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Exporting cosmetics and beauty products from Australia

Australia sets few export-specific rules for cosmetics. Information standards under the Australian Consumer Law do not apply to goods intended for use outside Australia, and a 'for export only' statement is presumed to show that. Organic cosmetics need an organic goods certificate only where the importing country requires one. Consignments over A$2,000 need an export declaration.

Updated · Each section links to the official source it comes from

Ingredient labelling
Information standards do not apply to goods for use outside Australia
Export-only label
'For export only' presumed to show use outside Australia
Organic cosmetics
Organic goods certificate where the importing country requires it
Chemicals
Rules may restrict export of chemicals under international agreements
Customs
Export declaration for goods over A$2,000

Before the goods leave

The questions to answer, in the order they usually come up.

  1. 1Is the product made or labelled for export only, and does the label say so? Read more
  2. 2Is it a therapeutic good rather than a cosmetic? Read more
  3. 3Does it contain an industrial chemical whose export is restricted? Read more
  4. 4Is it described as organic, and does the importing country require an organic goods certificate? Read more
  5. 5Is an export declaration needed, and will the buyer claim a preferential tariff? Read more

The rules, by area

What each area covers, the texts that set it, and what the official pages say.

Export-only goods under the Australian Consumer Law

How the ACL's information and safety standards treat goods made for export.

  • The supply provisions for goods that do not comply with an information standard, such as the Consumer Goods (Cosmetics) Information Standard 2020, do not apply to goods intended to be used outside Australia (section 136(5)).
  • Unless the contrary is established, goods are presumed to be intended for use outside Australia if a statement that they are for export only is applied to them, on the goods or on their covering or label (section 136(6) and (7)).
  • Goods that do not comply with a safety standard, or are covered by a ban, may be exported only with the Commonwealth Minister's written approval (sections 106(5) and 118(5)).

How we help: Compliant Always keeps export-only label artwork with each product and lot, so the record shows which stock was made for export. Ask about this

Organic and biodynamic claims

When the Export Control (Organic Goods) Rules 2021 reach cosmetics.

  • Organic goods are goods described as, or as including ingredients that are, organic, biodynamic, biological, ecological or similar, including in-conversion goods.
  • Organic goods that are cosmetic products, such as soaps, shampoos, fragrances, moisturisers, colour cosmetics and deodorants, are prescribed only where the importing country requires an organic goods certificate.
  • Where prescribed, the exporter holds an organic goods certificate, issued by an approved certifying body or the Secretary, in force at the time of export.

How we help: Compliant Always records which destinations ask for an organic goods certificate and keeps the certificate with the shipment, dated. Ask about this

Industrial chemicals and therapeutic goods

Other Commonwealth laws that reach what is in the bottle.

  • Where an industrial chemical is the subject of a prescribed international agreement, rules under the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 may prohibit its export or impose conditions, including approval by the Executive Director (section 163).
  • Exporting an industrial chemical in breach of such a prohibition or condition is an offence (section 164).
  • Products that are therapeutic goods for use in humans follow the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 on export, including the offence of exporting goods that are not registered, listed or exempt where harm is likely.

How we help: Compliant Always reads your formula against the restricted lists that apply on export and keeps the evidence with the product. Ask about this

Export declaration, origin and drawback

Customs steps for cosmetics leaving Australia.

  • An export declaration is needed for goods over A$2,000, for goods that need an export permit, and for duty drawback claims.
  • Duty drawback refunds customs duty on imported goods exported unused or after being processed or incorporated into goods for export, claimed within four years.
  • Exporters and producers who claim Australian origin for a preferential tariff keep the records behind the claim; for Japan, for at least five years.

How we help: Compliant Always keeps the declaration, the origin records and the import entries a drawback claim relies on, by lot. Ask about this

Who answers for what

WhoWhat they answer forHow we help
Brand ownerThe formula, the export label and any organic claim.Formula and export label kept by product and lot.
ManufacturerMaking export stock, and the ingredient records behind it.Ingredient and batch records ready when an importer asks.
ExporterThe export declaration, certificates and origin claims.Certificates and declarations kept with each shipment.

Ports and certifying bodies

Export controls on food, plants and organic goods are Commonwealth law under the Export Control Act 2020, administered by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, with registered establishments and accredited properties across the states and territories.

Export declarations go to the Australian Border Force through the Integrated Cargo System, or at an ABF counter in each state or territory.

Where are the goods going?

Most of what cosmetics and beauty products have to meet is set where they are sold. Each guide sets out the rules on arrival, with the official source for each.

Questions businesses ask

Do I need a licence to export cosmetics from Australia?
The Commonwealth laws this guide draws on set no general export licence for cosmetics. Specific rules apply to organic claims, restricted chemicals, therapeutic goods, and goods that fail an Australian safety standard or are banned.
Does an exported cosmetic need the Australian ingredient label?
Information standards under the ACL, including the Cosmetics Information Standard 2020, do not apply to goods intended for use outside Australia. Destination labelling rules are in the market guides.
What does a 'for export only' label do in Australia?
Under section 136(6) of the Australian Consumer Law, goods carrying a statement that they are for export only are presumed to be intended for use outside Australia, unless the contrary is established.
Can I export cosmetics that do not meet an Australian safety standard?
Only with the Commonwealth Minister's written approval, under section 106(5) of the Australian Consumer Law. The same applies to banned goods under section 118(5).
Do organic cosmetics need a certificate to export from Australia?
Only where the importing country requires an organic goods certificate. Organic cosmetic products are otherwise not prescribed goods under the Export Control (Organic Goods) Rules 2021.
Are any cosmetic ingredients restricted on export?
Rules under section 163 of the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 may prohibit or condition the export of chemicals covered by prescribed international agreements, including approval by the Executive Director. Exporting in breach is an offence.
Do therapeutic skin products follow different export rules?
Products that are therapeutic goods follow the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, which makes exporting goods for use in humans that are not registered, listed or exempt an offence where harm is likely.
Do I need an export declaration for cosmetics?
For consignments worth more than A$2,000, goods needing an export permit, and duty drawback claims. Smaller consignments are generally exempt.
Can I claim back duty on imported packaging or ingredients?
The ABF's duty drawback scheme refunds customs duty on imported goods exported unused or incorporated into goods for export, with claims of at least A$100 lodged within four years of export.
How does Compliant Always help with exporting from Australia?
Our team reads the rules for the routes you ship. Compliant Always shows which export documents apply to your product, keeps them with the shipment beside what the destination asks for, and watches the sources for changes. It shows what the requirements say and what your documents show; you decide.

Sources

Compliant Always is a product of Lettuce Labs LLC. It shows what requirements say and what your documents show. It is not legal advice, and you decide.

Tell us what you make, and we will show you the rules for it.

Name the product and the markets you sell in. We will come back to you with what applies in Australia and what your paperwork needs to show.

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