Australia & NZ Market Entry: Ingredients & Restrictions
Neither Australia nor New Zealand runs an EU-style positive list for cosmetic ingredients. Controls arrive through the industrial chemicals scheme and the hazards framework, plus poisons scheduling that restricts particular substances and concentrations.
At a glance
- Australia
- Chemical introductions assessed and categorised under the industrial chemicals scheme
- New Zealand
- Ingredient restrictions set by the cosmetics group standard
- Poisons scheduling
- Particular substances restricted by scheduled classification
- No EU-style annexes
- The architecture differs, so an EU checklist is not a substitute
What the market requires
Australia: categorisation and records
Chemicals introduced for cosmetic use are categorised according to volume, hazard and use, with records kept and an annual declaration made. Higher categories require more information before introduction, which is why the proposed volume matters.
New Zealand: group standard conditions
The group standard sets out prohibited and restricted substances and the labelling conditions that apply. Complying with its conditions is what keeps a product out of individual approval.
Poisons scheduling and sunscreen
Some substances are restricted by scheduled classification, and sunscreen is regulated as a therapeutic good in Australia, which is a different position from the cosmetic treatment of sunscreen in most of Asia and Europe.
What this means for your brief
Screen the formula against the destination's own restrictions rather than against an EU or ASEAN list, and confirm the sunscreen position per market before choosing filters. Because the architecture differs, a checklist from another region gives false comfort.
What we provide
- Full composition and specification documentation for the introducer's assessment and records
- Information on the actives and preservatives used, at the concentrations in the formula
- Reformulation support where a substance needs changing for the destination
Capabilities above are limited to what is verifiable: GMPC and ISO 22716 certification audited by third parties, cosmetics production licence 粤妆20250206, and FDA MoCRA facility registration. See certifications.
Market questions
Is sunscreen a cosmetic in Australia?
No. Sunscreen is regulated as a therapeutic good in Australia, so it follows a different route and a different set of permitted actives.
Can I use the EU annexes as my checklist?
No. The regulatory architecture is different, so the EU lists are not a substitute for the destination's own restrictions.
More on Australia & NZ market entry
Regulatory requirements change. Confirm the current position for your product with your local adviser or appointed representative before you place artwork or place an order. See also certifications and compliance and the sourcing glossary.
Sourcing for Australia & NZ?
Send your product brief with the destination market — quotation and formula recommendations within 24 hours.
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