Labelling, SDS and packaging

We often receive enquiries about how to label cosmetics and products that contain industrial chemicals. However, we don’t set the rules for labelling, packaging, or safety data sheet requirements in Australia – and cannot provide detailed guidance or recommendations about these requirements.

The following links may help businesses meet their labelling, SDS and packaging obligations in Australia. It’s important to note that we don’t regulate these requirements and provide the information on this page as a general guide only. It is your responsibility to make sure your product labels and packaging adhere to any relevant requirements.

Labelling

General product labelling requirements

• Find out what products your business needs to label and the laws that regulate labelling on the Australian Government’s business product labelling hub.

Cosmetic ingredient labelling

• All suppliers – including manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers – must comply with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) mandatory standard for ingredient labelling of cosmetics.
• Cosmetic products must comply with any applicable requirements in the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons (the SUSMP or Poisons Standard). The Poisons Standard is implemented by relevant state and territory laws – contact your state/territory health department for more information.
• All suppliers must comply with any applicable product safety standards. Product safety regulation in Australia is a shared responsibility between the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the states and territories.

If your product claims to prevent or cure health conditions

• Products that claim to prevent, diagnose, cure or alleviate a disease, ailment or defect in people are considered therapeutic goods (not cosmetics). The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) provides more information about labelling and packaging therapeutic goods.

If you’re introducing workplace products that contain hazardous industrial chemicals

• If you import or manufacture workplace products containing industrial chemicals that pose a hazard to human health or the environment there may be a requirement for the label to indicate the hazard. For details, see Safe Work Australia’s requirements for hazardous chemical labels.

Safety data sheets (SDS)

• If you import or manufacture hazardous chemicals, they will require safety data sheets (SDS). For details, see Safe Work Australia’s information on preparing and using SDS. For specific advice, contact your state or territory work, health and safety authority.

Packaging

• Your products must comply with the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), as well as any industry-specific regulations. The ACL is administered and enforced jointly by the ACCC and state and territory consumer protection agencies, with the involvement of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) on financial services matters.
• You should also make sure that your labelling and packaging practices are compliant with Australia’s trade measurement laws. For details, see the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources guide to the sale of pre-packaged goods.