Cosmetics FAQs

General / Background

• What do these abbreviations/definitions mean?

• What are the Cosmetic Reforms?

• Why has cosmetics regulation been reformed?

• What is the Cosmetics Standard?

• How do I know if my product is a therapeutic good or a cosmetic?

• What will happen to existing cosmetic products?

• Are there any Cosmetic Products, not in the Cosmetics Standard, that were previously regulated by the TGA and are now regulated by NICNAS?

• What regulatory standards apply to cosmetic products?

• Are cosmetic products subject to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements?

• Will removal of GMP requirements pose a risk to the consumer?

• How will cosmetic reforms affect the health and safety of Australians and the environment?

• What is a new cosmetic ingredient?

• What about interim arrangements?

• I have an “interface” product currently on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) that I plan to market as a Cosmetic, what should I do about the ARTG entry?

• I have a product that’s not mentioned in the Table of Cosmetic Product Categories. Can it still be a cosmetic under the new reforms?

• If a company manufactures predominantly therapeutic goods and has a few items that are cosmetics do they need to be registered with NICNAS?

• Can a product be marketed both as a cosmetic and a therapeutic good?

• Are all skin-whitening products cosmetics?

• What is a therapeutic good? What is a therapeutic use?

Moisturisers with Secondary Sunscreens and Primary Sunscreens  SPF<4

• How will NICNAS assessment of new UV filters differ from assessment by the TGA?

• Will the efficacy of sunscreen products be maintained under new arrangements?

• What are the limits for an SPF test result for a moisturiser containing a secondary sunscreen?

• Why are moisturisers with sunscreens for a secondary purpose limited to SPF15?

Antibacterial Skin Products

• What statements ARE permitted on a cosmetic antibacterial skin product?

• What statements are NOT permitted on a cosmetic antibacterial skin product?

• What about disinfectants?