Australia Introduces Immediate Import Restrictions on Retinal Following AICIS Evaluation

The Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme has published its final evaluation of retinal, also known as retinaldehyde, resulting in new restrictions on its import into Australia.

From 26 June 2026, retinal can no longer be imported into Australia either as a cosmetic raw material or as an ingredient in finished cosmetic products, unless the importer holds the appropriate authorisation following an AICIS assessment.

The decision applies specifically to retinal and does not extend to retinol or other retinoids. These substances remain unaffected and may continue to be imported and marketed in Australia in accordance with the applicable regulatory requirements.

The restriction applies according to the date on which the goods arrive in Australia. As a result, products containing retinal that enter the country on or after 26 June 2026 may be considered non-compliant, even where the order was placed or dispatched before the publication of the final evaluation.

AICIS has indicated that individual compliance cases may be considered on their specific circumstances. However, importers should not assume that pre-existing purchase orders or shipments will be exempt from regulatory action.

Products containing retinal that were already present in Australia before the restriction took effect may continue to be sold, supplied and used. This includes retinal already available for use in the local manufacture of cosmetic products.

The measure also does not currently affect overseas businesses that sell retinal-containing cosmetics directly to Australian consumers without importing the products through an Australian-based entity.

Australian companies wishing to resume the import of retinal or finished products containing retinal will need to submit an assessment application to AICIS. Depending on the available safety data and the information requested by the authority, this process may involve substantial costs and extended assessment timelines.

Companies supplying cosmetics to the Australian market should review their formulations, ingredient specifications, shipping arrangements and importer responsibilities to identify any products containing retinal and prevent non-compliant shipments from entering the country.