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TGA Advertising Rules

What you cannot claim about health products and treatments

Last updated 2026-04-07

What is the TGA?

The TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) regulates how therapeutic goods are advertised in Australia. This includes medicines, supplements, skincare with therapeutic claims, medical devices, and more. If your product claims to treat, prevent, or cure a condition, TGA rules apply.

What counts as a therapeutic claim

A therapeutic claim is anything that says your product treats, prevents, or cures a health condition. Some examples:

  1. 1."Reduces wrinkles" — this is a therapeutic claim (it claims to change a body function).
  2. 2."Contains vitamin C for immune support" — this is a therapeutic claim.
  3. 3."Moisturises skin" — this is generally NOT a therapeutic claim (it describes a cosmetic effect).
  4. 4."Cures acne" — this is a therapeutic claim and likely a breach.
tipThe line between cosmetic and therapeutic can be blurry. If you are unsure, ask your Director — it will tell you which side your claim falls on.

What you cannot do

Under TGA rules, you cannot make therapeutic claims about a product unless it is listed or registered with the TGA. You also cannot use testimonials for therapeutic goods, reference serious conditions (like cancer or heart disease) in product advertising, or imply your product is a substitute for medical treatment.

warningTGA penalties are severe and can include fines, product recalls, and criminal prosecution for serious breaches.

How NotRealSmart helps

When your brand is flagged as selling products that might fall under TGA rules (skincare, supplements, wellness products), your agents are extra careful with language. The compliance checker specifically looks for unregistered therapeutic claims and will flag them for your review.

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