An Act relating to therapeutic goods
Chapter 1—Preliminary
1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.
2 Commencement
This Act commences on the day after the day on which a House of the Parliament approves regulations made under this Act in the same form as approved by the other House, provided that:
(a) not more than 90 days have elapsed; and
(b) the places of Senators have not become vacant under section 13 of the Constitution; and
(c) a dissolution or expiration of the House of Representatives has not occurred;
between the approval of one House and the approval of the other House.
3 Interpretation
(1) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:
accessory, in relation to a medical device covered by paragraph 41BD(1)(a), (aa) or (ab), means a thing that the manufacturer of the thing specifically intended to be used together with the device to enable the device to be used as the manufacturer of the device intended.
actual or potential tampering has the meaning given by section 42U.
advertisement, in relation to therapeutic goods, includes any statement, pictorial representation or design, however made, that is intended, whether directly or indirectly, to promote the use or supply of the goods.
anthroposophic pharmacopoeia means:
(a) a publication specified under paragraph 3AB(3)(a), as that publication is in force from time to time; or
(b) a part of a publication specified under paragraph 3AB(3)(b), as that part is in force from time to time.
anthroposophic preparation has the meaning given by subsection 3AB(1).
anthroposophic standard has the meaning given by subsection 3AB(2).
application audit assessment fee means a fee payable under subsection 41LA(3).
assessment fee means:
(a) a conformity assessment fee; or
(b) an application audit assessment fee;
payable under Part 4‑10.
authorised person means:
(a) in relation to any provision of this Act, a person authorised by the Secretary to exercise powers under that provision; or
(b) in relation to a provision of Part 6‑2, a member of the Australian Federal Police, or a Customs officer exercising powers in a Customs place (within the meaning of section 183UA of the Customs Act 1901).
batch means a quantity of a product that is:
(a) uniform in composition, method of manufacture and probability of chemical or microbial contamination; and
(b) made in one cycle of manufacture and, in the case of a product that is sterilised or freeze dried, sterilised or freeze dried in one cycle.
bioburden, in relation to therapeutic goods, means the quantity and characteristics of microorganisms present in the goods or to which the goods may be exposed in a manufacturing environment.
biological has the meaning given by section 32A.
biological number of a biological means:
(a) the number assigned to the biological under subsection 32DB(2), 32DF(2) or 32DN(5); or
(b) if, in accordance with regulations made for the purposes of paragraph 9A(4)(ca), a different number is assigned to the biological—that different number.
British Pharmacopoeia means the edition of the publication of that name, including any additions or amendments, that was in effect for the purposes of this Act immediately before the commencement of Schedule 4 to the Therapeutic Goods Amendment (Medical Devices and Other Measures) Act 2009 and, if additions or amendments of that publication are made after that commencement, or new editions of that publication are published after that commencement, includes those additions or amendments, or those new editions, from the effective date published by the British Pharmacopoeia Commission or any replacement body.
civil penalty provision has the meaning given by section 42YA.
Class 1 biological means a biological included in a class of biologicals that is:
(a) a class prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of section 32AA; and
(b) a class referred to in those regulations as Class 1 biologicals.
Commonwealth authority includes:
(a) a body corporate, or an unincorporated body, established for a public purpose by or under an Act; and
(b) a tribunal or authority established by or in accordance with an Act.
Commonwealth officer includes:
(a) a Minister; and
(b) a person holding:
(i) an office established by or under an Act; or
(ii) an appointment made under an Act; or
(iii) an appointment made by the Governor‑General or a Minister but not under an Act; and
(c) a person who is a member or officer of a Commonwealth authority; and
(d) a person who is in the service or employment of the Commonwealth, or of a Commonwealth authority, or is employed or engaged under an Act or regulations made under an Act.
composite pack has the meaning given by subsection 7B(2).
Comptroller‑General of Customs means the person who is the Comptroller‑General of Customs in accordance with subsection 11(3) or 14(2) of the Australian Border Force Act 2015.
conformity assessment certificate means a certificate issued under section 41EE.
conformity assessment fee means a fee payable under subsection 41LA(1).
conformity assessment procedures has the meaning given by section 41DA.
conformity assessment standard means a conformity assessment standard specified in an order under section 41DC.
container, in relation to therapeutic goods, means the vessel, bottle, tube, ampoule, syringe, vial, sachet, strip pack, blister pack, wrapper, cover or other similar article that immediately covers the goods, but does not include an article intended for ingestion.
corporation means a body corporate that is:
(a) a foreign corporation; or
(b) a trading corporation formed within the limits of the Commonwealth or a financial corporation so formed.
corresponding State law means a State law declared by the regulations to correspond to this Act or the regulations, including such a law as amended from time to time.
counterfeit has the meaning given by section 42E.
current Poisons Standard has the meaning given by section 52A.
Customs officer means an officer of Customs within the meaning of the Customs Act 1901.
data processing device means any article or material (for example, a disc) from which information is capable of being reproduced with or without the aid of any other article or device.
default standard means any of the following:
(a) a standard referred to in paragraph (b) of the definition of standard in this subsection;
(b) a standard referred to in paragraph (c) of that definition;
(c) a standard referred to in paragraph (d) of that definition.
device number, in relation to a medical device, means any combination of numbers, symbols and letters assigned to the device under section 41FL.
directions for use, in relation to therapeutic goods, includes information on:
(a) appropriate doses of the goods; and
(b) the method of administration or use of the goods; and
(c) the frequency and duration of treatment for each indication of the goods; and
(d) the use of the goods by persons of particular ages or by persons having particular medical conditions.
EC/EFTA attestation of conformity means an attestation of conformity (within the meaning of the EC Mutual Recognition Agreement or the EFTA Mutual Recognition Agreement) issued by an EC/EFTA conformity assessment body that is approved by the Secretary in writing.
EC/EFTA conformity assessment body means a Conformity Assessment Body designated in one of the following Sectoral Annexes to the EC Mutual Recognition Agreement or the EFTA Mutual Recognition Agreement:
(a) Sectoral Annex (Medical Devices);
(b) Sectoral Annex (Medicinal Products GMP Inspection and Batch Certification).
EC Mutual Recognition Agreement means the Agreement on Mutual Recognition in relation to Conformity Assessment, Certificates and Markings between Australia and the European Community, as in force from time to time.
EFTA Mutual Recognition Agreement means the Agreement on Mutual Recognition in relation to Conformity Assessment, Certificates and Markings between Australia and the European Free Trade Association, as in force from time to time.
essential principles has the meaning given by section 41CA.
ethics committee means a committee:
(a) constituted and operating as an ethics committee in accordance with guidelines issued by the CEO of the National Health and Medical Research Council as in force from time to time; and
(b) which has notified its existence to the Australian Health Ethics Committee established under the National Health and Medical Research Council Act 1992.
European Pharmacopoeia means the English edition of the publication of that name, including any additions or amendments, that was in effect immediately before the commencement of this definition and, if additions or amendments of that publication are made after that commencement, or new editions of that publication are published after that commencement, includes those additions or amendments, or those new editions, from the effective date published by the Council of Europe or any replacement body.
exempt device means a medical device that is of a kind that is exempted from Division 3 of Part 4‑11 by the regulations.
exempt goods, in relation to a provision of Part 3‑2, means therapeutic goods that are exempted from the operation of that Part (except section 31A and sections 31C to 31F) by the regulations.
exempt goods, in relation to a provision of Part 3‑3, means therapeutic goods that are exempted from the operation of that Part by the regulations.
exempt person, in relation to therapeutic goods, means a person exempted from the operation of Part 3‑3 in relation to those goods by the regulations.
export only medicine means a medicine that:
(a) is manufactured in Australia for export only, or imported into Australia for export only; and
(b) is listable goods only because it is so manufactured or imported (and not for any other reason).
Federal Court means the Federal Court of Australia.
financial corporation means a financial corporation within the meaning of paragraph 51(xx) of the Constitution.
first Poisons Standard has the meaning given by section 52A.
foreign corporation means a foreign corporation within the meaning of paragraph 51(xx) of the Constitution.
gazetted kits group means a group of kits identified in an order in force under subsection 16(3A).
gazetted therapeutic devices group has the meaning given by subsection 16(3).
gazetted therapeutic goods group has the meaning given by subsection 16(2).
Gene Technology Regulator has the same meaning as in the Gene Technology Act 2000.
genetically modified organism has the same meaning as in the Gene Technology Act 2000.
GM product has the same meaning as in the Gene Technology Act 2000.
grouped therapeutic goods means therapeutic goods included in:
(a) a gazetted therapeutic goods group; or
(b) a gazetted therapeutic devices group; or
(c) a gazetted kits group.
homoeopathic pharmacopoeia means:
(a) a publication specified under paragraph 3AA(3)(a), as that publication is in force from time to time; or
(b) a part of a publication specified under paragraph 3AA(3)(b), as that part is in force from time to time.
homoeopathic preparation has the meaning given by subsection 3AA(1).
homoeopathic standard has the meaning given by subsection 3AA(2).
included in the Register:
(a) in relation to a biological—means included in the Register under Part 3‑2A; and
(b) in relation to a medical device to which Chapter 4 applies—means included in the Register under Chapter 4.
Note: Section 41BJ deals with the application of Chapter 4 to medical devices.
indications, in relation to therapeutic goods, means the specific therapeutic uses of the goods.
international instrument means:
(a) any treaty, convention, protocol, agreement or other instrument that is binding in international law; and
(b) a part of such a treaty, convention, protocol, agreement or other instrument.
kind, in relation to a medical device, has the meaning given by section 41BE.
label, in relation to therapeutic goods, means a display of printed information:
(a) on or attached to the goods; or
(b) on or attached to a container or primary pack in which the goods are supplied; or
(c) supplied with such a container or pack.
licence means a licence under Part 3‑3.
listable devices means therapeutic devices that are required to be included in the part of the Register for listed goods.
listable goods means therapeutic goods that are required:
(a) under the regulations; or
(b) by a notice published in the Gazette or on the Department’s website under subsection 9A(5);
to be included in the part of the Register relating to listed goods.
listed goods means therapeutic goods that are included in the Part of the Register for goods known as listed goods.
listing number, in relation to listed goods, means any combination of numbers, symbols and letters assigned to the goods under section 27.
major interest holder of a body corporate means a person who:
(a) is in a position to cast, or control the casting of, more than one‑fifth of the maximum number of votes that might be cast at a general meeting of the body corporate; or
(b) holds more than one‑fifth of the issued share capital of the body corporate (excluding any part of that issued share capital that carries no right to participate beyond a specified amount in a distribution of either profits or capital).
manufacture, in relation to therapeutic goods that are not medical devices, means:
(a) to produce the goods; or
(b) to engage in any part of the process of producing the goods or of bringing the goods to their final state, including engaging in the processing, assembling, packaging, labelling, storage, sterilising, testing or releasing for supply of the goods or of any component or ingredient of the goods as part of that process.
manufacturer, of a medical device, has the meaning given by section 41BG.
manufacturing principles means the principles for the time being having effect under section 36.
manufacturing site means premises:
(a) that are for use in the manufacture of a particular kind of therapeutic goods; and
(b) at which the same persons have control of the management of the production of the goods and the procedures for quality control.
manufacturing site authorisation means an authorisation referred to in subsection 38(2B) or 40B(4).
medical device has the meaning given by section 41BD.
medical device classification means a classification specified in the regulations made for the purposes of section 41DB.
medical device standard, in relation to a kind of medical device, means a medical device standard, specified in an order under section 41CB, that is applicable to that kind of medical device.
medicine means:
(a) therapeutic goods (other than biologicals) that are represented to achieve, or are likely to achieve, their principal intended action by pharmacological, chemical, immunological or metabolic means in or on the body of a human; and
(b) any other therapeutic goods declared by the Secretary, for the purpose of the definition of therapeutic device, not to be therapeutic devices.
member of EFTA means a country declared by the Minister under section 3A to be a member of the European Free Trade Association.
member of the European Community means a country declared by the Minister under section 3A to be a member of the European Community.
mother substance means any of the following:
(a) an animal;
(b) a plant;
(c) an alga;
(d) a fungus;
(e) a micro‑organism;
(f) a mineral;
(g) a mineral compound;
(h) a chemical;
(i) a product obtained from any of the things mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (h).
Mutual Recognition Convention means the Convention for the Mutual Recognition of Inspections in respect of the Manufacture of Pharmaceutical Products done at Geneva on 8 October 1970.
National Manager of the Therapeutic Goods Administration means:
(a) the person holding the position of National Manager of the Therapeutic Goods Administration; or
(b) if the position of National Manager of the Therapeutic Goods Administration ceases to exist, or ceases to be referred to by that name—the person holding a position determined in writing by the Secretary.
non‑EC/EFTA attestation of conformity, for a non‑EC/EFTA MRA, means an attestation of conformity issued, after the non‑EC/EFTA MRA has come into force, by a conformity assessment body that is designated in the non‑EC/EFTA MRA and approved by the Secretary in writing for the non‑EC/EFTA MRA.
non‑EC/EFTA MRA means an international instrument that Australia is bound by, or is a party to, if:
(a) a purpose of the instrument is the recognition of attestations of conformity; and
(b) the instrument satisfies the requirements (if any) set out in regulations made for the purposes of this paragraph;
but does not include:
(c) the EC Mutual Recognition Agreement; or
(d) the EFTA Mutual Recognition Agreement.
oath includes affirmation.
poison means an ingredient, compound, material or preparation which, or the use of which, may cause death, illness or injury and includes any ingredient, compound, material or preparation referred to in a schedule to the current Poisons Standard.
premises includes:
(a) a structure, building, aircraft, vehicle or vessel; and
(b) a place (whether enclosed or built upon or not); and
(c) a part of a thing referred to in paragraph (a) or (b).
presentation, in relation to therapeutic goods, means the way in which the goods are presented for supply, and includes matters relating to the name of the goods, the labelling and packaging of the goods and any advertising or other informational material associated with the goods.
primary pack, in relation to therapeutic goods, means the complete pack in which the goods, or the goods and their container, are to be supplied to consumers.
product information, in relation to therapeutic goods, means information relating to the safe and effective use of the goods, including information regarding the usefulness and limitations of the goods.
protected information, in relation to therapeutic goods, has the meaning given by section 25A.
quality, in relation to therapeutic goods, includes the composition, strength, potency, stability, sterility, purity, bioburden, design, construction and performance characteristics of the goods.
refurbishment has the meaning given by the regulations.
Register means the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods maintained under section 9A.
registered goods means therapeutic goods included in the part of the Register for goods known as registered goods.
registration number, in relation to registered goods, means any combination of numbers, symbols and letters assigned to the goods under section 27.
restricted medicine means:
(a) a medicine specified in an instrument under subsection (2A); or
(b) a medicine included in a class of medicine specified in an instrument under subsection (2B).
scheduling has the meaning given by section 52A.
