Oceania · Australia
What does it take to sell cosmetics in Australia? Entry route, responsibility, labeling
No product registration: the Australian importer or manufacturer registers with AICIS eac…; Responsible person: The Australian entity that imports or manufactures (the 'in…; Labeling: Consumer Goods (Cosmetics) Information Standard 2….
Latest change 2026-06-27 — After evaluation EVA00186, retinal (retinaldehyde, CAS 116-31-4) for any consumer use can no longer be introduced as exempted or reported, so importers/manufacturers need an AICIS assessment certificate first (notice 2026-07-14); AICIS registration for the 2026–27 year is required before introducing chemicals on or after 2026-09-01. Source
Factory-side digest; the official text prevails; not legal advice.
- Authority
- Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) for ingredients; ACCC for labelling; TGA for sunscreens and therapeutic claims
- Main regulation
- Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 (Cth); Industrial Chemicals (General) Rules 2019 · Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 (AICIS) with the Consumer Goods (Cosmetics) Information Standard 2020 under the Australian Consumer Law
- In force
- 2020-07-01
- Market entry
- No product registration: the Australian importer or manufacturer registers with AICIS each year (1 Sep–31 Aug) and categorises every ingredient introduction as exempted, reported or assessed, while sunscreens above SPF 4 and therapeutic-claim products are TGA-regulated.
- Responsible person
- The Australian entity that imports or manufactures (the 'introducer') must hold AICIS registration and keep categorisation records; an overseas OEM cannot register on a buyer's behalf.
- Safety file
- No PIF; the introducer keeps records supporting each AICIS category (ingredient identity, hazard data, exposure) for 5 years and obtains an assessment certificate for assessed introductions.
- Labeling
- Consumer Goods (Cosmetics) Information Standard 2020: full ingredient list in English on the container (INCI or common English names, descending order, colour additives last, 'may contain' allowed for colours); therapeutic/sunscreen labels follow TGA rules; no allergen-naming rule.
- Animal testing
- Since 2020-07-01 new animal test data (generated on or after that date) cannot be used to support AICIS categorisation or assessment of ingredients used solely in cosmetics, with narrow exceptions; sale of imported animal-tested products is not banned.
- Ingredient lists
- Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals (AIIC) for listed chemicals, Poisons Standard (SUSMP) schedules and the IChEMS register (PFOS/PFOA/PFHxS banned from 2025-07-01); no cosmetic-specific positive lists.
- Notes
- The 2025-07-01 PFAS ban sits under the IChEMS scheme (environment portfolio), not AICIS; the ACCC is reviewing the 2020 information standard (outcome not verified).
- Official text
- https://www.industrialchemicals.gov.au/cosmetics-and-soap
Changes 2025–2026
- Australia requires an AICIS assessment certificate for retinal in consumer products
Following evaluation EVA00186 (presumed developmental toxicant, Repr. 1B), retinal/retinaldehyde with any consumer end use can no longer be exempted or reported, so an assessment certificate is needed before import or manufacture of retinal serums, creams and moisturisers. Source
FAQ
Does Australia require notification or registration before sale?
No product registration: the Australian importer or manufacturer registers with AICIS each year (1 Sep–31 Aug) and categorises every ingredient introduction as exempted, reported or assessed, while sunscreens above SPF 4 and therapeutic-claim products are TGA-regulated.
Is a local responsible person mandatory in Australia?
The Australian entity that imports or manufactures (the 'introducer') must hold AICIS registration and keep categorisation records; an overseas OEM cannot register on a buyer's behalf.
What are the labeling requirements in Australia?
Consumer Goods (Cosmetics) Information Standard 2020: full ingredient list in English on the container (INCI or common English names, descending order, colour additives last, 'may contain' allowed for colours); therapeutic/sunscreen labels follow TGA rules; no allergen-naming rule.
What changed recently in Australia cosmetic regulation?
2026-06-27 After evaluation EVA00186, retinal (retinaldehyde, CAS 116-31-4) for any consumer use can no longer be introduced as exempted or reported, so importers/manufacturers need an AICIS assessment certificate first (notice 2026-07-14); AICIS registration for the 2026–27 year is required before introducing chemicals on or after 2026-09-01.
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Entering Australia? Send the product type and we reply with the factory-side document list and lead time. Send an inquiry