Overview
ISO 24898:2026 - Traditional Chinese Medicine - General Requirements for the Cultivation and Primary Processing of Herbal Materials establishes comprehensive standards for the cultivation, harvest, and primary processing of medicinal plants for herbal medicines. Developed by ISO, this document aims to harmonize technical requirements across the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) sector, ensuring safety, efficacy, and traceability from the selection of propagation materials to packaging and transportation. It is relevant for growers, collectors, and processors of medicinal plants, supporting adherence to international good agricultural and collection practices (GACP).
Key Topics
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Selection of Propagation Materials
- Emphasizes the use of high-quality, traceable seeds, seedlings, and other materials free from contamination and diseases
- Requires botanical identification and record-keeping for all propagation sources
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Cultivation Techniques
- Covers site selection based on geography, climate, and soil suitability
- Recommends sustainable agricultural practices, including ecological planting and crop rotation
- Highlights the assessment and prevention of environmental contamination
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Fertilization and Pest Management
- Encourages the use of organic fertilizers and careful application of agrochemicals
- Integrates various pest and disease management methods, prioritizing environmental safety
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Harvest and Collection
- Specifies optimal harvest timing and handling methods to preserve medicinal quality
- Stresses the importance of differentiating between cultivated and wild-sourced plants
- Minimizes habitat impact during wild plant collection
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Post-harvest Processing
- Outlines procedures for inspection, sorting, drying, and specific processing requirements
- Emphasizes maintaining product integrity during processing and cleanliness of facilities
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Packaging, Labelling, Storage, and Transportation
- Ensures packaging materials are clean, non-contaminating, and suitable for transport
- Labels must comply with ISO requirements, clearly indicating source and dates
- Storage and transportation protocols maintain product quality and safety
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Record Formats
- Provides practical templates for recording identification, cultivation, fertilization, collection, and processing stages
Applications
ISO 24898:2026 is applicable throughout the herbal medicine supply chain, particularly:
- Medicinal Plant Cultivation: Guides growers in selecting suitable sites, adopting sustainable practices, and maintaining records, supporting both large-scale farms and smallholders.
- Post-harvest Processing Facilities: Enables processors to standardize inspection, handling, and drying to prevent contamination and maintain active ingredient quality.
- Quality Assurance: Offers traceability through detailed record-keeping-essential for market acceptance, product certification, and regulatory compliance.
- Export and International Trade: By adhering to recognized international standards, producers can facilitate access to global markets, ensuring products meet importer safety and traceability requirements.
- Wild Harvest Management: Assists collectors and natural resource managers in sustainably harvesting wild medicinal plants while protecting biodiversity.
Related Standards
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ISO 21371: Traditional Chinese Medicine - Labelling Requirements for Oral or Topical Products
- Details mandatory labelling information for finished TCM products
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ISO 22217: Traditional Chinese Medicine - Storage Requirements
- Defines storage conditions for raw materials and processed herbal decoction pieces
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ISO 22258: Determination of Pesticide Residues
- Specifies analytical methods for detecting pesticide residues in herbal materials
These standards, when used alongside ISO 24898:2026, form a comprehensive framework for quality management within the TCM herbal supply chain.
By implementing ISO 24898:2026, stakeholders in the herbal medicine industry can achieve international recognition for quality, support sustainable growth, and protect consumer health through rigorous technical controls and documentation.