Secretary means the Secretary of the Department.
sponsor, in relation to therapeutic goods, means:
(a) a person who exports, or arranges the exportation of, the goods from Australia; or
(b) a person who imports, or arranges the importation of, the goods into Australia; or
(c) a person who, in Australia, manufactures the goods, or arranges for another person to manufacture the goods, for supply (whether in Australia or elsewhere);
but does not include a person who:
(d) exports, imports or manufactures the goods; or
(e) arranges the exportation, importation or manufacture of the goods;
on behalf of another person who, at the time of the exportation, importation, manufacture or arrangements, is a resident of, or is carrying on business in, Australia.
standard, in relation to therapeutic goods, means any of the following:
(a) a standard that is constituted by the matters specified in an order under section 10 that is applicable to the goods;
(b) if the goods are the subject of one or more monographs (other than a monograph exempt under subsection 3C(1)) in the British Pharmacopoeia—a standard that is constituted by the statements (other than statements exempt under subsection 3C(2)) in those monographs, as interpreted in accordance with the General Notices section of the British Pharmacopoeia;
(c) if the goods are the subject of one or more monographs (other than a monograph exempt under subsection 3C(1)) in the European Pharmacopoeia—a standard that is constituted by the statements (other than statements exempt under subsection 3C(2)) in those monographs, as interpreted in accordance with the General Notices section of the European Pharmacopoeia;
(d) if the goods are the subject of one or more monographs (other than a monograph exempt under subsection 3C(1)) in the United States Pharmacopeia‑National Formulary—a standard that is constituted by the statements (other than statements exempt under subsection 3C(2)) in those monographs, as interpreted in accordance with the General Notices section of the United States Pharmacopeia‑National Formulary;
(e) a homoeopathic standard;
(f) an anthroposophic standard.
Note: See also section 13.
State includes the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.
State law means a law of a State, of the Australian Capital Territory or of the Northern Territory.
supply includes:
(a) supply by way of sale, exchange, gift, lease, loan, hire or hire‑purchase; and
(b) supply, whether free of charge or otherwise, by way of sample or advertisement; and
(c) supply, whether free of charge or otherwise, in the course of testing the safety or efficacy of therapeutic goods in persons; and
(d) supply by way of administration to, or application in the treatment of, a person.
system or procedure pack has the meaning given by section 41BF.
tamper: therapeutic goods are tampered with if:
(a) they are interfered with in a way that affects, or could affect, the quality, safety or efficacy of the goods; and
(b) the interference has the potential to cause, or is done for the purpose of causing, injury or harm to any person.
therapeutic device means therapeutic goods (other than biologicals) consisting of an instrument, apparatus, appliance, material or other article (whether for use alone or in combination), together with any accessories or software required for its proper functioning, which does not achieve its principal intended action by pharmacological, chemical, immunological or metabolic means though it may be assisted in its function by such means, but the expression does not include therapeutic goods declared by the Secretary, by order published in the Gazette or on the Department’s website, not to be therapeutic devices.
therapeutic goods means goods:
(a) that are represented in any way to be, or that are, whether because of the way in which the goods are presented or for any other reason, likely to be taken to be:
(i) for therapeutic use; or
(ii) for use as an ingredient or component in the manufacture of therapeutic goods; or
(iii) for use as a container or part of a container for goods of the kind referred to in subparagraph (i) or (ii); or
(b) included in a class of goods the sole or principal use of which is, or ordinarily is, a therapeutic use or a use of a kind referred to in subparagraph (a)(ii) or (iii);
and includes biologicals, medical devices and goods declared to be therapeutic goods under an order in force under section 7, but does not include:
(c) goods declared not to be therapeutic goods under an order in force under section 7; or
(d) goods in respect of which such an order is in force, being an order that declares the goods not to be therapeutic goods when used, advertised, or presented for supply in the way specified in the order where the goods are used, advertised, or presented for supply in that way; or
(e) goods (other than goods declared to be therapeutic goods under an order in force under section 7) for which there is a standard (within the meaning of subsection 4(1) of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991); or
(f) goods (other than goods declared to be therapeutic goods under an order in force under section 7) which, in Australia or New Zealand, have a tradition of use as foods for humans in the form in which they are presented; or
(g) goods covered by a determination under subsection 7AA(1) (excluded goods); or
(h) goods covered by a determination under subsection 7AA(2) (excluded goods), if the goods are used, advertised, or presented for supply in the way specified in the determination.
Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code means the code in force under section 42BAA.
therapeutic use means use in or in connection with:
(a) preventing, diagnosing, curing or alleviating a disease, ailment, defect or injury in persons; or
(b) influencing, inhibiting or modifying a physiological process in persons; or
(c) testing the susceptibility of persons to a disease or ailment; or
(d) influencing, controlling or preventing conception in persons; or
(e) testing for pregnancy in persons; or
(f) the replacement or modification of parts of the anatomy in persons.
trading corporation means a trading corporation within the meaning of paragraph 51(xx) of the Constitution.
United States Pharmacopeia‑National Formulary means the English edition of the publication of that name, including any additions or amendments, that was in effect immediately before the commencement of this definition and, if additions or amendments of that publication are made after that commencement, or new editions of that publication are published after that commencement, includes those additions or amendments, or those new editions, from the effective date published by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention or any replacement body.
working day, for a person, means any day except:
(a) Saturday or Sunday; or
(b) a day that is a public holiday in the State or Territory in which the person is located.
(2) For the purposes of this Act, therapeutic goods are taken to be for use in humans if they are not solely for use in animals.
(2A) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, specify medicines for the purposes of paragraph (a) of the definition of restricted medicine in subsection (1).
(2B) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, specify classes of medicine for the purposes of paragraph (b) of the definition of restricted medicine in subsection (1).
(3) The Secretary must, at least once in each year, cause to be published in the Gazette or on the Department’s website a list of the names of all persons, other than members of the Australian Federal Police, who are, at the time of publication, authorised persons.
(4) The provisions of this Act are in addition to, and not in substitution for, the provisions of any other Act that relate to therapeutic goods.
(5) For the purposes of this Act, the presentation of therapeutic goods is unacceptable if it is capable of being misleading or confusing as to the content or proper use or identification of the goods and, without limiting the previous words in this subsection, the presentation of therapeutic goods is unacceptable:
(a) if it states or suggests that the goods have ingredients, components or characteristics that they do not have; or
(b) if a name applied to the goods is the same as the name applied to other therapeutic goods that are supplied in Australia where those other goods contain additional or different therapeutically active ingredients; or
(c) if the label of the goods does not declare the presence of a therapeutically active ingredient; or
(ca) if the therapeutic goods are medicine included in a class of medicine prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph—if the medicine’s label does not contain the advisory statements specified under subsection (5A) in relation to the medicine; or
(d) if a form of presentation of the goods may lead to unsafe use of the goods or suggests a purpose that is not in accordance with conditions applicable to the supply of the goods in Australia; or
(e) in prescribed cases.
(5A) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, specify advisory statements in relation to medicine for the purposes of paragraph (5)(ca).
(5B) For the purposes of subsection (5A), the Minister may specify different advisory statements for different medicines or different classes of medicine.
(6) A reference in this Act to an annual registration charge, an annual listing charge, an annual charge for inclusion in the Register or an annual licensing charge is a reference to such a charge imposed under the Therapeutic Goods (Charges) Act 1989.
(7) A reference to an offence against this Act includes a reference to:
(a) an offence against the regulations; and
(b) an offence against section 6 of the Crimes Act 1914, or section 11.1, 11.4 or 11.5 of the Criminal Code, in relation to an offence against this Act or the regulations; and
(c) an offence against section 136.1, 137.1 or 137.2 of the Criminal Code in relation to this Act or the regulations.
(7A) For the purposes of this Act, a corresponding State law imposes a duty on a Commonwealth officer or Commonwealth authority if:
(a) the corresponding State law confers a function or power on the officer or authority; and
(b) the circumstances in which the function or power is conferred give rise to an obligation on the officer or authority to perform the function or to exercise the power.
3AA Homoeopathic preparations and homoeopathic standards
Homoeopathic preparation
(1) For the purposes of this Act, a homoeopathic preparation is a preparation:
(a) manufactured from a mother substance; and
(b) manufactured in accordance with a manufacturing procedure described in a homoeopathic pharmacopoeia.
Homoeopathic standard
(2) For the purposes of this Act, if:
(a) there are therapeutic goods that are a homoeopathic preparation; and
(b) the goods are the subject of one or more monographs (other than a monograph exempt under subsection (4)) in the homoeopathic pharmacopoeia describing the manufacturing procedure that the preparation was manufactured in accordance with;
then there is a homoeopathic standard, in relation to the goods, that is constituted by the statements (other than statements exempt under subsection (5)) in those monographs, as interpreted in accordance with any interpretation sections of that homoeopathic pharmacopoeia.
Specifying publications
(3) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, specify either or both of the following for the purposes of the definition of homoeopathic pharmacopoeia in subsection 3(1):
(a) publications;
(b) parts of publications.
Exempting entire monographs
(4) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that specified monographs in a specified homoeopathic pharmacopoeia are exempt for the purposes of paragraph (2)(b).
Note: For specification by class, see subsection 13(3) of the Legislation Act 2003.
Exempting parts of monographs
(5) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that specified statements in specified monographs in a specified homoeopathic pharmacopoeia are exempt for the purposes of subsection (2).
3AB Anthroposophic preparations and anthroposophic standards
Anthroposophic preparation
(1) For the purposes of this Act, an anthroposophic preparation is a preparation:
(a) manufactured from a mother substance; and
(b) manufactured in accordance with a manufacturing procedure described in an anthroposophic pharmacopoeia.
Anthroposophic standard
(2) For the purposes of this Act, if:
(a) there are therapeutic goods that are an anthroposophic preparation; and
(b) the goods are the subject of one or more monographs (other than a monograph exempt under subsection (4)) in the anthroposophic pharmacopoeia describing the manufacturing procedure that the preparation was manufactured in accordance with;
then there is an anthroposophic standard, in relation to the goods, that is constituted by the statements (other than statements exempt under subsection (5)) in those monographs, as interpreted in accordance with any interpretation sections of that anthroposophic pharmacopoeia.
Specifying publications
(3) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, specify either or both of the following for the purposes of the definition of anthroposophic pharmacopoeia in subsection 3(1):
(a) publications;
(b) parts of publications.
Exempting entire monographs
(4) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that specified monographs in a specified anthroposophic pharmacopoeia are exempt for the purposes of paragraph (2)(b).
Note: For specification by class, see subsection 13(3) of the Legislation Act 2003.
Exempting parts of monographs
(5) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that specified statements in specified monographs in a specified anthroposophic pharmacopoeia are exempt for the purposes of subsection (2).
3A Declaration—member of European Community
(1) The Minister may declare, in writing, that a country specified in the declaration is a member of:
(a) the European Community; or
(b) the European Free Trade Association.
(2) A declaration under subsection (1) must be published in the Gazette or on the Department’s website.
3B Declaration—country covered by non‑EC/EFTA MRA
(1) The Minister may declare, in writing, that a country specified in the declaration is covered by the non‑EC/EFTA MRA specified in the declaration.
(2) A declaration under subsection (1) must be published in the Gazette or on the Department’s website.
3C Exempting monographs in pharmacopoeias
Exempting entire monographs
(1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that specified monographs in the British Pharmacopoeia, the European Pharmacopoeia or the United States Pharmacopeia‑National Formulary are exempt for the purposes of paragraph (b), (c) or (d) of the definition of standard in subsection 3(1).
Note: For specification by class, see subsection 13(3) of the Legislation Act 2003.
Exempting parts of monographs
(2) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that specified statements in specified monographs in the British Pharmacopoeia, the European Pharmacopoeia or the United States Pharmacopeia‑National Formulary are exempt for the purposes of paragraph (b), (c) or (d) of the definition of standard in subsection 3(1).
4 Objects of Act
(1) The objects of this Act are to do the following, so far as the Constitution permits:
(a) provide for the establishment and maintenance of a national system of controls relating to the quality, safety, efficacy and timely availability of therapeutic goods that are:
(i) used in Australia, whether produced in Australia or elsewhere; or
(ii) exported from Australia;
(b) to provide a framework for the States and Territories to adopt a uniform approach to control the availability and accessibility, and ensure the safe handling, of poisons in Australia.
(1A) The reference in paragraph (1)(a) to the efficacy of therapeutic goods is a reference, if the goods are medical devices, to the performance of the devices as the manufacturer intended.
(2) This Act is therefore not intended to apply to the exclusion of a law of a State, of the Australian C apital Territory or of the Northern Territory to the extent that the law is capable of operating concurrently with this Act.
5 Act to bind Crown
This Act binds the Crown in right of the Commonwealth, of each of the States, of the Australian Capital Territory and of the Northern Territory, but nothing in this Act renders the Crown liable to be prosecuted for an offence or to be subject to civil proceedings for a contravention of a civil penalty provision.
5A Application of the Criminal Code—extended geographical jurisdiction
Section 15.2 of the Criminal Code (extended geographical jurisdiction—category B) applies to offences against subsections 21A(1), (2) and (4) and sections 22A, 41FE, 42E and 42T.
6 Operation of Act
(1) This Act applies to:
(a) things done by corporations; and
(b) things done by natural persons or corporations in so far as those things are done:
(i) in the course of, or in preparation for, trade or commerce between Australia and a place outside Australia, among the States, between a State and a Territory or between 2 Territories; or
(ii) under a law of the Commonwealth relating to the provision of pharmaceutical or repatriation benefits; or
(iii) in relation to the Commonwealth or in relation to an authority of the Commonwealth.
(2) Without limiting the effect of this Act apart from this subsection, this Act also has the effect it would have if the reference in paragraph (1)(a) to things done by corporations were confined to things done by trading corporations for the purposes of their trading activities.
6AAA Commonwealth consent to conferral of functions etc. on its officers and authorities by corresponding State laws
(1) A corresponding State law may confer functions or powers, or impose duties, on:
(a) a Commonwealth officer; or
(b) a Commonwealth authority.
(2) Subsection (1) does not authorise the conferral of a function or power, or the imposition of a duty, by a corresponding State law to the extent to which:
(a) the conferral or imposition, or the authorisation, would contravene any constitutional doctrines restricting the duties that may be imposed on Commonwealth officers or Commonwealth authorities; or
(b) the authorisation would otherwise exceed the legislative power of the Commonwealth.
(3) Subsection (1) does not extend to a function, power or duty of a kind specified in regulations made for the purposes of this subsection.
(4) This Act is not intended to exclude or limit the operation of a corresponding State law that confers any functions or powers, or imposes any duties, on a Commonwealth officer or Commonwealth authority to the extent to which that law:
(a) is consistent with subsections (1) to (3); and
(b) is capable of operating concurrently with this Act.
6AAB When duty imposed
Application
(1) This section applies if a corresponding State law purports to impose a duty on a Commonwealth officer or Commonwealth authority.
State legislative power sufficient to support duty
(2) The duty is taken not to be imposed by this Act (or any other law of the Commonwealth) to the extent to which:
(a) imposing the duty is within the legislative powers of the State concerned; and
(b) imposing the duty by the corresponding State law is consistent with the constitutional doctrines restricting the duties that may be imposed on a Commonwealth officer or Commonwealth authority.
Note: If this subsection applies, the duty will be taken to be imposed by force of the corresponding State law (the Commonwealth having consented under section 6AAA to the imposition of the duty by the corresponding State law).
Commonwealth legislative power sufficient to support duty but State legislative powers are not
(3) If, to ensure the validity of the purported imposition of the duty, it is necessary that the duty be imposed by a law of the Commonwealth (rather than by force of the corresponding State law), the duty is taken to be imposed by this Act to the extent necessary to ensure that validity.
(4) If, because of subsection (3), this Act is taken to impose the duty, it is the intention of the Parliament to rely on all powers available to it under the Constitution to support the imposition of the duty by this Act.
(5) The duty is taken to be imposed by this Act in accordance with subsection (3) only to the extent to which imposing the duty:
(a) is within the legislative powers of the Commonwealth; and
(b) is consistent with the constitutional doctrines restricting the duties that may be imposed on a Commonwealth officer or Commonwealth authority.
(6) To avoid doubt, neither this Act (nor any other law of the Commonwealth) imposes a duty on the Commonwealth officer or Commonwealth authority to the extent to which imposing such a duty would:
(a) contravene any constitutional doctrine restricting the duties that may be imposed on a Commonwealth officer or Commonwealth authority; or
(b) otherwise exceed the legislative power of the Commonwealth.
