Current status and development strategy of ISO/TC 249 standards for Chinese materia medica

Abstract

The internationalization of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is one of the strategic development objectives in China, which has been incorporated into the national strategy as an important part of the Belt and Road Initiative development strategy. As the basis and prerequisite of TCM development, Chinese materia medica(CMM) has a direct impact on the internationalization of TCM. The International Organization for Standardization(ISO) is a global organization composed of national standardization bodies, and the ISO standards impact the world's economy, trade, communication and cooperation. Based on a brief introduction to ISO/Traditional Chinese Medicine Technical Committee(ISO/TC 249), this study elaborates the necessity of establishing ISO standards for CMM and analyzes the current status and challenges faced by the formulation of international standards for CMM. Finally, this study puts forward the development strategy of international standards for CMM. Specifically, efforts should be made to develop top-level design with international market demands as the guidance and improve the quality of standards to accelerate the transformation of domestic high-quality standards into international standards. Moreover, measures should be taken to give full play to the positive role of enterprises in the formulation of standards, vigorously cultivate compound talents for international standardization of TCM, and constantly strengthen international cooperation. The experience and thinking are of guiding significance for the scientific, efficient and reasonable formulation of high-quality ISO standards for CMM in the future.