August 20, 2025

Australia’s cosmetics industry is booming — from skincare start-ups to established beauty brands, more entrepreneurs are entering the market than ever before. But before you launch that dreamy serum or lipstick, you need to know the rules. The cosmetics space in Australia is highly regulated to protect consumers and ensure products are safe, properly labelled, and honestly marketed.

If you’re new to the industry, navigating the legal requirements can feel like decoding a foreign language. This guide walks you through the essentials of cosmetic regulatory compliance in Australia — without the jargon overload.

What Counts as a Cosmetic in Australia?

 In Australia, the definition of a cosmetic is set by the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 and enforced by AICIS (Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme), formerly NICNAS.

 A product is generally considered a cosmetic if it is designed for cleansing, perfuming, changing appearance, correcting body odours, or protecting/maintaining the skin, hair, or teeth — without altering the body’s functions or treating disease.

 Examples include:

 Moisturisers

Lipsticks and mascaras

Perfumes and deodorants

Shampoos and conditioners

? Important: If your product claims to treat, prevent, or cure a medical condition (e.g., eczema cream, acne treatment) or offers sun protection, it may be classed as a therapeutic good and regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) instead.

 Regulatory Authorities

Cosmetic products in Australia may be regulated by multiple bodies, depending on their intended use and claims:

 AICIS – Oversees importation and manufacturing of industrial chemicals in cosmetics. All importers and manufacturers must register and comply with ingredient requirements.

 TGA – Regulates products making therapeutic claims (e.g., SPF, anti-acne, healing).

 ACCC – Ensures compliance with labelling, advertising, and consumer protection laws under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

 Key Compliance Requirements

a. Business Registration with AICIS

If you import or manufacture cosmetics in Australia, you must:

 Register with AICIS before starting business and renew annually.

Categorise chemical introductions (from exempted to assessed).

Submit an annual declaration to AICIS by 30 November each year, detailing the chemicals introduced.

Keep ingredient and formulation records for at least 5 years.

b. Ingredient Review

Check the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals (AIIC) to confirm each ingredient is permitted.

Ensure concentrations meet any restrictions.

If an ingredient isn’t listed, you may need to apply for assessment and approval.

Some substances are prohibited or heavily restricted (e.g., certain preservatives or UV filters).

c. Labelling Standards

Labels must comply with ACL and Cosmetic Labelling Guidelines. They should include:

Product name and brand

Full ingredient list using INCI nomenclature

Net weight or volume

Batch number and expiry date (if applicable)

Supplier/manufacturer/importer contact details

Required warnings or usage instructions

Any poison scheduling information if relevant

d. Claims & Advertising

All claims must be truthful, not misleading, and backed by evidence.

Avoid overpromising results (e.g., “miracle cure” or “guaranteed results”) without proof.

Claims suggesting therapeutic benefits place the product under TGA regulation.

Safety Testing

While no pre-market approval is generally required, you are legally responsible for ensuring your product is safe. Recommended tests include:

Stability testing – to confirm product shelf life.

Microbiological testing – essential for water-based formulations.

Dermatological or patch testing – to assess irritation risks.

Importing Cosmetics

If importing from overseas, you are considered the manufacturer under Australian law. This means you are fully responsible for ensuring compliance — even if the overseas supplier claims the product meets regulations.

Common Compliance Mistakes

Using banned or restricted ingredients

Making unapproved therapeutic claims

Incorrect or incomplete ingredient labelling

Failing to register with AICIS before importing or manufacturing

Why Compliance Matters

Non-compliance can lead to fines, recalls, or denial of market access. Conversely, strong compliance practices:

Build consumer trust

Protect your brand’s reputation

Provide a competitive advantage in a crowded market

Final Tips for New Cosmetic Brands

Plan for compliance early — fixing mistakes later can be costly.

Document everything — from ingredient safety data to production batches.

Stay updated — chemical safety regulations can change.

Seek expert advice — especially if launching multiple pro