(7) Subsections (1) to (6) do not limit section 6AAA.
6AAC Imposing duty under State law
(1) This section:
(a) applies only for the purposes of the application of the provisions of this Act or another law of the Commonwealth (with or without modification) as a law of a State by a provision of a corresponding State law; and
(b) does not apply for those purposes if the corresponding State law otherwise provides.
(2) If the corresponding State law purports to impose a duty on a Commonwealth officer or Commonwealth authority to do a particular thing, the duty is taken to be imposed by the corresponding State law to the extent to which imposing the duty:
(a) is within the legislative powers of the State; and
(b) is consistent with the constitutional doctrines restricting the duties that may be imposed on a Commonwealth officer or Commonwealth authority.
(3) To avoid doubt, the corresponding State law does not impose the duty on the Commonwealth officer or Commonwealth authority to the extent to which imposing the duty would:
(a) contravene any constitutional doctrine restricting the duties that may be imposed on a Commonwealth officer or Commonwealth authority; or
(b) otherwise exceed the legislative powers of the State.
(4) If imposing on the Commonwealth officer or Commonwealth authority the duty to do that thing would:
(a) contravene any constitutional doctrine restricting the duties that may be imposed on a Commonwealth officer or Commonwealth authority; or
(b) otherwise exceed the legislative powers of both the State and the Commonwealth;
the corresponding State law is taken instead to confer on the officer or authority a power to do that thing at the discretion of the officer or authority.
6AAD Conferral of jurisdiction on federal courts
If:
(a) a provision of a corresponding State law purports to apply a provision of a law of the Commonwealth (the applied provision) as a law of the State; and
(b) the applied provision purports to confer jurisdiction in relation to a matter on a federal court;
the jurisdiction in relation to that matter is taken to be conferred on the court by this section.
6AAE Consequences of State law conferring duty, function or power on Commonwealth officer or Commonwealth authority
(1) If a corresponding State law confers on a Commonwealth officer or Commonwealth authority:
(a) the function of including goods in the Register; or
(b) the power to include goods in the Register;
the officer or authority may include the goods in the Register in accordance with the corresponding State law.
(2) If a corresponding State law authorises or requires a Commonwealth officer or Commonwealth authority to cancel the inclusion of goods in the Register, the officer or authority may cancel the inclusion of the goods in the Register in accordance with the corresponding State law.
(3) The inclusion of goods in the Register under subsection (1) does not subject any person to any liability whatever under this Act, except a liability under Part 6‑1.
(4) A Commonwealth officer or Commonwealth authority may make any notations in the Register that the officer or authority considers necessary to identify entries that relate to goods included in the Register under subsection (1).
(5) Goods may be included in the Register under subsection (1) even though the same goods have already been included in the Register under another provision of this Act.
(6) A reference in this section to the inclusion of goods in the Register is a reference to the inclusion of the goods:
(a) in the part of the Register for goods known as registered goods; or
(b) in the part of the Register for goods known as listed goods; or
(ba) in the part of the Register for biologicals included under Part 3‑2A; or
(c) in the part of the Register for medical devices included under Chapter 4.
6B Review of certain decisions under State laws
(1) Application may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for review of a reviewable State decision.
(2) A decision made by the Secretary in the performance of a function, or the exercise of a power, conferred by a corresponding State law is a reviewable State decision for the purpose of this section if:
(a) the law under which the decision was made provides for review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal; and
(b) the decision is declared by the regulations to be a reviewable decision for the purposes of this section.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (1), the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 has effect as if a corresponding State law were an enactment.
6C Fees payable to Commonwealth under State laws
(1) This section applies to fees payable to the Commonwealth under a State law in respect of the performance or exercise of functions or powers conferred by that law on the Secretary.
(2) The Secretary may make arrangements with the appropriate authority of a State, of the Australian Capital Territory or of the Northern Territory in relation to the payment to the Commonwealth of fees to which this section applies.
7 Declaration that goods are/are not therapeutic goods
(1) Where the Secretary is satisfied that particular goods or classes of goods:
(a) are or are not therapeutic goods; or
(b) when used, advertised, or presented for supply in a particular way, are or are not therapeutic goods;
the Secretary may, by order published in the Gazette or on the Department’s website, declare that the goods, or the goods when used, advertised, or presented for supply in that way, are or are not, for the purposes of this Act, therapeutic goods.
(1A) In deciding whether particular goods or classes of goods:
(a) are therapeutic goods; or
(b) when used, advertised, or presented for supply in a particular way, are therapeutic goods;
the Secretary must disregard paragraphs (e) and (f) of the definition of therapeutic goods in subsection 3(1).
(2) The Secretary may exercise his or her powers under this section of his or her own motion or following an application made in writing to the Secretary.
(3) A declaration under this section takes effect on the day on which the declaration is published in the Gazette or on the Department’s website or on such later day as is specified in the order.
(4) If a declaration under this section:
(a) is a declaration that particular goods or classes of goods are not therapeutic goods; and
(b) applies wholly or partly to goods that, apart from this section, would be medical devices;
the goods are not medical devices, or are not medical devices when used, advertised, or presented for supply in the way specified in the declaration.
7AA Excluded goods
(1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that specified goods (other than goods declared to be therapeutic goods under an order in force under section 7) are excluded goods for the purposes of this Act.
Note: For specification by class, see subsection 13(3) of the Legislation Act 2003.
(2) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that specified goods (other than goods declared to be therapeutic goods under an order in force under section 7), when used, advertised, or presented for supply in a way specified in the determination, are excluded goods for the purposes of this Act.
Note: For specification by class, see subsection 13(3) of the Legislation Act 2003.
(3) Before making a determination under this section, the Minister must have regard to the following matters:
(a) whether it is likely that the specified goods, if not regulated under this Act, might harm the health of members of the public;
(b) whether it is appropriate in all the circumstances to apply the national system of controls relating to the quality, safety, efficacy and performance of therapeutic goods established by this Act to regulate the specified goods;
(c) whether the kinds of risks from the specified goods to which members of the public might be exposed could be more appropriately dealt with under another regulatory scheme.
(4) The Minister may have regard to any other matter he or she considers relevant.
7A Authorised persons
The Secretary may, in writing, authorise any of the following persons to exercise powers under a specified provision of this Act:
(a) an officer of the Department, of another Department or of an authority of the Commonwealth;
(b) an officer of:
(i) a Department of State of a State; or
(ii) a Department or administrative unit of the Public Service of a Territory; or
(iii) an authority of a State or of a Territory;
being a Department, unit or authority that has functions relating to health matters or law enforcement matters.
7B Kits
(1) If a package contains one or more goods, the package and each of the goods in the package together constitute a kit for the purposes of this Act if:
(a) the package and each of the goods are for use as a unit; and
(b) the package and the goods do not constitute a composite pack or a system or procedure pack; and
(c) at least one of the goods is therapeutic goods; and
(d) each item of the therapeutic goods consists of goods that are:
(i) registered or listed; or
(ii) exempt goods in relation to Part 3‑2; or
(iii) included in the Register under Part 3‑2A; or
(iv) exempt under subsection 32CA(2) or section 32CB.
(2) A package and therapeutic goods in the package together constitute a composite pack if:
(a) the therapeutic goods are of 2 or more kinds; and
(b) the package does not contain any medical devices or therapeutic devices; and
(c) the therapeutic goods are for administration as a single treatment or as a single course of treatment; and
(d) it is necessary that the therapeutic goods be combined before administration or that they be administered in a particular sequence.
(3) To avoid doubt, it is declared that a kit constitutes therapeutic goods.
7C Secretary may arrange for use of computer programs to make decisions
(1) The Secretary may arrange for the use, under the Secretary’s control, of computer programs for any purposes for which the Secretary may make decisions under this Act or the regulations.
(2) A decision made by the operation of a computer program under such an arrangement is taken to be a decision made by the Secretary.
(3) The Secretary may substitute a decision (the substituted decision) for a decision (the initial decision) made by the operation of a computer program under such an arrangement if the Secretary is satisfied that the initial decision is incorrect.
(4) However, the substituted decision may only be made before the end of the period of 60 days beginning on the day the initial decision is made.
7D Form for product information for medicine
(1) The Secretary may, by writing, approve a form for product information in relation to medicine.
(2) The Secretary may approve different forms for different medicines or different classes of medicine.
8 Power to obtain information with respect to therapeutic goods
(1) The Secretary may, by notice in writing given to a person who has imported into Australia or has supplied in Australia:
(a) therapeutic goods; or
(b) goods in relation to which the Secretary is considering making a declaration under section 7; or
(c) goods in relation to which the Minister is considering making a determination under section 7AA (excluded goods);
request the person to give to an officer of the Department identified in the notice, within such reasonable period as is specified in the notice, information required by the notice concerning the composition, indications, directions for use or labelling of the goods or concerning advertising material relating to the goods.
(1A) A notice under subsection (1) may require the information to be given:
(a) in writing; or
(b) in accordance with specified software requirements:
(i) on a specified kind of data processing device; or
(ii) by way of a specified kind of electronic transmission.
(2) A person must not fail to comply with a notice given to the person under this section.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(3) Subsection (2) does not apply if the person has a reasonable excuse.
Note: The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (3). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
(4) An offence under subsection (2) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
9 Arrangements with States etc.
(1) The Minister may make arrangements with the appropriate Minister of a State, of the Australian Capital Territory or of the Northern Territory for the carrying out by that State or Territory, on behalf of the Commonwealth, of:
(a) the evaluation of therapeutic goods for registration; or
(aa) the evaluation of a biological, other than a Class 1 biological, for inclusion in the Register under Part 3‑2A; or
(b) the inspection of manufacturers of therapeutic goods; or
(c) other functions under this Act or the regulations.
(2) An arrangement under this section may provide for the payment to a State or Territory of amounts in respect of the performance of functions under the arrangement.
Chapter 2—Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods
9A Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods
(1) The Secretary is to cause to be maintained a register, to be known as the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, for the purpose of compiling information in relation to, and providing for evaluation of, therapeutic goods for use in humans.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), the Register is to be kept in such form as the Secretary determines.
(3) The Register is to contain these 4 parts:
(a) a part for goods to be known as registered goods; and
(b) a part for goods to be known as listed goods; and
(ba) a part for biologicals included in the Register under Part 3‑2A; and
(c) a part for medical devices included in the Register under Chapter 4.
(4) The regulations may prescribe:
(a) the therapeutic goods, or the classes of therapeutic goods, that are required to be included in each part of the Register; and
(b) the ways in which goods that are included in one part of the Register may be transferred, or may be required to be transferred, to another part of the Register; and
(c) the ways in which goods that have been assigned a registration or listing number may be assigned a different registration or listing number; and
(ca) the ways in which a biological that has been assigned a number under subsection 32DB(2), 32DF(2) or 32DN(5) may be assigned a different number (which may be any combination of numbers and either or both of letters and symbols); and
(d) the ways in which medical devices that have been assigned a device number may be assigned a different device number.
(5) The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette or on the Department’s website:
(a) require that specified therapeutic goods be included in the part of the Register for listed goods; and
(b) specify the conditions subject to which such goods may be included in that part of the Register.
(6) If the regulations are amended to require any of those goods to be included in the part of the Register for listed or registered goods, then the notice ceases to have effect in respect of the goods included in the regulations.
9B When registrations or listings of medical devices are taken to be cancelled
(1) The registration or listing of a medical device to which subsection 15A(5) applied is taken to be cancelled:
(a) on the second anniversary of the day on which Chapter 4 commences; or
(b) if the medical device is of a kind included in the Register under Chapter 4 before that second anniversary—when that inclusion takes effect.
(2) The registration or listing of any other medical device is taken to be cancelled at the time shown in the table:
| Time of cancellation of registration or listing |
| | Circumstances | Time |
| 1 | That kind of medical device is included in the Register under Chapter 4 before 4 October 2007 because of an application finally determined before that day | When that kind of medical device is included in the Register under Chapter 4 |
| 2 | An effective application for a conformity assessment certificate relating to that kind of medical device is made, but not finally determined, before 4 October 2007 | The end of 30 days after the application is finally determined or, if the application lapses, the later of the following times (or either of them if they are the same): (a) the time the application lapses; (b) the start of 4 October 2007 |
| 3 | An effective application to include that kind of medical device in the Register under Chapter 4 is made, but not finally determined, before 4 October 2007, and item 2 does not apply | Whichever one of the following times applies, or the earlier of them: (a) the time that kind of medical device is included in the Register under Chapter 4 (even if that time is before 4 October 2007); (b) the time the application is finally determined, if the application is unsuccessful when it is finally determined; or, if the application lapses, the later of the following times (or either of them if they are the same): (c) the time the application lapses; (d) the start of 4 October 2007 |
| 4 | None of items 1, 2 and 3 applies | The start of 4 October 2007 |
Note: 4 October 2007 is the fifth anniversary of the day Chapter 4 commenced.
(2A) For the purposes of subsection (2), an application is finally determined at the first time both the following conditions are met:
(a) a decision has been made under Part 4‑4 or 4‑5 whether or not to grant the conformity assessment certificate or include the kind of medical device in the Register (as appropriate);
(b) there is no longer any possibility of a change in the outcome of the decision in terms of the grant (or not) of the conformity assessment certificate or the inclusion (or not) of the kind of medical device in the Register.
For the purposes of paragraph (b), ignore any possibility of a discretion being exercised, after the period has ended, to extend a period for seeking review by a tribunal or court of the decision or for starting other proceedings (including appeals) arising out of the application, the decision or the review.
Note: In certain circumstances a decision may be taken to have been made under Part 4‑4 or Part 4‑5. For example, see section 41EH.
(3) This section does not prevent the Secretary from taking action under section 30.
9C Inspection of entries in Register
(1) A person in relation to whom therapeutic goods are entered on the Register may make a written request to the Secretary for a copy of the entry in the Register in relation to the goods.
(2) If the person makes such a request, the Secretary must send to the person a copy of so much (if any) of that entry as is contained in any computer database maintained by the Department for purposes connected with the administration of this Act (other than any part of that entry that was supplied in confidence by another person).
(3) If the person makes such a request, then, instead of providing a copy of an entry to the person, the Secretary may, if the request is for the provision of an electronic copy, provide the information contained in the entry:
(a) on a data processing device; or
(b) by way of electronic transmission.
9D Variation of entries in Register
(1) The Secretary may:
(a) following a request by a person in relation to whom therapeutic goods are entered on the Register; or
(b) on the Secretary’s own initiative;
vary the entry in the Register in relation to the goods if the entry contains information that is incomplete or incorrect.
(2) If:
(a) the person in relation to whom therapeutic goods are registered or listed has requested the Secretary to vary information included in the entry in the Register that relates to the goods; and
(b) the only effect of the variation would be:
(i) to reduce the class of persons for whom the goods are suitable; or
(ii) to add a warning, or precaution, that does not include any comparison of the goods with any other therapeutic goods by reference to quality, safety or efficacy;
the Secretary must vary the entry in accordance with the request.
(2A) Subsection (2), to the extent to which it relates to subparagraph (2)(b)(i), applies despite subsection 16(1).
(3) If:
(a) the person in relation to whom therapeutic goods are registered or listed has requested the Secretary to vary information included in the entry in the Register that relates to the goods; and
(b) subsection (2) does not apply to the request; and
(c) the Secretary is satisfied that the variation requested does not indicate any reduction in the quality, safety or efficacy of the goods for the purposes for which they are to be used;
the Secretary may vary the entry in accordance with the request.
