Overview
The growing demand for Personal care products and rising disposable incomes have positioned Australia as a key market for Cosmetic brands. However, understanding Australian Cosmetic regulations requires a deep understanding of the regulatory framework to ensure seamless compliance and successful Cosmetic market entry in Australia. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) regulates Cosmetic product labeling standards or product safety.
Understanding Australia’s Cosmetic Regulatory Landscape
A Cosmetic product is not considered a therapeutic good and is not regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
The Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) regulates chemical substances, and each ingredient in a Cosmetic formula must be listed in the AICIS inventory.
AICIS
The ingredients in Cosmetic products are classified as industrial chemicals in Australia and regulated under the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS).
TGA
For products with sunscreen as their primary function, regulations fall under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), governed by TGA regulations as well as the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) requirements.
AICIS regulates the process for the importation and manufacture (Introduction) of industrial chemicals in Australia. In contrast, TGA regulates primary sunscreens and Cosmetic products making therapeutic claims, ensuring compliance with the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Compliance with these Regulatory bodies is crucial to avoiding Cosmetic market entry barriers and ensuring adherence to Australian Cosmetic compliance requirements.
The Cosmetic market entry in Australia is highly innovation-driven, requiring manufacturers to align with market trends. Deviation from approved ingredient lists or formulation techniques can lead to costly rework or product recalls, affecting brand value and revenue.
How Can Freyr Help?
With extensive experience in Australia Cosmetic regulations, Freyr offers end-to-end Regulatory solutions to assist businesses in achieving Cosmetic product compliance in Australia. Our expertise ensures manufacturers comply with Cosmetic labeling requirements, Cosmetic ingredient requirements, ingredient categorizing, reporting, and the annual declaration with AICIS.
Cosmetic Claims Review: Ensuring product claims comply with Australian regulations as per Cosmetic definition.
Ingredient Categorization: Verifying and categorizing each chemical introduction.
Regulatory Market Entry Support: End-to-end compliance assistance for cosmetic market entry in Australia.
Product Classification: Assisting in determining the correct category under AICIS
Formulation Review: Ensuring compliance with AICIS and Australian Poison Standards.
Regulatory Intelligence (RI): Providing market and compliance insights to facilitate Cosmetic product compliance in Australia.
Label Assessment: Ensuring adherence to cosmetic labeling requirements in Australia.
Want to know if your cosmetic product is regulatory compliant?
Why Choose Freyr?
Health Authority Interactions: Effective communication and engagement with regulatory authorities.
Global Network & Local Presence: Extensive partnerships and a strong footprint in Australia.
Efficient, Cost-effective Approach: Ensuring fast-track compliance.
Expertise Across Cosmetic Categories: Skin care, hair care, baby care, oral care, beauty products, and more.
Comprehensive Regulatory Services: A full suite of Cosmetic regulatory compliance in Australia.
Partner with Freyr for Hassle-free Cosmetic Compliance in AICIS
Frequently Asked Questions
01. How do I know if my product is a cosmetic or a therapeutic good in Australia?
Cosmetics are for cleansing, beautifying, or altering appearance. If a product makes medical or therapeutic claims, it may be regulated as a therapeutic good by the TGA.
02. What are the ingredient rules under AICIS for cosmetics?
All ingredients must be checked against AICIS regulations. Prohibited or restricted substances cannot be used, and chemicals must be categorized correctly before use.
03. Do I need to register my business before importing or selling cosmetics in Australia?
Yes. Any business manufacturing or importing cosmetics must register with AICIS before introducing products into the market.
04. What should I include on the label of a cosmetic product?
Labels should include the product name, ingredients (INCI names), batch number, expiry date (if applicable), usage instructions, and warnings in English.
05. What are “prohibited or restricted chemicals” in cosmetics here?
These are substances that cannot be used, or can only be used under strict conditions, in cosmetic formulations under AICIS standards.
06. Are sunscreen cosmetics treated differently under Australian law?
Yes. Sunscreens are generally regulated as therapeutic goods by the TGA, not cosmetics, and require a higher level of approval.
07. How does Freyr help with compliance and ingredient categorization?
We review your formulations, classify ingredients under AICIS, prepare documentation, and ensure your products meet all regulatory requirements.
08. What happens if my cosmetic claims are misleading or false?
Products with false or therapeutic claims may be rejected, recalled, or face legal action under Australian Consumer Law and TGA guidelines.
09. How will I stay updated with changing cosmetic regulations in Australia?
Freyr monitors regulatory updates from AICIS and TGA and guides you to stay compliant with the latest rules.