Do cosmetics need TGA approval in Australia?

Only if they make therapeutic claims or are sunscreens. Pure cosmetics follow AICIS chemical introduction rules (registration, ingredient categorisation) and INCI labelling instead. The moment a label claims to treat, relieve or protect health, the product is a therapeutic good needing an ARTG entry.

Can I import vitamins and supplements for resale?

Most vitamins are listed medicines requiring an ARTG entry (AUST L) by an Australian Sponsor, and every active ingredient must be permitted in Australia. Substances legal overseas may be scheduled or prohibited here — check before ordering stock.

What labelling do imported cosmetics need?

INCI ingredient names in descending concentration order, country of origin, the Australian importer/distributor's name and address, and any category warnings. Products above 250 mg/kg lead require ABF permission — effectively prohibited for normal cosmetics.

Importing Cosmetics, Skincare & Supplements

This category lives on a regulatory boundary: the claims your product makes decide whether it's a cosmetic (AICIS + ACCC rules) or a therapeutic good (TGA rules). The same cream can be either — the label and marketing decide.

The boundary: cosmetic vs therapeutic

Product	Regulator	Key requirement
Moisturiser, shampoo, makeup (no therapeutic claims)	AICIS + ACCC	Ingredient registration, INCI labelling
Sunscreen (even "SPF moisturiser")	TGA	ARTG listing via an Australian Sponsor
Vitamins/supplements with health claims	TGA	ARTG listing; ingredients must be permitted
Hand sanitiser with antibacterial claims	TGA	ARTG territory
"Therapeutic" claims (treats, cures, relieves)	TGA	Any product making them is a therapeutic good

Rule of thumb: if the label or marketing claims a health effect, assume TGA. Therapeutic goods must be entered in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) by an Australian Sponsor before import for supply — an expensive, slow process. Many importers deliberately strip claims and sell as pure cosmetics instead.

Pure cosmetics: AICIS + labelling

AICIS registration — anyone importing industrial chemicals (which includes cosmetic ingredients) must register their business with AICIS and categorise each ingredient's introduction. Check every ingredient against the AIIC inventory.
Ingredient labelling — INCI names in descending concentration order on the label.
Lead limit — cosmetics with more than 250 mg/kg lead need ABF permission (effectively a ban for normal product).
Country of origin and Australian importer/distributor details required.

Supplements & ingestibles

Listed medicines (most vitamins) need an ARTG entry (AUST L) and a sponsor.
Ingredient legality differs from overseas markets — substances permitted in the US/EU may be scheduled or prohibited in Australia. Check every active ingredient against TGA's permitted ingredients list.
Food-like supplements without claims may fall to FSANZ food rules instead — see importing food — but sports supplements and anything dosed like a medicine drift toward TGA.

Border & tax

No special duty for cosmetics — typically 0–5% depending on tariff line; GST 10% of VoTI.
Biosecurity: products with animal-derived ingredients (lanolin, collagen, bee products) may need BICON conditions or permits — check before shipping.
Keep Safety Data Sheets and ingredient declarations from suppliers on file.

Before ordering stock: finalise your label and marketing copy, get a compliance review of claims, and confirm whether ARTG listing is required. Reformulating a claim off a label after goods arrive is cheap; pulling a shipment is not.