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How to Import Cosmetics & Personal Care Products to Australia

Guide to importing cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and personal care products to Australia. Covers AICIS, ingredient safety, labelling, and customs requirements.

Last reviewed: 2026-03-10

Overview

Cosmetics and personal care products imported into Australia sit at the intersection of industrial chemicals regulation and consumer product safety. The ingredients used in cosmetics are classified as industrial chemicals and regulated by the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS). The finished products must also comply with mandatory labelling standards enforced by the ACCC.

Unlike some countries, Australia does not require pre-market approval for cosmetics (unless they make therapeutic claims, in which case they fall under TGA jurisdiction). However, importers are responsible for ensuring all ingredients are on the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals (AIIC) or have been appropriately assessed through AICIS, and that the product is safe for its intended use.

Products that straddle the cosmetic-therapeutic boundary — such as sunscreens, anti-acne treatments, and anti-dandruff shampoos — are classified as therapeutic goods and regulated by the TGA. The distinction depends on the claims made and the active ingredients present. Getting this classification right is critical, as supplying an unregistered therapeutic good carries serious penalties.

Step-by-Step Import Process

  1. Determine regulatory classification

    Determine whether your product is a cosmetic (regulated by AICIS) or a therapeutic good (regulated by the TGA). Products that claim to treat or prevent a condition, or contain scheduled substances, are therapeutic goods. Sunscreens with SPF claims, anti-acne products, and medicated shampoos are common examples of products that cross into TGA territory.

  2. Check ingredients against the AIIC

    For cosmetic products, verify that all ingredients are listed on the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals. If any ingredient is not listed, it must be assessed through AICIS before the product can be imported. This applies to active ingredients, fragrances, preservatives, and all other chemical components.

  3. Register with AICIS as an introducer

    Importers of cosmetics must register with AICIS as an "introducer" of industrial chemicals. Registration is annual and fees are based on your introduction volume and value. Even if all your ingredients are listed on the AIIC, AICIS registration is required.

  4. Ensure labelling compliance

    Australian cosmetic labelling requirements include full ingredient listing (using INCI nomenclature), mandatory warnings for specific ingredients, country of origin, product identity, and manufacturer/importer contact details. Labels must be in English. Ensure compliant labels are applied before products enter the Australian market.

  5. Engage a licensed customs broker

    Choose a broker familiar with cosmetics imports. Cosmetic imports are generally straightforward from a customs perspective, but the underlying AICIS obligations and potential TGA classification issues benefit from specialist advice.

  6. Prepare import documentation

    Assemble commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, AICIS registration confirmation, and product formulations (which may be requested by AICIS or the ABF). For products containing alcohol, ensure the correct excise classification — cosmetic-grade alcohol has different excise treatment than potable alcohol.

  7. Pay duties, taxes, and distribute

    Pay customs duty (typically 0-5%) and 10% GST. Once cleared, ensure all products carry compliant Australian labels before retail distribution. Keep formulation records accessible in case AICIS requests them during compliance monitoring.

Key Regulations

AICIS regulates the industrial chemicals used in cosmetics. Importers must register as introducers and ensure all ingredients are on the AIIC or appropriately assessed. AICIS conducts compliance monitoring and can require importers to demonstrate that their products contain only listed chemicals.

The ACCC enforces cosmetic labelling requirements through the Trade Practices (Consumer Product Information Standards) (Cosmetics) Regulation 2007. Mandatory requirements include ingredient listing, warnings, and manufacturer/importer identification.

The TGA regulates products that make therapeutic claims. A cosmetic that claims to treat acne, reduce wrinkles through a therapeutic mechanism, or provide sun protection (SPF claims) is a therapeutic good and must be on the ARTG.

The Poisons Standard (SUSMP) schedules certain chemicals that can appear in cosmetics. Scheduled ingredients may have concentration limits or labelling requirements. For example, certain hair dye chemicals have mandatory warning statements.

Duties & Tariffs

Customs duty on cosmetics and personal care products is typically 0-5% depending on the specific product and its tariff classification. Many products from FTA partner countries enter duty-free.

Products containing alcohol may have different duty treatment depending on the type and concentration of alcohol used. Cosmetic-grade denatured alcohol is generally not subject to excise equivalent customs duty.

GST of 10% applies to all imported cosmetics and personal care products.

Official Sources

Verify the information in this guide against these official government resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

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