TGA imports during the COVID-19 pandemic

What You'll Learn

Many importers have switched the focus of their businesses to importing goods urgently required in Australia as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. TGA requirements have not been a strong focus or indeed a major training opportunity until now as there has been only a limited number of players in this field and they are both are very experienced and aware of their legal obligations. This is not now the case. 

Given that goods required to be registered by TGA and imported only by a sponsor are a prohibited import if the requirements are not complied with, they can be seized at the border. If they are not queried by ABF prior to delivery all stock on hand can and will be seized. Further and in either scenario, significant fiscal penalties will also be imposed.

It must be remembered too that such goods are difficult to source. Just because they’ve been seized by government, it does not follow that they will be added to the National Stockpile. Australia’s Emergency Response guidelines do not allow for any reduction in controls unless such controls are regulated or legislated. 

This course provides an overview of the Therapeutic Goods Act requirements for urgent arrivals as a consequence of COVID-19.