New packaging rules for personal imports

The Australian Government has made changes to the Personal Importation Scheme, to help authorities identify imported therapeutic goods and reduce the risk of unidentified, mislabelled or counterfeit products entering Australia.

The scheme allows individuals to legally import therapeutic goods that are not entered in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, provided they meet certain conditions.

Under the changes, medicines imported under the scheme should remain in their original packaging where possible, including any dispensing labels or product information needed to accurately identify the goods.

The regulatory changes also clarify:

• the types of therapeutic goods covered by the scheme, including goods imported for therapeutic use such as contraception and testing kits
• who is considered an immediate family member under the scheme
• evidence requirements for people travelling to Australia with prescription-only medicines.

The changes support safer personal importation by helping authorities assess whether products meet the scheme’s requirements.

People should check the Personal Importation Scheme requirements before importing therapeutic goods or travelling with medicines into Australia.

If an import does not meet the scheme’s conditions, the goods may be seized and individuals may lose both the goods and the money they paid for them. Businesses that unlawfully import therapeutic goods may also face compliance or enforcement action.

If you suspect non-compliance involving therapeutic goods or their advertising, you can report it to the TGA at any time.

Contact for members of the media:

• Email: news@health.gov.au
• Phone: 02 6289 7400