Sheldon Baker10.29.10
Robert Forbes is managing director with Robert Forbes and Associates (RFA) based in Sydney, Australia. RFA is Australia’s leading consultancy in the field of complementary medicines, with an international client base of more than 500 companies. RFA offers regulatory and technical advice to suppliers and manufacturers of complementary medicines, dietary supplements, OTC medicines, cosmetics, personal care products and foods. Robert has been in the complementary medicine industry since 1980 and involved with regulatory affairs since the late 1980s. He maintains a hands-on approach, fielding dozens of calls daily, as well as being actively involved in industry associations and seminars “down under” and overseas. He is currently president of the Association of Therapeutic Goods Consultants in Australia and vice president of the Consultants Association for the Natural Products Industry (www.CANI-Consultants.org) in the U.S. To unwind after a day of regulatory affairs Robert enjoys recording and producing music CDs in his studio with his group Tramracks.
Health E-Insights: Are a lot of U.S. companies bringing product into the Australian marketplace?
Mr. Forbes: There are many MLM companies operating successfully in Australia, and every year a few more enter the market. We are now also seeing new retail lines from the U.S. being introduced to selected retail outlets. We help U.S. companies launch their products in Australia by looking after their regulatory compliance. When a U.S. company wants to supply products in Australia, it is not so important what regulatory category they fit into. What is important to them is that their operations are legal and fully compliant in all respects so they can build a successful business without sales being interrupted by regulatory issues. In Australia, we do not have a product category called dietary supplements. These products are regulated as complementary medicines. If you put a product inside your body, it is either a food, a medicine or a medical device. Of course there are always some exceptions and exemptions. If you put a product on your body, it can be either a cosmetic, a medicine or a medical device.
Health E-Insights: Any new legislation in Australia that could impact U.S. companies seeking product approval in Australia?
Mr. Forbes: Yes. One regarding GMP. U.S. manufacturers wishing to produce complementary medicine products for supply in Australia must undergo regular audits for GMP compliance. These audits are carried out by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The TGA does not recognize the term dietary supplement or GMPs issued by private certification bodies such as USP and NSF. There is, of course, a significant cost for these TGA audits. We work with several U.S. manufacturers who are accredited by the TGA. Second, there is quarantine for all products, but in particular foods. We have noticed increased vigilance by AQIS (Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service) on imported shipments. In particular, products containing milk products, animal products or products mentioned on CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). Products are often seized by AQIS and will not be cleared until they have reviewed all necessary documentation. The lesson is, make sure you have quarantine permits in place before shipping products to Australia.
Health E-Insights: Has the global economic downturn affected the supplement business in Australia?
Mr. Forbes: This depends on who you talk to. Blackmores, Australia’s leading supplement supplier, has had a successful financial year. As they are a public company you can find their financial reports on the Internet. However, some manufacturers have been affected by the downturn. Our own company was affected, as we have a relatively large percentage of our clients based in the U.S., so when the U.S. slows down, our business slows down, However the outlook here in Australia is generally positive, and there are signs the industry is recovering strongly.
Health E-Insights: I know you’re an accomplished musician. What kind of music are you into?
Mr. Forbes: When I am in my car I listen to a local community station here in Sydney called FBi Radio. They play some interesting new music. But otherwise I am playing keyboards in my own studio with the Tramtracks band. It is a good release from intellectual regulatory affairs work. We call our music progressive chill. We all enjoyed progressive rock when we were younger from groups such as Yes and Pink Floyd. Our music is relaxed and laid back and played live in the studio, rather than composed with computer loops. It has an organic feel to it. And it’s cheaper than therapy.
Health E-Insights: Do you like to cook?
Mr. Forbes: Absolutely love to cook. I have been a vegetarian since 1975, and I do not like boring vegetarian food such a wholemeal bread roll with alfalfa sprouts and no butter. So I enjoy cooking really tasty veggie food. Favorites are mushroom and pea pasta with tomato and cream sauce. I use gluten free pasta and several varieties of mushrooms. I also make various types of baked meals and variations on Asian food. Probably more Malaysian in style.
Health E-Insights: If you were a type of food, what would it be?
Mr. Forbes: Well I am not fat and don’t know if I am a protein or carbohydrate. Maybe water as it goes with the flow and makes a nice sound along the way.
For more information and interview consideration, contact Sheldon Baker at sbaker@bakerdillon.com or visit his website at www.bakerdillon.com.
