Import Cosmetics to Australia: AICIS vs TGA Explained
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When you import cosmetics to Australia, the first question is whether AICIS or the TGA is in charge. Ordinary cosmetics fall under the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS): the importing business registers once and works out an introduction category for each ingredient.
Sunscreens whose main purpose is sun protection are therapeutic goods regulated by the TGA: each product is listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) and the overseas manufacturer needs GMP clearance.
The table is based on AICIS and TGA guidance checked on 16 October 2026.
AICIS vs TGA: comparison table
Swipe sideways to see the whole table.
| Item | AICIS (cosmetics) | TGA (therapeutic sunscreens) |
|---|---|---|
| Products | Skincare, make-up, personal care | Primary sunscreens; some moisturisers and after-sun products with SPF over 15 |
| What is registered | The business, not products or chemicals | Each product, listed on the ARTG |
| Who registers | The Australian business importing or manufacturing | An Australian sponsor (company or individual) |
| Before import or supply | Register the business and categorise each ingredient | ARTG listing; AUST number on the label |
| Ingredient control | Ingredients not on the Inventory authorised under one of five categories | TGA-permitted ingredients and sunscreen requirements |
| Manufacturing | No GMP certificate required | Made to GMP principles; overseas sites need TGA GMP clearance |
| Ongoing duties | Annual registration (1 September to 31 August) and annual declaration by 30 November | New listing when the formula changes |
AICIS: register the business, categorise the ingredients
AICIS’s cosmetics guidance says that anyone planning to sell cosmetics bought from overseas must register their business before importing, with no threshold for small volumes. Registration still applies if another business already imports similar products or if the supplier says the product is approved overseas. You register the business, not individual products or chemicals.
Every industrial chemical in the product must be authorised under one of five categories: listed, exempted, reported, assessed or commercial evaluation. Exempted introductions are declared after import, while reported introductions need a once-off report before import.
According to AICIS’s registration page, the registration year runs from 1 September to 31 August, and every registrant files an annual declaration by 30 November.
From the Korean supplier, you need exact ingredient lists with concentrations and CAS numbers; see INCI names for Korean ingredients. Ingredient labelling follows Australia’s consumer information standard for cosmetics, so review the label at the same time.
TGA: list each therapeutic sunscreen on the ARTG
According to the TGA, primary sunscreens must generally be included in the ARTG and carry an AUST number. Some secondary sunscreens, such as moisturisers and after-sun products with SPF over 15, are also therapeutic goods, while cosmetic sunscreens are excluded from therapeutic goods law and their ingredients fall under AICIS.
The TGA’s guidance on therapeutic sunscreens explains that sponsors list products through the Electronic Listing Facility and certify that they meet all legal requirements. All sunscreens supplied in Australia must be made to GMP principles, and imported products need a TGA GMP clearance for the overseas manufacturer.
Changing an active ingredient creates a new therapeutic good with a new AUST number. In 2025 the TGA acted against products sharing one listing number and recalled sunscreens with lower-than-claimed SPF.
Importing Korean sunscreens
A sunscreen sold in Korea as a functional cosmetic still needs the TGA route if it is sold in Australia as a primary sunscreen. That means the Korean manufacturer must go through TGA GMP clearance, which only works with its cooperation. The TGA also consulted in March 2026 on widening control over high-SPF claims, so watch for its decision. See sunscreen regulation by country.
Summary
- Skincare and make-up: AICIS business registration and ingredient categorisation.
- Primary sunscreens: TGA ARTG listing and overseas GMP clearance.
- Cosmetic sunscreens: treated as cosmetics, with limited claims.
SEONGWOO GLOBAL supplies Korean skincare to overseas buyers from Seoul. Australian importers can contact us through the pages below.
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