CHINA — Oct. 25 — Chinese health officials are planning to increase enforcement of the international good manufacturing practice (GMP) system next year, a move that could leave many of the country’s pharmaceutical manufacturers in the cold.

China’s State Drug Administration is planning a crackdown on the firms in an effort to cut down the number of sub-standard drugs being produced, according to recent published reports. The crackdown will take place next year.

Bai Huiliang, head of SDA’s security supervision office, told the publication Economic Information Daily that a large number of the more than 6,300 pharmaceutical plants operating in China will likely be ordered to halt production if they do not meet GMP standards within a restricted time period. Those companies will have the chance to reapply for GMP certification.

Any closures are not expected to affect domestic market supply.

–Jeff VanPelt