What is a complementary medicine?
Complementary medicines are non-prescription medicines regulated in Australia as medicines under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. Complementary medicines include vitamins, minerals, and nutritional supplements, homeopathic, aromatherapy products, and herbal medicines.
Australia’s complementary medicine sector is well-established and well-regulated, with numerous brands that have consumer recognition and trust. Australian complementary medicines are a benchmark for quality among international consumers, thanks to Australia’s reputation for premium products and its clean and well-regulated production environment for food and medicines.
The TGA ensures a strict regulatory system for quality and safety.
The complementary medicine industry in Australia operates within a regulatory regime recognised as one of the strongest in the world. Complementary medicine products must be manufactured to the same standards as pharmaceutical products under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) in facilities approved and licensed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Importing complementary goods in Australia
The products must be registered with TGA and entered into the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).
The products must display an AUST L or AUST R number to signify their listed or registered product status.
When a consumer purchases a complementary medicine with AUST L or AUST R on the label, it means that the product has been produced under strict quality and safety criteria, that it contains the ingredients shown on the label and that, when taken at the dose recommended on the label, it is safe to take.
More helpful reading resources
Are you looking to do business in Australia? Have a look at how we help overseas companies to register a business in Australia, and now you too can – get ready, set up, and go!
Are you an overseas health manufacturer requiring Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval for your products? Read our blog about the TGA, TGA sponsorship.
Ready to import into Australia? Here is what you need to know?
The Abdera team is ready to help you. Call our team on +61 2 8916 6259 or contact us.