The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued 6 infringement notices totalling $23,760 to 3 health practitioners for the alleged unlawful importation of unapproved therapeutic goods, in contravention of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act).
The 3 unrelated health practitioners, who are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra), are:
- a Victorian-based nurse who allegedly imported vials of unregistered botulinum toxin, and pre-filled syringes of hyaluronic acid and lidocaine
- a Victorian-based podiatrist who allegedly imported unregistered pre-filled syringes containing hyaluronic acid, and
- a NSW-based medical practitioner who allegedly imported unregistered vials containing glutathione for a NSW IV clinic.
Therapeutic goods that are not entered in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), also referred to as unapproved therapeutic goods, have not been assessed by the TGA for quality, safety and efficacy and may pose a health risk.
The Personal Importation Scheme permits individuals to import certain therapeutic goods not included in the ARTG, provided all legislative conditions are met. In the above cases, the individuals did not obtain the required approvals or authorities to import the goods.
The TGA works in partnership with law enforcement agencies, other health regulators, and state and territory authorities to address unlawful activity relating to the wellness and beauty industries, including cosmetic injectables.
The TGA's response reflects its ongoing enforcement activities with therapeutic goods used in cosmetic procedures as outlined in TGA's Compliance Principles 2026 and 2027.
Individuals, health practitioners and businesses must understand their legal obligations under the Act before importing or advertising therapeutic goods. Consequences for non-compliance may include infringement notices, direction or prevention notices, or civil or criminal proceedings.
If you suspect non-compliance in relation to therapeutic goods, or their advertising, you can report it to the TGA at any time.
