Importing COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RATs)

An overview for sponsors on requirements associated with importing COVID-19 rapid antigen tests into Australia.

Last updated

11 February 2022

Who can import rapid antigen tests to supply in Australia?

Only the approved supplier (sponsor), as entered on the Australia Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), or their agent can import rapid antigen tests (RATs) into Australia for commercial supply.

Any RATs imported for commercial supply must be the version manufactured and approved for the Australian market and not a parallel import. The RATs must be on the ARTG, under the name of the supplier, prior to importation.

RATs not entered in the ARTG are subject to biosecurity controls administered by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.

Unless an import can be demonstrated as being for personal-use-only, any import of unapproved RATs will not meet the BICON - Import Conditions and a biosecurity import permit will be required. Imports not meeting these requirements will be assessed at the border and may not reach their destination.

Do not import RATs unless you are:

the Australian approved supplier (sponsor) or
their agent.

What is a parallel import?

Many therapeutic goods, including RATs, are available both in Australia and overseas.

There may be different packs or labels on a version that is approved for supply in Australia, compared to those versions for supply in other countries. Differences ensure compliance with the therapeutic goods laws in the country where the goods are intended to be sold.

Parallel import occurs when a legitimate version of an overseas product is imported with the intention of being sold in the Australian marketplace. While these goods may be authentic and manufactured by the company indicated on the packaging, they are not the version of the product assessed for the Australian market and entered in the ARTG.

Parallel imports do not necessarily meet the same quality and safety standards that the Australian versions do and have not been assessed by the TGA. Parallel imports are unapproved goods and should not be imported into Australia for commercial supply.

How do I know if my good is a parallel import?

If your business intends to supply a therapeutic good, such as RATs, to consumers or businesses in Australia, you should obtain those goods via formal manufacturer distribution channels.

Where you obtain genuine products without authorisation from the manufacturer, you may be purchasing a parallel import. If any of the following apply to your product, it may be a parallel import:

it has been purchased from a supplier other than the manufacturer or its authorised distributor
it has not been assessed by the TGA for the Australian market
the price you intend to sell it for is cheaper than a consumer would ordinarily expect to pay for the product in Australia
the packaging and instructions for use are not in English
there are no Australian sponsor details on the package.

Examples – comparison of Australian vs overseas products (parallel imports)

Example 1

Image of Australian approved version
Side view of Australian approved version showing Australian sponsor
Image of parallel import version
Side view of parallel import showing sponsor not in Australia

Example 2

Parallel import version: No Australian distributor or Sponsor listed on the test kit
Australian Sponsor, address, phone number and ARTG number on pack

What RATs are included on the ARTG?

All COVID-19 test kits approved by the TGA for inclusion in the ARTG are listed on the COVID-19 test kit page.

Responsibilities when importing RATs

Where an Australian business imports RATs for subsequent supply, they must have a reasonable expectation that the RAT will ultimately be supplied to a consumer.

The safest way for industry to obtain RATs for supply in the Australian market is to obtain them via formal manufacturer distribution channels.

You must always ensure that any RATs you are importing comply with Australian therapeutic goods legislation including:

the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989
the packaging and labelling requirements in TGO 110
the Therapeutic Goods Regulations 1990
the Therapeutic Goods (Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code) Instrument 2021.

What are the consequences of importing unapproved RATs?

Loss of product

Under instruction of the TGA, the Australian Border Force can seize and destroy unlawful imports of therapeutic goods, including RATs.

Fines or court action

The TGA investigates unlawful import, supply and advertising of RATs in Australia and encourages compliance with Australian laws by providing education and guidance in the first instance. Failing to adhere to the Australian rules can attract significant penalties.

For repeated and deliberate non-compliance, the TGA takes escalated regulatory action which can include injunctions, civil court proceedings and criminal prosecution.

How do I apply for TGA approval to supply RATs in Australia?

We have published information for sponsors (i.e. suppliers/importers) that wish to submit an application for TGA assessment for inclusion of a COVID-19 test in the ARTG.

You are encouraged to review this information in conjunction with the Legal supply of COVID-19 test kits.

Where do I report suspected unapproved RATs?

If you have any concerns about a business supplying unapproved RATs, or about those being sold in retail outlets, you can:

Further information

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