(3AA) If:
(a) the person in relation to whom a biological is included in the Register has requested the Secretary to vary information included in the entry in the Register that relates to the biological; and
(b) the only effect of the variation would be:
(i) to reduce the class of persons for whom the biological is suitable; or
(ii) to add a warning, or precaution, that does not include any comparison of the biological with any other therapeutic goods by reference to quality, safety or efficacy;
the Secretary must vary the entry in accordance with the request.
(3A) If:
(a) the person in relation to whom a biological is included in the Register has requested the Secretary to vary information included in the entry in the Register that relates to the biological; and
(aa) subsection (3AA) does not apply to the request; and
(b) the Secretary is satisfied that the variation requested does not indicate any reduction in the quality, safety or efficacy of the biological for the purposes for which it is to be used;
the Secretary may vary the entry in accordance with the request.
(3B) If:
(a) a particular biological ceases to be a biological because of a determination under subsection 32A(3); and
(b) the biological is included in the Register under Part 3‑2A;
the Secretary must move the entry relating to the biological from the part of the Register for biologicals to whichever other part of the Register is applicable.
(3C) If:
(a) the person in relation to whom a kind of medical device is included in the Register has requested the Secretary to vary information included in the entry in the Register that relates to the kind of medical device; and
(b) the only effect of the variation would be:
(i) to reduce the class of persons for whom the kind of medical device is suitable; or
(ii) to add a warning, restriction or precaution, that does not include any comparison of the kind of medical device with any other therapeutic goods by reference to quality, safety or performance;
the Secretary must vary the entry in accordance with the request.
(3D) If:
(a) the person in relation to whom a kind of medical device is included in the Register has requested the Secretary to vary information included in the entry in the Register that relates to the kind of medical device; and
(b) subsection (3C) does not apply to the request; and
(c) the Secretary is satisfied that the variation requested does not indicate any reduction in the quality, safety or performance of the kind of medical device for the purposes for which it is to be used;
the Secretary may vary the entry in accordance with the request.
(4) If:
(a) particular therapeutic goods cease to be medical devices because of a declaration under subsection 41BD(3); and
(b) those goods are included in the Register under Chapter 4 as a kind of medical device;
the Secretary must move the entry relating to the goods from the part of the Register for medical devices to whichever other part of the Register is applicable.
Note: Variations to the Register also occur to give effect to limited cancellations of entries of kinds of medical devices from the Register: see subsection 41GO(2).
Form and manner of requests
(6) The Secretary may, by writing:
(a) approve a form for particular kinds of requests under this section; and
(b) approve the manner of making particular kinds of requests under this section.
(7) If:
(a) the Secretary has approved a form for, and the manner of making, a kind of request under this section; and
(b) either:
(i) the kind of request is one under subsection (3) and which, under the regulations, must be decided within 175 or 255 working days; or
(ii) the kind of request is one prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subparagraph;
then a request of that kind is not effective unless:
(c) the request is in accordance with that form; and
(d) the request contains the information required by that form; and
(e) the request is made in that manner; and
(f) any prescribed application fee has been paid.
9E Publication of list of goods on Register
The Secretary must, at least once every 12 months, publish a list of the therapeutic goods included in the Register.
9F Removal of entries from Register
(1) This section applies if:
(a) there is an entry on the Register in relation to goods; and
(b) the Secretary is satisfied that the goods are not therapeutic goods.
(2) The Secretary may, by written notice given to the person in relation to whom the goods are entered on the Register, remove the entry of the goods from the Register.
(3) Before removing the entry, the Secretary must:
(a) inform the person in writing that the Secretary proposes the removal and set out the reasons for it; and
(b) invite the person to make written submissions to the Secretary in relation to the proposed removal within the period specified in the notice (being not less than 20 working days after the day the notice is given).
(4) The Secretary must not give the person a notice under subsection (2) until the Secretary has had regard to any submissions the person makes under paragraph (3)(b).
(5) A notice under subsection (2) is not a legislative instrument.
(6) If the Secretary removes an entry of goods from the Register under this section, the removal has effect on the day specified in the notice under subsection (2) in relation to the goods, being a day not earlier than 20 working days after the day on which the notice is given to the person.
(7) If the Secretary removes an entry of goods from the Register under this section, the Secretary must, as soon as practicable after the removal, cause to be published in the Gazette, or on the Department’s website, a notice setting out particulars of the removal.
9G Criminal offences for false statements in requests for variation of entries in Register
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person makes a statement; and
(b) the statement is made in or in connection with a request under section 9D for the variation of an entry in the Register in relation to therapeutic goods; and
(c) the statement is false or misleading in a material particular; and
(d) either:
(i) the use of the goods has resulted in, or will result in, harm or injury to any person; or
(ii) the use of the goods, if the goods were used, would result in harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 4,000 penalty units, or both.
Note: A jury may acquit a person of an offence against this subsection and may convict the person of an offence against subsection (4) instead: see section 53A.
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person makes a statement; and
(b) the statement is made in or in connection with a request under section 9D for the variation of an entry in the Register in relation to therapeutic goods; and
(c) the statement is false or misleading in a material particular; and
(d) the use of the goods, if the goods were used, would be likely to result in harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: 2,000 penalty units.
(3) Subsection (2) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(4) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person makes a statement; and
(b) the statement is made in or in connection with a request under section 9D for the variation of an entry in the Register in relation to therapeutic goods; and
(c) the statement is false or misleading in a material particular.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 1,000 penalty units, or both.
9H Civil penalty for false statements in requests for variation of entries in Register
A person contravenes this section if the person in or in connection with a request under section 9D for the variation of an entry in the Register in relation to therapeutic goods, makes a statement that is false or misleading in a material particular.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.
Chapter 3—Medicines and other therapeutic goods that are not medical devices
Note: This Chapter still applies to medical devices while they are registered or listed goods. Section 9B automatically cancels the registration or listing of those goods over time.
Part 3‑1—Standards
10 Determination of standards
(1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make an order determining that matters specified in the order constitute a standard for therapeutic goods or a class of therapeutic goods identified in the order (whether or not those goods are the subject of a monograph in the British Pharmacopoeia, the European Pharmacopoeia, the United States Pharmacopeia‑National Formulary, a homoeopathic pharmacopoeia or an anthroposophic pharmacopoeia).
Note: Section 12 of the Legislation Act 2003 deals with when a legislative instrument commences.
(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), an order establishing a standard for therapeutic goods may:
(a) be specified by reference to:
(i) the quality of the goods; or
(ii) the quantity of the goods when contained in specified containers; or
(iii) procedures to be carried out in the manufacture of the goods; or
(iv) a monograph in the British Pharmacopoeia, the European Pharmacopoeia, the United States Pharmacopeia‑National Formulary, a homoeopathic pharmacopoeia or an anthroposophic pharmacopoeia; or
(v) a monograph in another publication approved by the Minister for the purposes of this subsection; or
(vi) such a monograph as modified in a manner specified in the order establishing the standard; or
(vii) a standard published by Standards Australia; or
(viii) such other matters as the Minister thinks fit; or
(b) require that a matter relating to the standard be determined in accordance with a particular test; or
(c) require that therapeutic goods or a class of therapeutic goods identified in the order be labelled or packaged in a manner, or kept in containers that comply with requirements, specified in the order.
(3) Without limiting the generality of paragraph (2)(c), the Minister may, in an order establishing a standard, direct that there be set out, in a manner specified in the order, on:
(a) therapeutic goods or a class of therapeutic goods identified in the order; or
(b) a container or package containing therapeutic goods or a class of therapeutic goods identified in the order; or
(c) a label of therapeutic goods or a class of therapeutic goods identified in the order;
such particulars as are required by the order.
(3A) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, vary or revoke an order made under subsection (1).
Note: Section 12 of the Legislation Act 2003 deals with when a legislative instrument commences.
(4) The Minister must not make an order under subsection (1), or vary or revoke an order made under subsection (1), unless the Minister has consulted with respect to the proposed action with a committee established by the regulations to advise the Minister on standards.
10A Application of standards to medical devices
A standard under section 10 does not apply to a medical device unless Part 3‑2 applies to the device.
Note: Section 15A sets out when Part 3‑2 applies to a medical device.
13 Special provisions relating to Ministerial standards and default standards
(1) For the purposes of this Act, if a statement (the main statement) in a monograph in the British Pharmacopoeia, the European Pharmacopoeia or the United States Pharmacopeia‑National Formulary refers to a statement in a monograph in another publication, the main statement is taken to include the other statement.
(2) If:
(a) a standard under section 10 (the Ministerial standard) applies to therapeutic goods; and
(b) requirements applicable to the goods are specified in a default standard; and
(c) those requirements are inconsistent with the requirements specified in the Ministerial standard;
the requirements referred to in paragraph (b) are, so far as they are inconsistent, to be disregarded for the purposes of this Act.
(3) If:
(a) a default standard applies to a class of therapeutic goods; and
(b) another default standard applies to only some of the therapeutic goods within that class; and
(c) those standards are inconsistent;
the standard referred to in paragraph (a) does not apply in relation to the goods referred to in paragraph (b).
(4) If:
(a) therapeutic goods consist, or are represented to consist, of a mixture of ingredients or of a combination of component parts; and
(b) a default standard is applicable to one or more of the ingredients or one or more of the component parts; and
(c) a default standard is applicable to the mixture or combination;
the standard referred to in paragraph (b) does not apply in relation to the goods.
(5) If:
(a) therapeutic goods consist, or are represented to consist, of a mixture of ingredients or of a combination of component parts; and
(b) there is no standard applicable to the mixture or combination but a standard is applicable to one or more of the ingredients or one or more of the component parts;
the Minister may, by order published in the Gazette or on the Department’s website, determine that the standard does not apply to the goods. The order has effect accordingly.
(6) An order under subsection (5) is not a legislative instrument.
(7) For the purposes of this Act, in working out at a particular time if therapeutic goods conform with a default standard applicable to the goods, if:
(a) after applying subsections (2) to (5), 2 or more default standards are applicable to the goods at that time; and
(b) at that time, the goods conform with at least one of those standards but do not conform with at least one of those standards;
then the default standards that the goods do not conform with are taken not to apply to the goods at that time.
13A Special provisions relating to homoeopathic standards and anthroposophic standards
(1) For the purposes of this Act, if a statement (the main statement) in a monograph in a homoeopathic pharmacopoeia or an anthroposophic pharmacopoeia refers to a statement in a monograph in another publication, the main statement is taken to include the other statement.
(2) If:
(a) a standard under section 10 (the Ministerial standard) applies to therapeutic goods; and
(b) requirements applicable to the goods are specified in a homoeopathic standard or an anthroposophic standard; and
(c) those requirements are inconsistent with the requirements specified in the Ministerial standard;
the requirements referred to in paragraph (b) are, so far as they are inconsistent, to be disregarded for the purposes of this Act.
14 Criminal offences for importing, supplying or exporting goods that do not comply with standards
Offences relating to importing goods into Australia
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person imports therapeutic goods into Australia; and
(b) the goods are imported without the consent in writing of the Secretary; and
(c) the goods do not conform with a standard applicable to the goods; and
(d) either:
(i) the use of the goods has resulted in, or will result in, harm or injury to any person; or
(ii) the use of the goods, if the goods were used, would result in harm or injury to any person; and
(e) the harm or injury has resulted, will result, or would result, because the goods do not conform with the standard.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 4,000 penalty units, or both.
Note 1: A jury may acquit a person of an offence against this subsection and may convict the person of an offence against subsection (4) instead: see section 53A.
Note 2: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person imports therapeutic goods into Australia; and
(b) the goods are imported without the consent in writing of the Secretary; and
(c) the goods do not conform with a standard applicable to the goods; and
(d) the use of the goods, if the goods were used, would be likely to result in harm or injury to any person; and
(e) the harm or injury would be likely to result because the goods do not conform with the standard.
Penalty: 2,000 penalty units.
Note: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(3) Subsection (2) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(4) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person imports therapeutic goods into Australia; and
(b) the goods are imported without the consent in writing of the Secretary; and
(c) the goods do not conform with a standard applicable to the goods.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 1,000 penalty units, or both.
Exceptions
(5) Paragraphs (1)(a), (2)(a) and (4)(a) do not apply to goods that do not conform with a standard applicable to the goods by reason only of matters relating to labelling or packaging.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsection (5): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
(5A) Subsection (1), (2) or (4) does not apply if:
(a) the therapeutic goods are a biological; and
(b) the person imports the biological after the circumstances prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph have occurred.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (5A): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
Offences relating to supplying goods for use in Australia
(6) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person supplies therapeutic goods for use in Australia; and
(b) the goods are supplied without the consent in writing of the Secretary; and
(c) the goods do not conform with a standard applicable to the goods; and
(d) either:
(i) the use of the goods has resulted in, or will result in, harm or injury to any person; or
(ii) the use of the goods, if the goods were used, would result in harm or injury to any person; and
(e) the harm or injury has resulted, will result, or would result, because the goods do not conform with the standard.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 4,000 penalty units, or both.
Note 1: A jury may acquit a person of an offence against this subsection and may convict the person of an offence against subsection (9) instead: see section 53A.
Note 2: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(7) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person supplies therapeutic goods for use in Australia; and
(b) the goods are supplied without the consent in writing of the Secretary; and
(c) the goods do not conform with a standard applicable to the goods; and
(d) the use of the goods, if the goods were used, would be likely to result in harm or injury to any person; and
(e) the harm or injury would be likely to result because the goods do not conform with the standard.
Penalty: 2,000 penalty units.
Note: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(8) Subsection (7) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(9) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person supplies therapeutic goods for use in Australia; and
(b) the goods are supplied without the consent in writing of the Secretary; and
(c) the goods do not conform with a standard applicable to the goods.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 1,000 penalty units, or both.
Exception
(9A) Subsection (6), (7) or (9) does not apply if:
(a) the therapeutic goods are a biological; and
(b) the person supplies the biological after the circumstances prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph have occurred.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (9A): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
Offences relating to exporting goods from Australia
(10) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person exports therapeutic goods from Australia; and
(b) the goods are exported without the consent in writing of the Secretary; and
(c) the goods do not conform with a standard applicable to the goods (other than a standard relating to the labelling of the goods for supply in Australia); and
(d) either:
(i) the use of the goods has resulted in, or will result in, harm or injury to any person; or
(ii) the use of the goods, if the goods were used, would result in harm or injury to any person; and
(e) the harm or injury has resulted, will result, or would result, because the goods do not conform with the standard.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 4,000 penalty units, or both.
Note 1: A jury may acquit a person of an offence against this subsection and may convict the person of an offence against subsection (13) instead: see section 53A.
Note 2: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(11) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person exports therapeutic goods from Australia; and
(b) the goods are exported without the consent in writing of the Secretary; and
(c) the goods do not conform with a standard applicable to the goods (other than a standard relating to the labelling of the goods for supply in Australia); and
(d) the use of the goods, if the goods were used, would be likely to result in harm or injury to any person; and
(e) the harm or injury would be likely to result because the goods do not conform with the standard.
Penalty: 2,000 penalty units.
Note: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(12) Subsection (11) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(13) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person exports therapeutic goods from Australia; and
(b) the goods are exported without the consent in writing of the Secretary; and
(c) the goods do not conform with a standard applicable to the goods (other than a standard relating to the labelling of the goods for supply in Australia).
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 1,000 penalty units, or both.
Exception
(13A) Subsection (10), (11) or (13) does not apply if:
(a) the therapeutic goods are a biological; and
(b) the person exports the biological after the circumstances prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph have occurred.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (13A): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
Decisions on whether to give consent
(14) The Secretary must, as soon as practicable after making a decision to give a consent, cause particulars of the decision to be published in the Gazette or on the Department’s website.
