Illegal Chinese medicines found in Sydney

A recent joint operation between the TGA and the Australian Customs Service led to the prosecution of a Sydney company over the importation of 20 tonnes of illegal Chinese medicines and wound dressings.

In convicting the importer, the Magistrate stated: "This type of offence is for the protection of the public in order that they not be put at risk. There is a high responsibility on the sellers of these goods to comply [with the law]."

All of these goods had been imported from either mainland China or Hong Kong and were not included in the ARTG. The importation into Australia and supply to the public of unregistered and unevaluated therapeutic goods, manufactured under conditions that have not been assessed for compliance with GMP, is considered by the TGA to pose an unacceptable risk to public health. The TGA will continue to work with the Australian Customs Service to ensure that this practice is stopped.

The TGA will be conducting a one-day educational seminar, on 7 June in Sydney, for the Chinese community in relation to importing this type of product. Importers seeking advice on how to lawfully import these types of goods should contact the TGA.