The Australian Industrial Hemp Alliance (AIHA) has welcomed what it called a "groundbreaking advancement" for the sector after the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) revised its position on the registration of hemp-based animal nutrition products.
The AIHA wrote to the APVMA last month with a formal complaint about a regulatory approach it argued was costing members millions of dollars by effectively treating animal hemp products as chemical products subject to a lengthy and expensive registration process.
The organisation said the APVMA has since updated guidance on its website detailing the regulatory framework for hemp-based products, acknowledged exemptions available for certain animal nutrition products under the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Regulations 1995, and clarified compliance pathways for manufacturers.
It said the revised guidance "now empowers manufacturers of compliant Excluded Nutritional or Digestive (END) products to confidently bring their offerings to market".
"For years, uncertainty surrounding the regulation of hemp-based feeds and supplements for animals (including pets and livestock) has limited their availability, deterring major retailers from stocking these innovative products," the AIHA said.
"This landmark decision marks a turning point, providing much-needed clarity and reducing regulatory barriers for the sector."
AIHA president Charles Kovess described the changes, effective from May 1, as "an important victory for the hemp industry" which "restores confidence across the sector and enables compliant products to thrive in the marketplace".
"We're thrilled to see the positive impact it will have on pet and livestock health, as well as the broader hemp industry," he said.
