Medicine Import Guidelines of Australia for Personal Use
Author: Admin
Category: Medicine Import Guidelines
Published: 17, Dec 2024
Last Updated: 28, Jan 2025
Guidelines for Importing Medicines into Australia for Personal Use
If you need to import a medicine not approved in Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) allows for personal importation under specific conditions. Here’s what you need to know to ensure a smooth and legal import process.
What is the Personal Importation Scheme?
The TGA’s Personal Importation Scheme permits individuals to import therapeutic goods for personal use under the following conditions:
- The medicine is arranged to be sent from an overseas supplier, family member, or friend to the individual in Australia.
- The goods are for personal use for the immediate family and must not be resold or supplied to others.
Is It Legal to Import Medicines for Personal Use?
Yes, provided the following conditions are met:
✅ You can import up to a 3-month supply at the manufacturer’s recommended dosage per shipment.
✅ Medicines must be for personal treatment or for an immediate family member.
✅ Medicines should remain in their original packaging with dispensing labels intact where possible.
✅ Medicines that are restricted under customs or quarantine rules are not allowed.
✅ Injectable products containing human or animal material (except insulin) are prohibited.
✅ Controlled substances require additional permits.
✅ You cannot import more than a 15-month supply within 12 months.
✅ For Schedule 4 or Schedule 8 medicines under the Poisons Standard, you must have a valid prescription from an Australian-registered doctor.
Required Documents for Importing Medicines
1. Prescription from an Australian Doctor
Your prescription should include (See in last)
- Doctor’s Name and Letterhead
- Patient’s Full Name and Date of Birth
- Date of issue
- Medicine Name, strength, and quantity
- Doctor’s Signature and Official Stamp
2. Additional Documentation (Recommended)
- A doctor’s letter explaining the medical necessity of the medicine.
- Product Information: Include details about the active ingredients and manufacturer.
Steps to Import Medicines
- Obtain a valid prescription and supporting documentation.
- Ensure that all documents are in English or have certified translations.
- Navigate to Indogenmed's website and place your order.
- Upload your prescription and supporting documents during the order process.
- We'll attach all the necessary documents to your package.
- Continue to monitor your order by frequently checking the tracking link.
- To prevent delays, clearly state that the goods are for personal use when submitting to TGA.
Special Access for Controlled Drugs
- Get approval through the Special Access Scheme (SAS) or a prescription from an Authorized Prescriber for controlled drugs.
- Obtain the required import permits and clear customs clearance.
- You cannot import medicines that are prohibited substances without approval, fraudulent or counterfeit, or exceed the 3-month supply limit without special permission.
Need to Import More than a 3-Month Supply?
If you import more than a three-month supply, your Australian doctor must apply for approval under the Special Access Scheme (SAS). Contact your doctor or reach out to info@indogenmed.org for more guidance.
Quick Checklist Before Importing
✅ Medicine is legal in Australia.
✅ Quantity is no more than a 3-month supply.
✅ You have a valid prescription if required.
✅ Medicine is in its original packaging.
✅ You declare the medicine at customs or include documents if mailed.
References
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