- Health advice
- 3 min read
- Feb 28, 2025
With so many health products available in Australia – from vitamins and supplements to sports nutrition and skincare – it’s essential to know which ones are regulated and approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Understanding how to identify TGA-approved products ensures you’re buying safe, high-quality, and effective supplements. Let’s break down how to spot them, when TGA approval is required, and when it’s not.
What is the TGA, and Why Does It Matter?
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is Australia’s regulatory authority for therapeutic goods, including medicines, vitamins, and supplements. TGA approval ensures that products meet strict safety, quality, and efficacy standards before they reach consumers. In a market flooded with local and international options, this level of oversight is crucial for protecting your health.
How to Identify TGA-Approved Products
TGA-approved supplements are listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) and must display a unique registration number on their label. You can spot this by looking for:
- AUST L (Listed Medicine): For lower-risk products like vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements.
- AUST LA (Assessed Listed Medicine): For listed products that have undergone additional safety and efficacy assessments.
- AUST R (Registered Medicine): For higher-risk products like prescription medications and some over-the-counter drugs.
If a product doesn’t have one of these identifiers, it’s not TGA-approved and may not meet the same safety and quality standards.
When TGA Registration is Required – and When It’s Not
Not all health-related products require TGA registration. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand what needs TGA approval and what doesn’t:
-
TGA-Approved (Required):
- Vitamins and dietary supplements (Complementary Medicines)
- Herbal remedies
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Prescription medications
-
Not TGA-Approved (Not Required):
- Wholefoods and superfoods
- Skincare and beauty products
- Sports supplements like protein powders and pre-workouts (unless making therapeutic claims)
Final Tips for Smart Shopping
- Check the label: Look for AUST L, AUST LA, or AUST R numbers to confirm TGA approval.
- Be cautious with online purchases: Overseas products may not meet Australian safety standards.
- Understand product categories: Know when TGA registration is required and when it isn’t.
By choosing TGA-approved products when needed, you can be confident you’re buying safe, effective, and high-quality health products. And when in doubt, Mr Vitamins team is always here to help guide your wellness journey.
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