[Australia] Proposed Changes to Poison Standard

On September 18, 2025, Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) proposed to change hydroquinone restrictions, by removal of the Schedule 2 entry for hydroquinone.

The changes mean cosmetics with hydroquinone could be prescription-only drugs regulated by TGA, unless they are falling into exemptions from Schedule 4 (hair preparations up to 0.3% Hydroquinone, and nail preparations up to 0.02% hydroquinone).

Products with over 10% Hydroquinone will have to be labelled as poisons.

This proposal would align Australian regulations with the EU and US for skin lightening preparations

For more information on the proposed changes, visit: Consultation: Proposed amendments to the Poisons Standard – ACCS, ACMS and Joint ACMS-ACCS meetings – November 2025 | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

Need help navigating these changes?

Reach out to our regulatory experts for tailored guidance and support in adapting to the new requirements.

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed on future amendments and industry insights.

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Related Posts

    • How to Legally Place a Cosmetic Product on the UK Market: A Step-by-Step Guide

      Published On: December 3, 2025

      Launching a cosmetic product in the UK is an exciting venture, but it comes with a clear set of regulatory responsibilities to ensure consumer safety and legal compliance. If you're considering bringing a cosmetic product [...]

    • Do I Need a CPSR for My Cosmetic Product?

      Published On: November 24, 2025

      If you're developing or selling cosmetic products in the UK or EU, understanding your legal obligations is crucial — and one of the most important is the Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR). What Is a [...]

    • [EU] EU Member States Seek One-Year Delay in Deforestation Law Enforcement

      Published On: November 13, 2025

      EU member states, along with several non-EU countries, traders, and operators, are calling for an additional year to comply with the European Union’s landmark deforestation regulation. Originally set to take effect sooner, the EU announced [...]