Published: 2 March 2026
Consultations
Outcome of the consultation on the proposal for the package labelling of topical corticosteroids to state their potency
Summary
- Medsafe conducted a Label Statements Database (LSD) consultation proposing that the container/package label of topical corticosteroids include information about potency (strength).
- We received 60 responses to the consultation.
- Download the consultation outcome document to view the consultation feedback, Medsafe’s response and the final warning and advisory statements (PDF document, 297KB, 24 pages)
- The implementation date for the new statements will be 23 March 2028.
About the consultation
Topical corticosteroids are available in different potencies: mild, moderate, strong and very strong. Depending on the condition being treated, patients may be prescribed multiple topical corticosteroid products. The products may have different potencies and be used on different areas of the skin for a specified period of time.
This Medsafe consultation proposed a requirement for clearer labelling of topical corticosteroids by having information about their potency on the container/packaging.
The consultation opened on 16 June 2025 and closed 13 August 2025.
More information about the consultation.
Submissions received
There were 60 responses to the consultation. Respondents included healthcare professionals, the industry and members of the public. Most respondents agreed that the Label Statements Database should be updated to include a requirement for products containing a topical corticosteroid to be labelled with information on its potency.
You can view the submissions that we have permission to publish.
Outcome
The information below is only a brief summary of the consultation outcome. For the full consultation feedback and Medsafe’s response, please download the consultation outcome document.
- Consultation outcome document - Topical corticosteroids: Proposal for the package labelling to state their potency (PDF document, 297KB, 24 pages)
Based on respondent feedback, we have used consumer friendly terms such as ‘strong’ and ‘steroid’. We have also added an additional condition that these statements will only apply to topical corticosteroids used for inflammatory skin conditions (excluding cold sores).
Implementation date
The original proposed implementation date was 18 months from when the Label Statements Database is updated. However, based on feedback from the industry, we have revised this to 24 months.
The Label Statements Database will be updated on 23 March 2026. Affected products released to the New Zealand market at retail level must comply with the updated labelling requirement by 23 March 2028. However, we encourage sponsors to update their labels before this date, if feasible.
Enquiries
For any questions about this consultation, please email: medsafeapplications@health.govt.nz.