(15) The Secretary must, within 28 days after making a decision to refuse to give a consent, notify the applicant in writing of the decision and of the reasons for the decision.
14A Civil penalties for importing, supplying or exporting goods that do not comply with standards
Civil penalty relating to importing goods into Australia
(1) A person contravenes this subsection if:
(a) the person imports therapeutic goods into Australia; and
(b) the person does not have the consent in writing of the Secretary; and
(c) the goods do not conform with a standard applicable to the goods (other than by reason of a matter relating to labelling or packaging).
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.
Exception
(1A) Subsection (1) does not apply if:
(a) the therapeutic goods are a biological; and
(b) the person imports the biological after the circumstances prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph have occurred.
Civil penalty relating to supplying goods for use in Australia
(2) A person contravenes this subsection if:
(a) the person supplies therapeutic goods for use in Australia; and
(b) the person does not have the consent in writing of the Secretary; and
(c) the goods do not conform with a standard applicable to the goods.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.
Exception
(2A) Subsection (2) does not apply if:
(a) the therapeutic goods are a biological; and
(b) the person supplies the biological after the circumstances prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph have occurred.
Civil penalty relating to exporting goods from Australia
(3) A person contravenes this subsection if:
(a) the person exports therapeutic goods from Australia; and
(b) the person does not have the consent in writing of the Secretary; and
(c) the goods do not conform with a standard applicable to the goods (other than a standard relating to the labelling of the goods for supply in Australia).
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.
Exception
(3A) Subsection (3) does not apply if:
(a) the therapeutic goods are a biological; and
(b) the person exports the biological after the circumstances prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph have occurred.
Decisions on whether to give consent
(4) The Secretary must, as soon as practicable after making a decision to give a consent, cause particulars of the decision to be published in the Gazette or on the Department’s website.
(5) The Secretary must, within 28 days after making a decision to refuse to give a consent, notify the applicant in writing of the decision and of the reasons for the decision.
14B Application of Customs Act 1901
Where:
(a) the importation or exportation of goods is an offence under subsection 14(1), (2), (4), (10), (11) or (13) or a contravention of subsection 14A(1) or (3); and
(b) the Secretary notifies the Comptroller‑General of Customs in writing that the Secretary wishes the Customs Act 1901 to apply to that importation or exportation;
the Customs Act 1901 has effect as if the goods included in that importation or exportation were goods described as forfeited to the Crown under section 229 of that Act because they were:
(c) prohibited imports within the meaning of that Act; or
(d) prohibited exports within the meaning of that Act;
as the case requires.
15 Criminal offences relating to breaching a condition of a consent
(1) The consent of the Secretary under section 14 or 14A may be given:
(a) unconditionally or subject to conditions; or
(b) in respect of particular goods or classes of goods.
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person does an act or omits to do an act; and
(b) the act or omission breaches a condition of a consent; and
(c) the act or omission has resulted in, or will result in, harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: 2,000 penalty units.
Note 1: A jury may acquit a person of an offence against this subsection and may convict the person of an offence against subsection (5) instead: see section 53A.
Note 2: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(3) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person does an act or omits to do an act; and
(b) the act or omission breaches a condition of a consent; and
(c) the act or omission is likely to result in harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: 1,000 penalty units.
Note: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(4) Subsection (3) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(5) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person does an act or omits to do an act; and
(b) the act or omission breaches a condition of a consent.
Penalty: 500 penalty units.
15AA Civil penalty relating to breaching a condition of a consent
A person contravenes this section if:
(a) the person does an act or omits to do an act; and
(b) the act or omission breaches a condition of a consent imposed under section 15.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—3,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—30,000 penalty units.
15AB Conditions relating to exceptional release of biologicals
(1) Regulations made for the purposes of paragraphs 14(9A)(b) and 14A(2A)(b) may also prescribe conditions that apply in relation to the supply of a biological that occurs after the circumstances prescribed for the purposes of those paragraphs have occurred.
(2) The conditions prescribed by those regulations must apply only to the person supplying the biological.
(3) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person does an act or omits to do an act; and
(b) the act or omission results in the breach of any of the conditions referred to in subsection (1).
Penalty for contravention of this subsection: 60 penalty units.
Part 3‑2—Registration and listing of therapeutic goods
Division 1—Preliminary
15A Application of this Part to medical devices
The general rule
(1) This Part does not apply to a medical device unless this section provides otherwise.
Previously registered or listed devices
(2) If a medical device is registered goods or listed goods before the commencement of this section, this Part continues to apply to the device unless the registration or listing is cancelled.
Note: A registration or listing can be cancelled under section 30, or can be taken to be cancelled under section 9B.
Pending applications
(3) This Part continues to apply to a medical device if:
(a) before the commencement of this section, an application was made under Part 3 for registration or listing of therapeutic goods that include that medical device; and
(b) immediately before that commencement, the application was not yet finally determined; and
(c) the application has not been, and is not, withdrawn either before or after that commencement.
However, this Part ceases to apply to the device if, having been registered goods or listed goods, the registration or listing is cancelled.
(4) For the purposes of paragraph (3)(b), an application is finally determined when the application, and any applications for review or appeals arising out of it, have been finally determined or otherwise disposed of.
Applications made within 2 years relating to certain medical devices
(5) This Part applies to a medical device if:
(a) regulations made for the purposes of this section specified either:
(i) the medical device classification applying to the kind of medical device that includes that device; or
(ii) medical devices of that kind; and
(b) during the period of 2 years after the commencement of this section, an application was made under Part 3‑2 for registration or listing of therapeutic goods that include that medical device.
However, this Part ceases to apply to the device if, having been registered goods or listed goods, the registration or listing is cancelled.
Note: Medical devices that are registered or listed because of this subsection are taken to be cancelled 2 years after Chapter 4 commences, or before then if medical devices of that kind are included in the Register under Chapter 4: see subsection 9B(1).
Medical devices that are exempt goods
(6) This Part applies to a medical device, during the period of 2 years after the commencement of this section, if the device is exempt goods.
Existing approvals under section 19
(7) This Part continues to apply to a medical device if:
(a) an approval or authorisation in force under section 19 applies to the device; and
(b) that approval or authorisation was in force immediately before the commencement of this section.
New approvals under section 19
(8) This Part applies to a medical device if:
(a) subsection (7) does not apply to the device; and
(b) during the period of 2 years after the commencement of this section, an approval is granted or an authorisation is given under section 19 that applies to the device.
However, this subsection does not apply after the end of that period.
15B Application of this Part to a biological
(1) Subject to this section, this Part does not apply to a biological on and after the commencement of this section.
Biologicals currently included in the Register
(2) If, immediately before the commencement of this section, therapeutic goods that are a biological were registered goods or listed goods, this Part continues to apply to the biological on and after that commencement until the time the biological is included in the Register under Part 3‑2A.
Note: Section 32DN deals with including the biological under Part 3‑2A.
Pending applications
(3) If:
(a) before the commencement of this section, an application was made under this Part for the registration or listing of therapeutic goods that are a biological; and
(b) immediately before that commencement, the application was not finally determined; and
(c) the application had not been withdrawn before that commencement;
this Part continues to apply to the biological on and after that commencement until the earliest of the following:
(d) the time the biological is included in the Register under Part 3‑2A;
(e) if the application is unsuccessful when it is finally determined—the time the application is finally determined;
(f) the time the application is withdrawn;
(g) the time the application lapses.
Note: Section 32DN deals with including the biological under Part 3‑2A.
(4) For the purposes of this section, an application is finally determined when the application, and any applications for review or appeals arising out of it, have been finally determined or otherwise disposed of.
Transitional
(5) This Part applies to a biological on and after the commencement of this section in relation to things done, or omitted to be done, in relation to the biological before the commencement of this section.
(6) If this Part continues to apply to a biological during a period described in subsection (2) or (3), then this Part also applies to the biological after the end of that period in relation to things done, or omitted to be done, in relation to the biological during that period.
16 Therapeutic goods and gazetted groups
(1) For the purposes of this Part, therapeutic goods (other than medicine of the kind to which subsection (1A) applies) are to be taken to be separate and distinct from other therapeutic goods if they have:
(a) a different formulation, composition or design specification; or
(b) a different strength or size (disregarding pack size); or
(c) a different dosage form or model; or
(d) a different name; or
(e) different indications; or
(f) different directions for use; or
(g) a different type of container (disregarding container size).
(1A) Medicines that are listable goods (other than export only medicines) are taken to be separate and distinct from other therapeutic goods if the medicines have:
(a) different active ingredients; or
(b) different quantities of active ingredients; or
(c) a different dosage form; or
(d) such other different characteristics as the regulations prescribe;
from the therapeutic goods.
(2) The Secretary may, by order published in the Gazette, determine that a group of therapeutic goods (not being medical devices or therapeutic devices) identified in the order is a gazetted therapeutic goods group because the goods within the group have common characteristics.
(3) The Secretary may, by order published in the Gazette, determine that a group of therapeutic goods (being therapeutic devices) identified in the order is a gazetted therapeutic devices group because the goods within the group:
(a) have common characteristics; and
(b) have been produced by the same manufacturer.
(3A) The Secretary may, by order published in the Gazette, determine that a group of kits identified in the order is a gazetted kits group.
(4) An order under subsection (2), (3) or (3A) may make provision for or in relation to a matter by applying, adopting or incorporating, with or without modification, a document as in force from time to time, if the document is:
(a) published by the Department (whether in electronic form or otherwise); and
(b) available for sale to the public; and
(c) available for inspection (whether by using a visual display unit or otherwise) by the public at offices of the Department specified by the Secretary.
18 Exempt goods
(1) The regulations may, subject to such conditions (if any) as are specified in the regulations, exempt:
(a) all therapeutic goods, except those included in a class of goods prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph; or
(b) specified therapeutic goods; or
(c) a specified class of therapeutic goods;
from the operation of this Part (except section 31A and sections 31C to 31F).
(2) An exemption in terms of paragraph (1)(a) has effect only in relation to such classes of persons as are prescribed for the purposes of this subsection.
(3) Where the regulations revoke an exemption, the revocation takes effect on the day, not being earlier than 28 days after the day on which the regulations are made, specified in the regulations.
18A Exemption because of emergency
Minister’s power
(1) The Minister may exempt from the operation of Division 2 of this Part:
(a) specified therapeutic goods; or
(b) therapeutic goods in a specified class.
The exemption must be made in writing.
(2) The Minister may exempt goods under subsection (1) only if the Minister is satisfied that, in the national interest:
(a) the exemption should be made so that the goods may be stockpiled as quickly as possible in order to create a preparedness to deal with a potential threat to public health that may be caused by a possible future emergency; or
(b) the exemption should be made so that the goods can be made available urgently in Australia in order to deal with an actual threat to public health caused by an emergency that has occurred.
When the exemption has effect
(3) The exemption takes effect:
(a) on the day on which the exemption is made; or
(b) on a later day that is specified in the exemption.
(4) The exemption ceases to have effect:
(a) at the end of the period specified by the Minister in the exemption as the period for which the exemption is to have effect; or
(b) when the exemption is revoked;
whichever first occurs.
(5) The exemption ceases to have effect in relation to particular therapeutic goods:
(a) when those goods become registered or listed goods; or
(b) when the Minister varies the exemption by removing those goods from the exemption;
whichever first occurs.
(6) If the Minister revokes the exemption as mentioned in paragraph (4)(b), or varies the exemption as mentioned in paragraph (5)(b), the revocation or variation takes effect:
(a) if the Minister states in the revocation or variation that the revocation or variation is necessary to prevent imminent risk of death, serious illness or serious injury—on the day on which the revocation or variation is made; or
(b) in any other case—on the day specified by the Minister in the revocation or variation.
The day specified under paragraph (b) of this subsection must not be earlier than 28 days after the day on which the revocation or variation is made.
Note: The revocation or variation must be made in writing, see subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
Conditions for the exemption
(7) The exemption is subject to conditions specified in the exemption about any of the following:
(a) the period for which the exemption is to have effect;
(b) the quantity of goods that are exempt;
(c) the source of those goods;
(d) the persons or class of persons who may import, manufacture, supply or export those goods;
(e) the supply of those goods (including the persons or class of persons to whom goods may be supplied for use and the circumstances under which a stockpile of goods may be supplied for use);
(f) the storage and security of those goods;
(g) the keeping and disclosure of, and access to, records about those goods;
(h) the disposal of those goods;
(i) the manner in which any of those goods are to be dealt with if a condition of the exemption is breached;
(j) any other matters that the Minister thinks appropriate.
Whether or not goods are exempt under this section is not affected by whether or not there is a breach of a condition of an exemption under this section in relation to those goods.
Note 1: A person may commit an offence by breaching a condition of an exemption under this section, see subsections 20(2A) and (2C), 22(7AB) and (7AD), and 30H(1) and (3).
Note 2: A person may also contravene a civil penalty provision, see section 22AA.
(8) The Minister may revoke or vary the conditions (including by imposing new conditions) after the exemption is made. The revocation or variation must be made in writing.
(9) A revocation or variation under subsection (8) takes effect:
(a) if the Minister states in the revocation or variation that the revocation or variation is necessary to prevent imminent risk of death, serious illness or serious injury—on the day on which the revocation or variation is made; or
(b) in any other case—on the day specified by the Minister in the revocation or variation.
The day specified under paragraph (b) must not be earlier than 28 days after the day on which the revocation or variation is made.
Exemption not a legislative instrument
(9A) An exemption under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument.
Informing persons of exemption etc.
(9B) If the Minister makes an exemption under subsection (1), the Minister must take reasonable steps to give a copy of the following to each person covered by paragraph (7)(d):
(a) the exemption;
(b) any revocation or variation of the exemption under this section.
Notification
(10) The Secretary must cause a document setting out particulars of:
(a) an exemption covered by paragraph (2)(b); and
(b) a revocation or variation under this section of an exemption covered by paragraph (2)(b);
to be published in the Gazette within 5 working days after the day on which the Minister makes the exemption, revocation or variation. However, an exemption, or a revocation or variation, is not invalid merely because of a failure to comply with this subsection.
Tabling
(11) The Minister must cause a document setting out particulars of:
(a) an exemption covered by paragraph (2)(b); and
(b) a revocation or variation under this section of an exemption covered by paragraph (2)(b);
to be tabled before each House of the Parliament within 5 sitting days of that House after the day on which the Minister makes the exemption, revocation or variation. However, an exemption, or a revocation or variation, is not invalid merely because of a failure to comply with this subsection.
Note: There are other requirements in other parts of this Act about goods exempt under this section:
(a) sections 20, 22 and 22AA (breach of a condition of the exemption);
(b) sections 30F and 30FA (goods not conforming to standards etc.);
(c) section 30G (disposal of unused goods);
(d) section 30H (record keeping);
(e) section 31AA (providing information to the Secretary);
(f) sections 35, 35A, 39 and 41 (manufacturing goods that are exempt under this section);
(g) section 46A (search of premises).
19 Exemptions for special and experimental uses
(1) The Secretary may, by notice in writing, grant an approval to a person for the importation into, or the exportation from, Australia or the supply in Australia of specified therapeutic goods that are not registered goods, listed goods or exempt goods:
(a) for use in the treatment of another person; or
(b) for use solely for experimental purposes in humans;
and such an approval may be given subject to such conditions as are specified in the notice of approval.
(1A) An approval for the purpose mentioned in paragraph (1)(b) is subject to the conditions (if any) specified in the regulations. Those conditions (if any) are in addition to any conditions imposed on the approval under subsection (1).
