqualified actors entering the market • Aggressive social‑media promotion that often omits ingredient lists, real benefits, or clear distinction from medicines. |
| Calls for action | The association urged the creation of an independent legal regime—similar to models used in many countries—to govern manufacturing and commercialization. |
| Consequences of the void | • Disorganized distribution channels • No systematic controls • Tunisian expertise moving abroad to produce and sell products through intermediaries. |
| Government initiative | The Ministry of Health is drafting a specifications booklet to regulate the sector, but the association lamented its exclusion from the drafting process, warning that the final rules may overlook industry‑specific nuances. |
| Health safety claim | When backed by clear national legislation, dietary supplements do not pose health risks. Proper regulation and oversight could curb current abuses, prevent diseases, and enhance public health. |
Parliamentary Reaction
- Deputies praised the information supplied by the industry representatives.
- They stressed the urgent need to fill the legal vacuum and to support national expertise while encouraging local production to avoid talent drain.
- Several speakers highlighted that the main problem lies in misleading promotion, where supplements are marketed as cure‑alls in a context of weak enforcement.
Next Steps
- The committee welcomed the professional group’s proposals and announced that the draft law will continue to be examined.
- Additional hearings are scheduled for upcoming committee meetings.
Further Reading
Read also: Regularisation of State‑Owned Agricultural Lands – Two Bills Examined at the ARP
Keywords: Tunisia, dietary supplements, legislative draft, health regulation, CONECT, ARP, supplement manufacturing law, public health, industry regulation.
