The Australian Border Force (ABF) has launched a significant enforcement operation targeting unregulated melatonin products entering the country, leading to the seizure of numerous shipments. This crackdown comes as global online health retailer iHerb announces it has resumed direct imports into Australia after adapting its practices to meet local regulatory standards.
Border Force Targets Non-Compliant Shipments
In recent months, the ABF has intensified its scrutiny of melatonin imports that do not comply with Australia's strict therapeutic goods regulations. Melatonin, a hormone used to regulate sleep, is classified as a prescription-only medicine or a pharmacist-only (Schedule 3) medicine in Australia, depending on its dosage and formulation. This means it cannot be legally imported for personal use without the appropriate approval or permit from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
The ABF confirmed it has been intercepting and seizing shipments containing melatonin that lack the necessary TGA approval or a valid prescription. This action is part of a broader effort to protect public health from the potential dangers of unregulated therapeutic goods, which may be of unknown quality, safety, or efficacy.
iHerb Adapts and Resumes Australian Service
The regulatory pressure directly impacted major international retailers shipping to Australian consumers. iHerb, a prominent US-based online store specialising in vitamins, supplements, and health products, temporarily paused its direct shipping services to Australia earlier in the year due to these compliance challenges.
However, the company has now implemented changes to ensure its operations align with Australian law. iHerb has resumed direct imports by ensuring that any melatonin products shipped to Australia are specifically listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) or are otherwise compliant with TGA regulations for personal importation. This move allows Australian customers to once again purchase eligible products directly from iHerb's global inventory, but within the legal framework.
A spokesperson for iHerb indicated the company is committed to cooperating with international regulators to provide safe access to health products. The resumption of service is a significant development for Australian consumers who frequently use the platform for a wide range of health and wellness items.
Risks and Regulations of Online Supplement Purchases
This crackdown highlights the ongoing tension between consumer demand for accessible health products and Australia's robust regulatory system designed to ensure safety. The TGA advises consumers to be extremely cautious when buying medicines and supplements from overseas websites.
Key risks associated with purchasing unregulated melatonin include:
- Unknown dosage accuracy, which could be too high or too low.
- Potential contamination with undeclared, harmful substances.
- Lack of proper storage conditions during transit, affecting product stability.
- No recourse under Australian consumer law if something goes wrong.
For Australians seeking melatonin, the legal pathways are either to obtain a prescription from a doctor or to purchase a lower-dose version from a pharmacy after a consultation with the pharmacist. The personal importation scheme allows individuals to import a three-month supply of certain medicines with a valid prescription, but this does not apply to all substances and has specific requirements.
The ABF's continued vigilance serves as a clear warning to both consumers and retailers that Australia's border controls for therapeutic goods are actively enforced. As the online global marketplace grows, regulatory bodies are increasingly focusing on ensuring that products entering the country meet the same safety standards as those sold locally.
