Australia
The cosmetics and toiletries market in Australia is an active market, offering good opportunities for new entrants, influenced by the importance of personal appearance, both for women and men as Australians become more concerned with wellness issues.
The Australian government has authorized the Department of Health and Ageing and the Therapeutic Goods Administration to regulate the ingredients used in the production and importation of cosmetic products in Australia.
The definition of cosmetics in Australia is similar to that of the EU and US, and six cosmetic product categories are classified according to the Cosmetic Standard 2007.
Ingredients in cosmetic products are classified as industrial chemicals, and new cosmetic ingredients (not yet listed in the Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances) are subject to notification to the National Industrial Chemicals Notification Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) for assessment unless they qualify for an exemption.
Manufacturers and importers can check the conditions or restrictions of chemicals which are available for use in Australia, using the Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS) and the NICNAS Cosmetics Guidelines.