(2) An application for an approval must be made to the Secretary and must:
(a) in the case of an application for use of the kind referred to in paragraph (1)(a)—be accompanied by such information relating to the goods the subject of the application as is required by the Secretary; and
(b) in the case of an application for use of the kind referred to in paragraph (1)(b):
(i) be made in writing; and
(ii) be accompanied by such information relating to the goods the subject of the application as is required by the Secretary; and
(iii) be accompanied by the prescribed evaluation fee.
(3) Without limiting the conditions to which an approval under subsection (1) may be made subject, those conditions may include a condition relating to the charges that may be made for the therapeutic goods to which the approval relates.
(4) Where an application for an approval is made, the Secretary must, after having considered the application and, in the case of an application for the use of therapeutic goods for experimental purposes in humans, after having evaluated the information submitted with the application, notify the applicant of the decision on the application within 28 days of making the decision and, in the case of a decision not to grant the approval, of the reasons for the decision.
(4A) The use by a person for experimental purposes in humans of specified therapeutic goods that are the subject of an approval granted to someone else under paragraph (1)(b) is subject to the conditions (if any) specified in the regulations relating to one or more of the following:
(a) the preconditions on the use of the goods for those purposes;
(b) the principles to be followed in the use of the goods for those purposes;
(c) the monitoring of the use, and the results of the use, of the goods for those purposes;
(d) the circumstances in which the person must cease the use of the goods for those purposes.
(5) The Secretary may, in writing, authorise a specified medical practitioner to supply:
(a) specified therapeutic goods for use in the treatment of humans; or
(b) a specified class of such goods;
to the class or classes of recipients specified in the authority.
(5A) An authority may be given subject to the conditions (if any) specified in the authority.
(5B) The Secretary may impose conditions (or further conditions) on an authority given to a person under subsection (5) by giving to the person written notice of the conditions (or further conditions).
(6) An authority under subsection (5) may only be given:
(a) to a medical practitioner included in a class of medical practitioners prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph; and
(aa) to a medical practitioner who has the approval of an ethics committee to supply the specified therapeutic goods or the specified class of such goods; and
(b) in relation to a class or classes of recipients prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph.
Paragraph (aa) does not apply in the exceptional circumstances (if any) prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subsection.
(7) The regulations may prescribe the circumstances in which therapeutic goods may be supplied under an authority under subsection (5).
(8) The regulations may prescribe the circumstances in which an approval under paragraph (1)(b) must not be given, including but not limited to circumstances relating to:
(a) a particular class of therapeutic goods;
(b) a particular class of persons to whom therapeutic goods are to be supplied.
(9) In this section, medical practitioner means a person who is registered, in a State or internal Territory, as a medical practitioner.
19A Exemptions where unavailability etc. of therapeutic goods
(1) The Secretary may, by notice in writing, grant an approval to a person for the importation into Australia, or the supply in Australia, of specified therapeutic goods if the Secretary is satisfied that:
(a) registered goods that could act as a substitute for the goods are unavailable or are in short supply; and
(b) either:
(i) the goods that are the subject of the application are registered or approved for general marketing in at least one foreign country specified by the Secretary in a determination under subsection (3); or
(ii) an application that complies with section 23 has been made under that section for registration of the goods; and
(c) the goods are of a kind:
(i) included in Schedule 10 of the Therapeutic Goods Regulations; or
(ii) specified by the Secretary in a determination under subsection (4); and
(d) the approval is necessary in the interests of public health.
(2) The Secretary may, by notice in writing, grant an approval to a person for the importation into Australia, or the supply in Australia, of specified therapeutic goods if the Secretary is satisfied that:
(a) registered goods that could act as a substitute for the goods do not exist; and
(b) an application that complies with section 23 has been made under that section for registration of the goods; and
(c) the goods are of a kind:
(i) included in Schedule 10 of the Therapeutic Goods Regulations; or
(ii) specified by the Secretary in a determination under subsection (4); and
(d) the approval is necessary in the interests of public health.
(3) The Secretary may, for the purposes of subparagraph (1)(b)(i), make written determinations specifying the foreign countries in which registration or approval for general marketing of the goods is a prerequisite for approval by the Secretary under this section.
(4) The Secretary may make written determinations specifying the kinds of goods that can be the subject of an approval under this section.
(5) Determinations under subsections (3) and (4) are legislative instruments.
(6) The Secretary may grant the approval subject to any conditions that are specified in the notice of approval.
(7) The Secretary may grant the approval for such period as is specified in the notice of approval.
(8) The approval lapses if:
(a) the period specified in the notice of approval expires; or
(b) a decision has been made under subsection 25(3) in relation to the goods.
(9) The approval lapses if:
(a) the Secretary is satisfied that paragraph (1)(a), (b), (c) or (d), or paragraph (2)(a), (b), (c) or (d), as the case requires, no longer applies in relation to the goods, or that a condition of the approval has been contravened; and
(b) the Secretary has given to the person to whom the approval was granted a notice stating that the Secretary is so satisfied.
(10) The lapsing of the approval on the expiry of the period specified in the notice of approval does not prevent another approval being granted under this section in relation to the goods before the lapsing of the first‑mentioned approval. The other approval may be expressed to take effect on the expiry of that period.
19B Criminal offences relating to registration or listing etc. of imported, exported, manufactured and supplied therapeutic goods
Offences relating to importing, exporting, manufacturing or supplying goods for use in humans
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person:
(i) imports into Australia therapeutic goods for use in humans; or
(ii) exports from Australia therapeutic goods for use in humans; or
(iii) manufactures in Australia therapeutic goods for use in humans; or
(iv) supplies in Australia therapeutic goods for use in humans; and
(b) none of the following subparagraphs applies in relation to the goods:
(i) the goods are registered goods or listed goods in relation to the person;
(ii) the goods are exempt goods;
(iii) the goods are exempt under section 18A;
(iv) the goods are the subject of an approval or authority under section 19;
(v) the goods are the subject of an approval under section 19A; and
(c) either:
(i) the use of the goods has resulted in, or will result in, harm or injury to any person; or
(ii) the use of the goods, if the goods were used, would result in harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 4,000 penalty units, or both.
Note 1: A jury may acquit a person of an offence against this subsection and may convict the person of an offence against subsection (4) instead: see section 53A.
Note 2: A person may commit an offence against subsection 20(2A) or (2C), or may contravene section 22AA (a civil penalty provision), by importing into Australia therapeutic goods that are exempt under section 18A.
Note 3: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person:
(i) imports into Australia therapeutic goods for use in humans; or
(ii) exports from Australia therapeutic goods for use in humans; or
(iii) manufactures in Australia therapeutic goods for use in humans; or
(iv) supplies in Australia therapeutic goods for use in humans; and
(b) none of the following subparagraphs applies in relation to the goods:
(i) the goods are registered goods or listed goods in relation to the person;
(ii) the goods are exempt goods;
(iii) the goods are exempt under section 18A;
(iv) the goods are the subject of an approval or authority under section 19;
(v) the goods are the subject of an approval under section 19A; and
(c) the use of the goods, if the goods were used, would be likely to result in harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: 2,000 penalty units.
Note 1: A person may commit an offence against subsection 20(2A) or (2C), or may contravene section 22AA (a civil penalty provision), by importing into Australia therapeutic goods that are exempt under section 18A.
Note 2: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(3) Subsection (2) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(4) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person:
(i) imports into Australia therapeutic goods for use in humans; or
(ii) exports from Australia therapeutic goods for use in humans; or
(iii) manufactures in Australia therapeutic goods for use in humans; or
(iv) supplies in Australia therapeutic goods for use in humans; and
(b) none of the following subparagraphs applies in relation to the goods:
(i) the goods are registered goods or listed goods in relation to the person;
(ii) the goods are exempt goods;
(iii) the goods are exempt under section 18A;
(iv) the goods are the subject of an approval or authority under section 19;
(v) the goods are the subject of an approval under section 19A.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 1,000 penalty units, or both.
Defence if person was not the sponsor of the goods
(5) It is a defence to a prosecution under subsection (1), (2) or (4) if the defendant proves that the defendant was not the sponsor of the goods at the time of the importation, exportation, manufacture or supply, as the case may be.
Note: The defendant bears a legal burden in relation to the matter in subsection (5): see section 13.4 of the Criminal Code.
Exception
(6) Subsection (1) does not apply if:
(a) harm or injury did not, or will not, directly result from:
(i) the quality, safety or efficacy of the goods; or
(ii) a matter relating to the labelling or packaging of the goods; or
(iii) the improper use of the goods; or
(b) harm or injury would not directly result from:
(i) the quality, safety or efficacy of the goods; or
(ii) a matter relating to the labelling or packaging of the goods; or
(iii) the improper use of the goods.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsection (6): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
Application of Customs Act 1901
(7) Where:
(a) the importation or exportation of goods is an offence under subsection (1), (2) or (4); and
(b) the Secretary notifies the Comptroller‑General of Customs in writing that the Secretary wishes the Customs Act 1901 to apply to that importation or exportation;
the Customs Act 1901 has effect as if the goods included in that importation or exportation were goods described as forfeited to the Crown under section 229 of that Act because they were:
(c) prohibited imports within the meaning of that Act; or
(d) prohibited exports within the meaning of that Act;
as the case requires.
19C Notice required to adduce evidence in support of exception under subsection 19B(6)
(1) If:
(a) a defendant is committed for trial for an offence against subsection 19B(1); or
(b) an offence against subsection 19B(1) is to be heard and determined by a court of summary jurisdiction;
the committing magistrate or the court must:
(c) inform the defendant of the requirements of this section; and
(d) cause a copy of this section to be given to the defendant.
(2) A defendant must not, without leave of the court, adduce evidence in support of the exception under subsection 19B(6) unless:
(a) if paragraph (1)(a) applies—more than 21 days before the trial begins; or
(b) if paragraph (1)(b) applies—more than 21 days before the hearing of the offence begins;
he or she gives notice of particulars of the exception.
(3) A defendant must not, without leave of the court, call any other person to give evidence in support of the exception unless:
(a) the notice under subsection (2) includes the name and address of the person or, if the name and address is not known to the defendant at the time he or she gives the notice, any information in his or her possession that might be of material assistance in finding the person; and
(b) if the name or the address is not included in the notice—the court is satisfied that the defendant before giving the notice took, and after giving the notice continued to take, all reasonable steps to ascertain the name or address; and
(c) if the name or address is not included in the notice, but the defendant subsequently ascertains the name or address or receives information that might be of material assistance in finding the person—the defendant immediately gives notice of the name, address or other information, as the case may be; and
(d) if the defendant is told by or on behalf of the prosecutor that the person has not been found by the name, or at the address, given by the defendant:
(i) the defendant immediately gives notice of any information in the defendant’s possession that might be of material assistance in finding the person; or
(ii) if the defendant later receives any such information—the defendant immediately gives notice of the information.
(4) A notice purporting to be given under this section on behalf of the defendant by his or her legal practitioner is, unless the contrary is proved, taken as having been given with the authority of the defendant.
(5) Any evidence tendered to disprove that the exception applies may, subject to direction by the court, be given before or after evidence is given in support of the exception.
(6) A notice of particulars of the exception must be given, in writing, to the Director of Public Prosecutions. A notice is taken as having been given if it is:
(a) delivered to or left at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions; or
(b) sent by certified mail addressed to the Director of Public Prosecutions at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
(7) In this section:
Director of Public Prosecutions means a person holding office as, or acting as, the Director of Public Prosecutions under the Director of Public Prosecutions Act 1983.
19D Civil penalties relating to registration or listing etc. of imported, exported, manufactured and supplied therapeutic goods
Civil penalty relating to importing, exporting, manufacturing or supplying goods for use in humans
(1) A person contravenes this subsection if:
(a) the person does any of the following:
(i) imports into Australia therapeutic goods for use in humans;
(ii) exports from Australia therapeutic goods for use in humans;
(iii) manufactures in Australia therapeutic goods for use in humans;
(iv) supplies in Australia therapeutic goods for use in humans; and
(b) none of the following subparagraphs applies in relation to the goods:
(i) the goods are registered goods or listed goods in relation to the person;
(ii) the goods are exempt goods;
(iii) the goods are exempt under section 18A;
(iv) the goods are the subject of an approval or authority under section 19;
(v) the goods are the subject of an approval under section 19A.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.
Note: A person may commit an offence against subsection 20(2A) or (2C), or may contravene section 22AA (a civil penalty provision), by importing into Australia therapeutic goods that are exempt under section 18A.
Exception if person was not the sponsor of the goods
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person proves that he or she was not the sponsor of the goods at the time of the importation, exportation, manufacture or supply, as the case may be.
Civil penalty relating to the importing of registered or listed goods
(3) A person contravenes this subsection if:
(a) therapeutic goods are registered or listed in relation to the person (other than listed goods that are therapeutic devices); and
(b) the person imports the goods into Australia; and
(c) the registration number or listing number of the goods is not set out on the label of the goods in the prescribed manner before the goods are supplied in Australia.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—200 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—2,000 penalty units.
Civil penalty relating to the supply of registered or listed goods
(4) A person contravenes this subsection if:
(a) therapeutic goods are registered or listed in relation to the person (other than listed goods that are therapeutic devices); and
(b) the person supplies the goods in Australia; and
(c) the registration number or listing number of the goods is not set out on the label of the goods in the prescribed manner.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—200 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—2,000 penalty units.
Application of Customs Act 1901
(5) Where:
(a) the importation or exportation of goods contravenes subsection (1); and
(b) the Secretary notifies the Comptroller‑General of Customs in writing that the Secretary wishes the Customs Act 1901 to apply to that importation or exportation;
the Customs Act 1901 has effect as if the goods included in that importation or exportation were goods described as forfeited to the Crown under section 229 of that Act because they were:
(c) prohibited imports within the meaning of that Act; or
(d) prohibited exports within the meaning of that Act;
as the case requires.
20 Criminal offences relating to notifying the Secretary and to importing goods exempt under section 18A
(1B) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person is the sponsor of therapeutic goods for use in humans; and
(b) the person:
(i) imports the goods into Australia; or
(ii) exports the goods from Australia; or
(iii) manufactures the goods in Australia; or
(iv) supplies the goods in Australia; and
(c) the person has not, at the time of the importation, export, manufacture or supply, properly notified to the Secretary either or both of the following:
(i) the manufacturer of the goods;
(ii) premises used in the manufacture of the goods.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 1,000 penalty units, or both.
(1C) For the purposes of paragraph (1B)(c):
(a) a manufacturer is properly notified to the Secretary if:
(i) the manufacturer was nominated, as a manufacturer of the goods, in an application for the registration or listing of the goods; or
(ii) the Secretary was subsequently informed in writing that the manufacturer is a manufacturer of the goods; and
(b) premises are properly notified to the Secretary if:
(i) the premises were nominated, as premises used in the manufacture of the goods, in an application for the registration or listing of the goods; or
(ii) the Secretary was subsequently informed in writing that the premises are used in the manufacture of the goods.
(2A) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person imports therapeutic goods into Australia; and
(b) the goods are exempt under section 18A; and
(c) the importation breaches a condition of the exemption.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 4 years or 240 penalty units, or both.
(2B) Strict liability applies to paragraph (2A)(b).
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(2C) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person imports therapeutic goods into Australia; and
(b) the goods are exempt under section 18A; and
(c) the importation breaches a condition of the exemption.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(2D) An offence under subsection (2C) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
20A Civil penalty relating to the importation, exportation, manufacture or supply of sponsored goods without proper notification
(1) A person contravenes this section if:
(a) the person does any of the following:
(i) imports therapeutic goods into Australia;
(ii) exports therapeutic goods from Australia;
(iii) manufactures therapeutic goods in Australia;
(iv) supplies therapeutic goods in Australia; and
(b) the person is the sponsor of the goods for use in humans; and
(c) the person has not, at or before the time of the importation, exportation, manufacture or supply, properly notified to the Secretary either or both of the following:
(i) the manufacturer of the goods;
(ii) premises used in the manufacture of the goods.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.
