Homeopathic medicinal products: application of directives 92/73/EEC and 92/74/EEC. Commission report

The Commission is asked - in a report adopted - to investigate the possible establishment of a system of mutual recognition of homeopathic medicines by EU Member States on the basis of Community principles. This report,on the basis of a Commission report, was adopted by the Committee. It says that, pending the establishment of a system of coordination or harmonization, Member States should be obliged to recognize homeopathic medicines authorized by other Member States. However, such products must meet common EU safety criteria. Between a fifth and a quarter of EU citizens use homeopathic medicines, which account for one per cent of the turnover of Europe's pharmaceuticals industry. Such medicines are already covered by two directives: 92/73/EEC (homeopathic medicinal products) and 92/74/EEC (homeopathic veterinary medicinal products). However, this has not prevented distortions of competition. A motion for a resolution contained in Mr Chanterie's report points out that separate assessment of every homeopathic medicine in each Member State is a considerable waste of time and money as well as being an obstacle to trade since assessment criteria differ from state to state. The motion also calls for a lifting of the ban on fantasy names (under the existing directives only Latin scientific names can be used, although these may not be understood by consumers) and for dosage to be compulsorily indicated on the label. It seeks to abolish - as having pejorative overtones - the current obligation to state on the label that the product is a "homeopathic medicinal product without approved therapeutic indication". Community research into alternative medicine is also advocated. The Commission representative said his institution agreed, to a large extent if not completely, with the reports's conclusions.