TGA Personal Importation: Simple Guide for Aussie Shoppers

Ever needed a medication that isn’t on the Australian PBS or you can’t find locally? The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) lets you bring in small amounts for personal use, but there are rules you must follow. Skipping those can land you with a shipment stopped at customs or even a fine. This page walks you through the basics, so you can order safely, stay legal, and keep your health on track.

Understanding TGA Personal Importation Rules

The TGA allows a maximum of three months’ supply, or 5 % of the drug’s commercial batch, whichever is lower. That means you can’t order a year’s worth of pills – the limit is usually a few bottles. The medication must be for your own use, not for resale, and you need a valid prescription from a registered Australian doctor.

Some drugs are completely prohibited from personal import, like controlled substances (e.g., morphine, codeine without proper authority). Before you click “buy”, check the TGA’s prohibited list or ask the pharmacy if the product is allowed. If the drug is listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), it’s generally okay to import in small quantities.

Customs will inspect every parcel. If the package looks suspicious – no prescription, wrong labeling, or exceeds the quantity limit – it can be seized. In most cases, customs will contact you for proof of prescription. Having a digital copy of your prescription ready can speed up clearance.

How to Import Safely and Legally

Start by choosing a reputable online pharmacy that ships to Australia. Look for sites that display an Australian Business Number (ABN) and are registered with the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) or the International Pharmacy Association (IPA). These pharmacies usually ask for a copy of your prescription before they send anything.

When you place an order, use the “eScript” service if the pharmacy offers it. eScript sends your prescription electronically to the pharmacy, which reduces the chance of errors and speeds up customs checks. Make sure the shipping address matches the one on your prescription – mismatched info can raise red flags.

Pay attention to packaging. The label should include your name, the drug name, dosage, and quantity. Avoid plain white envelopes with no description; customs agents are more likely to open those. If the pharmacy offers discreet packaging with a clear label, that’s a good sign they understand import rules.

After your order ships, keep the tracking number handy. When the parcel arrives in Australia, the Australian Border Force (ABF) may contact you for additional info. Respond quickly, send the prescription file, and they’ll usually release the package within a few days.

Got a short‑term need? Consider a “bridging supply” – order a smaller pack now, then arrange a refill once you have a local prescription. This way you stay within the three‑month limit and avoid running out of medication.

Common pitfalls to avoid: ordering large quantities, ignoring the prohibited list, and using pharmacies that don’t ask for a prescription. Those mistakes can cause delays, extra fees, or a shipment being returned.

For cost‑saving, compare prices from a few Australian‑registered pharmacies. Some may offer bulk discounts, but remember the quantity limit still applies. Also, check if your private health fund covers any part of the cost – many plans reimburse for overseas‑purchased medicines if you have a valid prescription.

Here’s a quick checklist before you hit “buy”:

• Is the drug on the TGA prohibited list? If unsure, ask the pharmacy.
• Do you have a current Australian prescription?
• Is the quantity within the three‑month / 5 % limit?
• Is the pharmacy ABN‑registered and asks for a prescription?
• Do you have a tracking number and be ready to provide docs to customs?

If customs holds your package, don't panic. Contact them within the 48‑hour window, share the prescription copy, and ask for a release. Most seizures are administrative, not punitive, and will be cleared once you prove it’s for personal use.

Once you have the meds, double‑check the expiry date and dosage before you start. If anything looks off, call your doctor right away. Keeping a record of what you imported helps you stay organized for future shipments.