Importing Supplements into Australia: Complete Regulatory Guide

Importing Supplements into Australia

Australia is one of the world's most tightly regulated supplement markets. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) oversees all complementary medicines — including vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and sports nutrition supplements — under the Therapeutic Goods Act. Before you ship a single unit, you need to understand the ARTG.

The ARTG: Australia's product register

All therapeutic goods sold in Australia must be entered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). There are two pathways depending on your product's risk level:

Listed medicines (AUST L): For lower-risk products using only ingredients from the TGA's permitted ingredients list, with low-level claims only. Self-assessed, faster process. Around 75% of complementary medicines use this pathway.
Registered medicines (AUST R): For higher-risk products or those with stronger health claims. Requires full TGA evaluation — 12–24 months and significant cost.

Permitted ingredients and claims

Listed medicines can only contain ingredients from the TGA Ingredient Database at approved doses. The permitted indications (claims) for listed medicines are also restricted to a TGA-approved list. You cannot simply use your US or EU claims — they must be translated to TGA-permitted language.

Registered medicines may carry more specific health claims but require clinical evidence and full TGA review.

Label requirements

Australian labels must include: AUST L or AUST R number, product name, all active and inactive ingredients with quantities, recommended dose, warnings (including pregnancy warnings where required), name and Australian address of the sponsor (importer), and batch number and expiry date. Labels must be in English.

Sponsorship requirements

All therapeutic goods imported into Australia must have an Australian sponsor — a company or individual based in Australia who is responsible for the product's compliance. You cannot import directly to consumers without a sponsor. Many brands partner with an Australian distributor who acts as their sponsor. The sponsor's name and address must appear on the label.

Customs and border control

Australian Border Force enforces TGA requirements at the border. Commercial shipments of unlisted or unregistered therapeutic goods will be detained. Personal import exemptions exist (up to 3 months' personal supply) but do not cover commercial quantities. Ensure your ARTG number is on all import documentation.

Key retailers and channels

Chemist Warehouse (largest pharmacy chain), Priceline, Coles and Woolworths (grocery), and iHerb (online) are the primary channels. All require ARTG listing confirmation. Amazon Australia launched in 2017 and has grown quickly — it also requires valid ARTG documentation for supplement listings.