Meaning of properly notified
(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(c):
(a) a manufacturer is properly notified to the Secretary if:
(i) the manufacturer was nominated, as a manufacturer of the goods, in an application for the registration or listing of the goods; or
(ii) the Secretary was subsequently informed in writing that the manufacturer is a manufacturer of the goods; and
(b) premises are properly notified to the Secretary if:
(i) the premises were nominated, as premises used in the manufacture of the goods, in an application for the registration or listing of the goods; or
(ii) the Secretary was subsequently informed in writing that the premises are used in the manufacture of the goods.
21 Offence relating to wholesale supply
A person must not supply in Australia therapeutic goods for use in humans (other than listable devices), being goods of which the person is not a sponsor, to another person who is not the ultimate consumer of the goods unless:
(a) the goods are registered goods or listed goods; or
(b) the goods are exempt goods; or
(ba) the goods are exempt under section 18A; or
(c) the goods are the subject of an approval or authority under section 19; or
(d) the goods are the subject of an approval under section 19A.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
21A General criminal offences relating to this Part
Offences for making a false or misleading statement
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person makes a statement; and
(b) the statement is made in or in connection with a certification of any matter under subsection 26A(2); and
(c) the statement is false or misleading in a material particular; and
(d) either:
(i) the use of the medicine has resulted in, or will result in, harm or injury to any person; or
(ii) the use of the medicine, if the medicine were used, would result in harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 4,000 penalty units, or both.
Note 1: A jury may acquit a person of an offence against this subsection and may convict the person of an offence against subsection (4) instead: see section 53A.
Note 2: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person makes a statement; and
(b) the statement is made in or in connection with a certification of any matter under subsection 26A(2); and
(c) the statement is false or misleading in a material particular; and
(d) the use of the medicine, if the medicine were used, would be likely to result in harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: 2,000 penalty units.
Note: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(3) Subsection (2) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(4) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person makes a statement; and
(b) the statement is made in or in connection with a certification of any matter under subsection 26A(2); and
(c) the statement is false or misleading in a material particular.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 1,000 penalty units, or both.
Offences relating to breaching a condition of registration or listing of therapeutic goods
(5) A person commits an offence if:
(a) therapeutic goods are registered or listed in relation to the person; and
(b) the person does an act or omits to do an act; and
(c) the act or omission breaches a condition of the registration or listing of the goods; and
(d) the act or omission has resulted in, or will result in, harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 4,000 penalty units, or both.
Note 1: A jury may acquit a person of an offence against this subsection and may convict the person of an offence against subsection (8) instead: see section 53A.
Note 2: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(6) A person commits an offence if:
(a) therapeutic goods are registered or listed in relation to the person; and
(b) the person does an act or omits to do an act; and
(c) the act or omission breaches a condition of the registration or listing of the goods; and
(d) the act or omission is likely to result in harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: 2,000 penalty units.
Note: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(7) Subsection (6) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(8) A person commits an offence if:
(a) therapeutic goods are registered or listed in relation to the person; and
(b) the person does an act or omits to do an act; and
(c) the act or omission breaches a condition of the registration or listing of the goods.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 1,000 penalty units, or both.
Offences relating to the supply of therapeutic goods in breach of authority etc.
(9) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the Secretary has authorised, under subsection 19(5), the person to supply therapeutic goods; and
(b) the person supplies those goods; and
(c) any of the following applies:
(i) the supply is not in accordance with the authority; or
(ii) the supply is not in accordance with the conditions to which the authority is subject; or
(iii) the supply is not in accordance with regulations made for the purpose of subsection 19(7); and
(d) either:
(i) the use of the goods has resulted in, or will result in, harm or injury to any person; or
(ii) the use of the goods, if the goods were used, would result in harm or injury to any person; and
(e) the harm or injury has resulted, will result, or would result, because:
(i) the supply is not in accordance with the authority; or
(ii) the supply is not in accordance with the conditions to which the authority is subject; or
(iii) the supply is not in accordance with regulations made for the purpose of subsection 19(7).
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 4,000 penalty units, or both.
Note: A jury may acquit a person of an offence against this subsection and may convict the person of an offence against subsection 22(7A) instead: see section 53A.
(10) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the Secretary has authorised, under subsection 19(5), the person to supply therapeutic goods; and
(b) the person supplies those goods; and
(c) any of the following applies:
(i) the supply is not in accordance with the authority; or
(ii) the supply is not in accordance with the conditions to which the authority is subject; or
(iii) the supply is not in accordance with regulations made for the purpose of subsection 19(7); and
(d) the use of the goods, if goods were used, would be likely to result in harm or injury to any person; and
(e) the harm or injury would be likely to result because:
(i) the supply is not in accordance with the authority; or
(ii) the supply is not in accordance with the conditions to which the authority is subject; or
(iii) the supply is not in accordance with regulations made for the purpose of subsection 19(7).
Penalty: 2,000 penalty units.
(11) Subsection (10) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
Offences relating to using therapeutic goods without approval etc.
(12) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person uses therapeutic goods; and
(b) the goods are used:
(i) in the treatment of another person; or
(ii) solely for experimental purposes in humans; and
(c) the goods are not:
(i) exempt goods; or
(ii) listed goods; or
(iii) registered goods; or
(iv) goods exempt under section 18A; or
(v) goods that are the subject of an approval under section 19A; and
(d) the goods are not used in accordance with:
(i) an approval or authority under section 19; or
(ii) a condition applicable under regulations made for the purposes of subsection 19(4A); and
(e) either:
(i) if the person used the goods in the treatment of another person—the use of the goods has resulted in, or will result in, harm or injury to that person; or
(ii) if the person used the goods solely for experimental purposes in humans—the use of the goods has resulted in, or will result in, harm or injury to any of those persons.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 4,000 penalty units, or both.
Note: A jury may acquit a person of an offence against this subsection and may convict the person of an offence against subsection 22(8) instead: see section 53A.
(13) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person uses therapeutic goods; and
(b) the goods are used:
(i) in the treatment of another person; or
(ii) solely for experimental purposes in humans; and
(c) the goods are not:
(i) exempt goods; or
(ii) listed goods; or
(iii) registered goods; or
(iv) goods exempt under section 18A; or
(v) goods that are the subject of an approval under section 19A; and
(d) the goods are not used in accordance with:
(i) an approval or authority under section 19; or
(ii) a condition applicable under regulations made for the purposes of subsection 19(4A); and
(e) either:
(i) if the person used the goods in the treatment of another person—the use of the goods, if the goods were used, is likely to result in harm or injury to that person; or
(ii) if the person used the goods solely for experimental purposes in humans—the use of the goods, if the goods were used, is likely to result in harm or injury to any of those persons.
Penalty: 2,000 penalty units.
(14) Subsection (13) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
21B General civil penalties relating to this Part
Civil penalty for making a false or misleading statement
(1) A person contravenes this subsection if the person, in or in connection with a certification of any matter under subsection 26A(2), makes a statement that is false or misleading in a material particular.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.
Civil penalty relating to breaching a condition of registration or listing of therapeutic goods
(2) A person contravenes this subsection if:
(a) therapeutic goods are registered or listed in relation to the person; and
(b) the person does an act or omits to do an act that breaches a condition of the registration or listing of the goods.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.
Civil penalty for falsely representing therapeutic goods
(3) A person contravenes this subsection if:
(a) the person represents therapeutic goods that are not included in the Register as being so included; or
(b) the person represents therapeutic goods that are not exempt goods as being exempt goods; or
(c) the person represents therapeutic goods that are not goods exempt under section 18A as being goods exempt under that section; or
(d) the person represents therapeutic goods that are included in one part of the Register as being included in another part of the Register; or
(e) the person represents therapeutic goods that are not the subject of an approval or authority under section 19 as being the subject of such an approval or authority; or
(f) the person represents therapeutic goods that are not the subject of an approval under section 19A as being the subject of such an approval.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.
22 General offences relating to this Part
(1) A person must not set out or cause to be set out, on a container or package that contains therapeutic goods or on a label of goods of that kind, a number that purports to be the registration number or listing number of the goods in relation to a particular person if the number is not that number.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(5) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person, by any means, advertises therapeutic goods for an indication; and
(b) the therapeutic goods are included in the Register; and
(c) the indication is not an indication accepted in relation to that inclusion.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(6) A person must not make a claim, by any means, that the person or another person can arrange the supply of therapeutic goods (not being exempt goods or goods exempt under section 18A) that are not registered goods or listed goods.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(7) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person does an act or omits to do an act; and
(b) the act or omission results in the breach of:
(i) a condition of an exemption applicable under regulations made for the purposes of subsection 18(1); or
(ii) a condition of an approval under section 19; or
(iii) a condition applicable under regulations made for the purposes of subsection 19(4A); or
(iv) a condition of an approval under section 19A.
(7AA) An offence against subsection (7) is punishable on conviction by a fine of not more than 60 penalty units.
(7AB) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person does an act or omits to do an act in relation to therapeutic goods; and
(b) the goods are exempt under section 18A; and
(c) the act or omission results in the breach of a condition of the exemption; and
(d) the act or omission is likely to cause a serious risk to public health.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 2,000 penalty units, or both.
Note 1: A person may commit an offence against subsection 20(2A) or (2C), or contravene section 22AA (a civil penalty provision), by breaching a condition of an exemption of therapeutic goods under section 18A that relates to the importation of the goods.
Note 2: A person may commit an offence against subsection 30H(1) or (3) by breaching a condition of an exemption of therapeutic goods under section 18A that relates to records about the goods.
Note 3: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(7AC) Strict liability applies to paragraph (7AB)(b).
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(7AD) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person does an act or omits to do an act in relation to therapeutic goods; and
(b) the goods are exempt under section 18A; and
(c) the act or omission results in the breach of a condition of the exemption.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 4 years or 240 penalty units, or both.
(7AE) Strict liability applies to paragraph (7AD)(b).
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(7A) A person to whom an authority under subsection 19(5) has been granted must not supply the therapeutic goods to which the authority relates except in accordance with:
(a) the authority; and
(aa) the conditions (if any) to which the authority is subject; and
(b) any regulations made for the purpose of subsection 19(7).
Penalty: 500 penalty units.
(8) A person must not use therapeutic goods, other than exempt goods, listed goods, registered goods, goods exempt under section 18A or goods that are the subject of an approval under section 19A:
(a) for use in the treatment of another person; or
(b) for use solely for experimental purposes in humans;
except in accordance with an approval or authority under section 19 or a condition applicable under regulations made for the purposes of subsection 19(4A).
Penalty: 500 penalty units.
22AA Civil penalty for breaching a condition of an exemption
A person contravenes this section if:
(a) the person does an act or omits to do an act in relation to therapeutic goods; and
(b) the goods are exempt under section 18A; and
(c) the act or omission breaches a condition of the exemption.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.
22A Criminal offences for false statements in applications for registration
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person makes a statement; and
(b) the statement is made in or in connection with an application for registration of therapeutic goods; and
(c) the statement is false or misleading in a material particular; and
(d) either:
(i) the use of the goods has resulted in, or will result in, harm or injury to any person; or
(ii) the use of the goods, if the goods were used, would result in harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 4,000 penalty units, or both.
Note 1: A jury may acquit a person of an offence against this subsection and may convict the person of an offence against subsection (4) instead: see section 53A.
Note 2: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person makes a statement; and
(b) the statement is made in or in connection with an application for registration of therapeutic goods; and
(c) the statement is false or misleading in a material particular; and
(d) the use of the goods, if the goods were used, would be likely to result in harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: 2,000 penalty units.
Note: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(3) Subsection (2) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(4) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person makes a statement; and
(b) the statement is made in or in connection with an application for registration of therapeutic goods; and
(c) the statement is false or misleading in a material particular.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 1,000 penalty units, or both.
22B Civil penalty for false statements in applications for registration
A person contravenes this section if the person in or in connection with an application for registration of therapeutic goods, makes a statement that is false or misleading in a material particular.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.
Division 2—Registration and listing
23 Applications generally
(1) An application for registration or listing of therapeutic goods must:
(a) be made in accordance with a form approved, in writing, by the Secretary or in such other manner as is approved, in writing, by the Secretary; and
(b) be delivered to an office of the Department specified by the Secretary.
(2) An application is not effective unless:
(a) the prescribed application fee has been paid; and
(b) the applicant has delivered to the office to which the application was made such information, in a form approved, in writing, by the Secretary, as will allow the determination of the application; and
(ba) if the application is for the registration of restricted medicine—the application is accompanied by product information, in relation to the medicine, that is in the form approved under section 7D in relation to the medicine; and
(c) if the Secretary so requires—the applicant has delivered to the office to which the application was made a reasonable number of samples of the goods.
(3) An approval of a form may require or permit an application or information to be given in accordance with specified software requirements:
(a) on a specified kind of data processing device; or
(b) by way of a specified kind of electronic transmission.
24 Applications for registration
(1) Where an application is made for the registration of therapeutic goods in accordance with section 23 and the goods are goods that are required to be registered, a fee specified in or determined in accordance with the regulations is payable by the applicant in respect of the evaluation of the goods for registration, and the Secretary must notify each such applicant of the amount of the evaluation fee.
(2) An application for registration of therapeutic goods lapses if:
(a) any part of the evaluation fee payable in respect of those goods remains unpaid at the end of the period of 2 months after the day on which the amount became due and payable; or
(b) the application contains information that is inaccurate or misleading in a material particular; or
(c) information given to the Secretary by, or on behalf of, the applicant in connection with the application, including information given for the purpose of a requirement under section 31, is inaccurate or misleading in a material particular; or
(d) the applicant fails to comply with a requirement under section 31 to give information consisting of individual patient data in relation to the goods.
(3) In this section, individual patient data, in relation to therapeutic goods, means information, derived from clinical trials, relating to individuals before, during and after the administration of the goods to those individuals, including, but not limited to, demographic, biochemical and haematological information.
24A When evaluation fee due for payment
Subject to section 24B, an evaluation fee under section 24 payable by an applicant is due and payable on the day on which the applicant is notified of the amount of the evaluation fee.
24B Payment of evaluation fee by instalments
(1) The regulations may provide for the payment of an evaluation fee under section 24 to be made by such instalments and at such times as are ascertained in accordance with the regulations, and the evaluation fee is due and payable accordingly.
(2) Regulations made for the purposes of subsection (1) may provide that a person is not allowed to pay an evaluation fee under section 24 by instalments if any part of an instalment of:
(a) that or any other evaluation fee under section 24 payable by the person; or
(b) any assessment fee under section 41LA payable by the person;
was unpaid immediately after the time when it became due for payment.
(3) Subsection (2) does not limit the generality of subsection (1).
24C Recovery of evaluation fee
An evaluation fee under section 24 may be recovered by the Commonwealth as a debt due to the Commonwealth.
24D Refund of evaluation fee where evaluation not completed within prescribed period
(1) This section applies to an application under section 23 in relation to therapeutic goods for the evaluation of which a period is prescribed under paragraph 63(2)(da).
(2) If:
(a) the applicant has paid the whole of the evaluation fee; and
(b) the evaluation is completed, but not within the period referred to in subsection (1);
then 25% of the evaluation fee must be refunded to the applicant.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), the evaluation is taken to be completed when the applicant is notified of the Secretary’s decision under subsection 25(3) in relation to the goods.
24E Deemed refusal of application
(1) This section applies in the case of an application under section 23 in relation to therapeutic goods for the evaluation of which a period is prescribed under paragraph 63(2)(da).
