Supplement rules differ across countries, and international standards can influence national policy and trade. ASA focuses on international developments that have a clear connection to its U.S. mission, its members, or responsible supplement practice.
Areas of attention
ASA may monitor or contribute to work concerning:
- ingredient and product definitions;
- positive and negative ingredient lists;
- safety assessment and upper-level approaches;
- claims and evidence requirements;
- labeling and consumer information;
- quality and manufacturing expectations;
- contaminants, specifications, and analytical methods;
- new or novel ingredient pathways;
- international standards and multilateral discussions;
- trade effects and cross-border regulatory cooperation.
Jurisdiction matters
An international summary must identify the country, region, or institution; document type; procedural status; language and translation basis; effective date; and affected audience. ASA does not assume that U.S. terms or legal categories have the same meaning elsewhere.
Information about another jurisdiction is general. Organizations should obtain qualified local advice before acting.
Participation and relationships
ASA may work with national associations, international organizations, standards bodies, scientific groups, or other qualified stakeholders when roles and positions are clear. Membership, event participation, or information exchange is not described as a partnership without a written relationship that supports the term.
ASA records its own position separately when a coalition or international body has a broader position.
International members
Eligible organizations established outside the United States may participate through the approved international membership category. Rights, committee access, dues, and voting status follow ASA’s governing documents.
Public records
International records identify primary sources and the date ASA last verified the official status. Translations should be attributed and material uncertainty stated.
Review international work
Browse international policy records
For a source-backed international issue relevant to ASA’s scope, contact international affairs.