New packaging requirements for medicines imported for personal use
08 Sep 2026
The scheme allows individuals to legally bring in certain therapeutic goods that are not included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), as long as the import meets the scheme’s requirements.
What is changing?
Under the updated rules, medicines imported for personal use should stay in their original packaging wherever possible. This includes dispensing labels and other product information needed to identify the medicine correctly.
The changes also provide clearer rules about:
- The types of therapeutic goods that can be imported, including products used for contraception and testing.
- Who can be considered an immediate family member under the scheme.
- What evidence may be required when people enter Australia with prescription-only medicines.
These changes are intended to improve the safety of personal imports and help authorities determine whether imported products meet the scheme’s requirements.
People planning to import therapeutic goods or travel to Australia with medicines should check the Personal Importation Scheme requirements before travelling or placing an order.
If imported goods do not meet the scheme’s conditions, they may be seized. This could mean losing both the products and the money paid for them.
Businesses that unlawfully import therapeutic goods may also face compliance action or enforcement measures.
Anyone who suspects that therapeutic goods or their advertising may not comply with Australian requirements can report the issue to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
New packaging requirements for medicines imported for personal use
Source: Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)