(2) If, at the end of the period referred to in subsection (1), the evaluation has not been completed, the applicant may give the Secretary written notice that the applicant wishes to treat the application as having been refused.
(3) A notice under subsection (2) may be given at any time before the evaluation is completed.
(4) Where a notice has been given, this Act (except for subsection 60(5)) has effect as if:
(a) the Secretary had decided not to register the goods the subject of the application; and
(b) the Minister had made a decision under subsection 60(3) confirming the decision of the Secretary; and
(c) the Minister’s decision had been made on the day on which notice was given to the Secretary under subsection (2).
25 Evaluation of therapeutic goods
(1) If an application is made for the registration of therapeutic goods in relation to a person in accordance with section 23, the Secretary must evaluate the goods for registration having regard to:
(d) whether the quality, safety and efficacy of the goods for the purposes for which they are to be used have been satisfactorily established; and
(da) if:
(i) the applicant is applying for the registration of restricted medicine; or
(ii) the applicant is applying for the registration of medicine (other than restricted medicine) and the applicant has been given a notice in writing by the Secretary requiring the applicant to give to the Secretary product information, in relation to the medicine, that is in the form approved under section 7D in relation to the medicine;
the product information given by the applicant in relation to the medicine; and
(e) whether the presentation of the goods is acceptable; and
(f) whether the goods conform to any standard applicable to the goods; and
(fa) whether:
(i) the applicable provisions of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code; and
(ii) the other requirements (if any) relating to advertising applicable under Part 5‑1 or the regulations;
are complied with in relation to the goods; and
(g) if a step in the manufacture of the goods has been carried out outside Australia—whether the manufacturing and quality control procedures used in the manufacture of the goods are acceptable; and
(h) if the goods have been manufactured in Australia—whether the goods have been manufactured in accordance with Part 3‑3; and
(j) whether the goods contain substances that are prohibited imports for the purposes of the Customs Act 1901; and
(ja) whether all of the manufacturers of the goods are nominated as manufacturers of the goods in the application; and
(k) such other matters (if any) as the Secretary considers relevant.
Note: The Secretary must not use protected information when evaluating therapeutic goods for registration: see section 25A.
(2) In making a decision for the purposes of paragraph (1)(g), the matters that may be taken into account include:
(a) whether the applicant has provided:
(i) if the goods are not therapeutic devices and a step in the manufacture of the goods has been carried out in a country that is a member of the European Community or a member of EFTA—an EC/EFTA attestation of conformity in relation to the goods; or
(ia) if the goods are not therapeutic devices and a step in the manufacture of the goods has been carried out in a country declared by the Minister under section 3B to be covered by a non‑EC/EFTA MRA—a non‑EC/EFTA attestation of conformity, for the non‑EC/EFTA MRA, in relation to the goods; or
(ii) in any other case—an acceptable form of evidence from a relevant overseas authority establishing that the manufacture of the goods is of an acceptable standard; and
(b) whether the applicant has agreed to provide, where the Secretary considers inspection of the manufacturing procedures used in the manufacture of the goods to be necessary:
(i) funds for the carrying out of that inspection by the Department; and
(ii) evidence that the manufacturer has agreed to such an inspection.
(2A) An evaluation under this section of goods in relation to which a period has been prescribed under paragraph 63(2)(da) must be completed within that period.
(2B) If therapeutic goods are exempt from the operation of Part 3‑3 or a person is exempt from the operation of that Part in relation to the manufacture of the goods, subsection (1) has effect, in relation to the goods, as if paragraph (h) were omitted.
(2C) If a person is exempt from the operation of Part 3‑3 in relation to a step in the manufacture of therapeutic goods, subsection (1) has effect, in relation to the goods, as if the reference in paragraph (h) to Part 3‑3 were a reference to that Part to the extent that it applies to that person in relation to the manufacture of the goods.
(2D) If:
(a) therapeutic goods were made outside Australia; and
(b) had the goods been made in Australia, they would have been exempt from the operation of Part 3‑3;
subsection (1) has effect, in relation to the goods, as if paragraph (g) were omitted.
(2E) A decision for the purposes of paragraph (1)(g) may also take into account any information provided to the Secretary by a health authority of a Convention country and relating to:
(a) the general standards of manufacturing practice of a particular manufacturer; or
(b) the specific standards of manufacture or control adopted by a particular manufacturer in relation to particular goods.
(2F) For the purposes of subsection (2E), a Convention country is a country that is a party to the Mutual Recognition Convention.
(2G) Information referred to in subsection (2E) and provided in accordance with the Mutual Recognition Convention is to be treated as equivalent to information obtained as a result of an inspection under Part 3‑3 of this Act.
(3) After an evaluation under this section of goods has been completed, the Secretary must decide:
(a) to register the goods; or
(b) not to register the goods.
Note: See also sections 25AA (approved product information for medicine), 25AB (registration of therapeutic goods) and 25AC (notice of decision not to register therapeutic goods).
25AA Approved product information for medicine
(1) The Secretary must approve product information in relation to therapeutic goods if:
(a) the Secretary decides, under subsection 25(3), to register the goods; and
(b) the goods are:
(i) restricted medicine; or
(ii) medicine in respect of which the applicant has been given a notice of the kind referred to in subparagraph 25(1)(da)(ii).
Note: Subsection (4) deals with variation of the product information.
(1A) However, the Secretary must not approve product information in relation to therapeutic goods under subsection (1) unless the Secretary is satisfied that the product information reflects the basis on which the Secretary decided under subsection 25(3) to register the goods.
Transitional
(2) If:
(a) at the start of the day the first instrument made under subsection 3(2A) or (2B) takes effect, there is medicine included in the Register in relation to a person; and
(b) before that day, the Secretary, in a notice given under subsection 25(4) (as in force on that day) to the person in relation to the registration of the medicine, specified the product information that was approved by the Secretary in relation to the medicine;
then that product information (including as varied before that day) is, on and after that day, the product information that is approved under this section in relation to the medicine.
Note: Subsection (4) deals with variation of the product information.
(3) If:
(a) before the day the first instrument made under subsection 3(2A) or (2B) takes effect, a person made an application to include medicine in the Register; and
(b) before that day and in relation to that application, the Secretary, in a notice given under subsection 25(4) (as in force on that day) to the person, specified the product information that was approved by the Secretary in relation to the medicine; and
(c) on or after that day and in relation to that application, the Secretary includes the medicine in the Register in relation to the person;
then that product information (including as varied before that inclusion) is, on and after the day the registration of the medicine commences, the product information that is approved under this section in relation to the medicine.
Note: Subsection (4) deals with variation of the product information.
Variations
(4) If:
(a) there is medicine included in the Register in relation to a person and there is product information approved under this section in relation to the medicine; and
(b) either:
(i) under section 9D, the Secretary varies the entry in the Register in relation to the medicine; or
(ii) there is a change in the conditions to which the inclusion of the medicine is subject; and
(c) as a result of that variation or change, the Secretary is satisfied that a variation to that product information is required;
the Secretary may, by notice in writing given to the person, make any variations that the Secretary considers appropriate to the product information that is approved in relation to the medicine.
(4A) Without limiting subsection (4), a variation to the product information is not appropriate unless:
(a) if subparagraph (4)(b)(i) applies—the product information, as varied, reflects the basis on which the Secretary decided under section 9D to vary the entry in the Register in relation to the medicine; or
(b) if subparagraph (4)(b)(ii) applies—the product information, as varied, reflects the basis on which the Secretary decided under section 28 to change the conditions to which the inclusion of the medicine is subject.
(5) To avoid doubt, if product information that is approved in relation to medicine is varied under this section, that product information, as varied, becomes the product information that is approved under this section in relation to the medicine.
25AB Registration of therapeutic goods etc.
Therapeutic devices
(1) If:
(a) an application is made in accordance with section 23 for the registration of therapeutic goods in relation to a person; and
(b) the Secretary decides under subsection 25(3) to register the goods; and
(c) the goods are therapeutic devices;
the Secretary must:
(d) notify the applicant in writing of the decision within 28 days of making the decision; and
(e) include the goods in the Register; and
(f) give the applicant a certificate of registration.
Therapeutic goods that are not therapeutic devices
(2) If:
(a) an application is made in accordance with section 23 for the registration of therapeutic goods in relation to a person; and
(b) the Secretary decides under subsection 25(3) to register the goods; and
(c) the goods are not therapeutic devices;
the Secretary must, in accordance with subsection (3), notify the applicant in writing of the decision within 28 days of making the decision.
(3) The notice must:
(a) set out the decision under subsection 25(3) to register the goods; and
(b) if the goods are restricted medicine or medicine in respect of which the applicant has been given a notice of the kind referred to in subparagraph 25(1)(da)(ii)—set out the product information approved under subsection 25AA(1) for the medicine; and
(c) inform the applicant that the goods will not be included in the Register unless and until the applicant gives the Secretary:
(i) the certificate required under subsection 26B(1); or
(ii) a notice (in accordance with a form approved, in writing, by the Secretary) that a certificate under that subsection is not required in relation to the application.
(4) If the applicant gives the Secretary the certificate referred to in subparagraph (3)(c)(i) or the notice referred to in subparagraph (3)(c)(ii), the Secretary must:
(a) include the goods in the Register; and
(b) give the applicant a certificate of registration.
(5) To avoid doubt, if the applicant gives the Secretary the certificate referred to in subparagraph (3)(c)(i) or the notice referred to in subparagraph (3)(c)(ii), the Secretary must include the goods in the Register under paragraph (4)(a) without inquiring into the correctness of the certificate or the notice.
Date registration commences
(6) The registration of therapeutic goods commences on the day specified in the certificate of registration.
25AC Notice of decision not to register therapeutic goods
If:
(a) an application is made in accordance with section 23 for the registration of therapeutic goods in relation to a person; and
(b) the Secretary decides under subsection 25(3) not to register the goods;
the Secretary must notify the applicant in writing of the decision, and the reasons for the decision, within 28 days of making the decision.
25A When the Secretary must not use protected information
(1) When evaluating therapeutic goods for registration, the Secretary must not use information about other therapeutic goods that is protected information.
(2) Information is protected information if:
(a) the information was given to the Secretary in relation to an application to register therapeutic goods (the new goods):
(i) not being therapeutic devices; and
(ii) consisting of, or containing, an active component; and
(b) the information is about the active component and is not available to the public; and
(c) when the application to register the new goods was lodged:
(i) no other therapeutic goods consisting of, or containing, that active component were included in the Register; and
(ii) no such therapeutic goods had been included in the Register at any time before then; and
(d) the new goods became registered on or after the commencement of this subsection; and
(e) 5 years have not passed since the day the new goods became registered; and
(f) the person in relation to whom the new goods are registered has not given the Secretary permission in writing for the Secretary to use the information.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), an active component, in relation to therapeutic goods, is a substance that is, or one of the substances that together are, primarily responsible for the biological or other effect identifying the goods as therapeutic goods.
25B Registration of therapeutic device to which EC/EFTA attestation of conformity applies
(1) If:
(a) an application is made in accordance with section 23 for the registration of a therapeutic device in relation to a person; and
(b) the applicant gives to the Secretary an EC/EFTA attestation of conformity as to the matters that would require evaluation under subsection 25(1) if that subsection applied in relation to the device;
the Secretary must register the device unless the Secretary considers that the device may compromise the health or safety of users.
(2) The Secretary must notify the applicant in writing of his or her decision on the application within 28 days of the making of the decision. If the Secretary decides not to register the device, the notice must contain the reasons for that decision.
(3) If the Secretary decides to register the device, the Secretary must:
(a) include the device in the Register; and
(b) give to the applicant a certificate of registration.
(4) The registration of the device commences on the day specified for the purpose in the certificate of registration.
26 Listing of therapeutic goods
(1) Where:
(a) an application is made for the listing of therapeutic goods in relation to a person in accordance with section 23; and
(aa) if goods are not therapeutic devices—the application is accompanied by either:
(i) the certificate required under subsection 26B(1); or
(ii) a notice (in accordance with a form approved, in writing, by the Secretary) that a certificate under that subsection is not required in relation to the application; and
(b) the person has complied with any requirements made by the Secretary under section 31 in relation to the goods; and
(ba) the goods are not goods which may be listed under section 26A;
then, subject to this section and section 26AA, the Secretary is not to refuse to list the goods in relation to the person except where the Secretary is satisfied that:
(c) the goods are not eligible for listing; or
(d) the goods are not safe for the purposes for which they are to be used; or
(e) the presentation of the goods is unacceptable; or
(f) the goods do not conform to a standard applicable to the goods; or
(fa) either of the following has not been complied with in relation to the goods:
(i) an applicable provision of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code;
(ii) any other requirement relating to advertising applicable under Part 5‑1 or the regulations; or
(g) if a step in the manufacture of the goods (not being therapeutic devices other than devices prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph) has been carried out outside Australia—the manufacturing and quality control procedures used in the manufacture of the goods are not acceptable; or
(h) if the goods have been manufactured in Australia—the goods have been manufactured contrary to Part 3‑3; or
(j) if the goods have been manufactured in Australia, or imported into Australia, solely for export—a relevant authority of the country to which the goods are to be exported has not confirmed its willingness to accept the goods and:
(i) the goods have been refused registration or listing for supply in Australia; or
(ii) the Secretary requires such a confirmation for a reason other than because the goods have been refused registration or listing; or
(k) the goods do not comply with prescribed quality or safety criteria; or
(m) the goods contain substances that are prohibited imports for the purposes of the Customs Act 1901; or
(n) one or more of the manufacturers of the goods are not nominated as manufacturers of the goods in the application.
(1AA) If:
(a) a medicine (the original medicine) is included in the Register in relation to a person; and
(b) the person makes an application under section 23 for the listing of a medicine (the new medicine) under this section; and
(c) the Secretary is satisfied that paragraphs (1)(a) to (ba) are satisfied in relation to the application; and
(d) the Secretary is satisfied that the new medicine has the same characteristics as the original medicine apart from the characteristics specified in an instrument under subsection (1AB);
the Secretary may list the new medicine in relation to the person.
(1AB) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, specify characteristics for the purposes of paragraph (1AA)(d).
(1A) To avoid doubt, if:
(a) an application is made for the listing of therapeutic goods in relation to a person in accordance with section 23; and
(b) the application is accompanied by either:
(i) the certificate required under subsection 26B(1); or
(ii) a notice that a certificate under that subsection is not required in relation to the application; and
(c) the other requirements in subsection (1) are met;
the Secretary must list the goods under subsection (1) without inquiring into the correctness of the certificate or the notice.
(2) In making a decision for the purposes of paragraph (1)(g), the matters that may be taken into account include:
(a) whether the applicant has provided:
(i) if the goods are not therapeutic devices and a step in the manufacture of the goods has been carried out in a country that is a member of the European Community or a member of EFTA—an EC/EFTA attestation of conformity in relation to the goods; or
(ia) if the goods are not therapeutic devices and a step in the manufacture of the goods has been carried out in a country declared by the Minister under section 3B to be covered by a non‑EC/EFTA MRA—a non‑EC/EFTA attestation of conformity, for the non‑EC/EFTA MRA, in relation to the goods; or
(ii) in any other case—an acceptable form of evidence from a relevant overseas authority establishing that the manufacture of the goods is of an acceptable standard; and
(b) whether the applicant has agreed to provide, where the Secretary considers inspection of the manufacturing procedures used in the manufacture of the goods to be necessary:
(i) funds for the carrying out of that inspection by the Department; and
(ii) evidence that the manufacturer has agreed to such an inspection.
(2A) If therapeutic goods are exempt from the operation of Part 3‑3 or a person is exempt from the operation of that Part in relation to the manufacture of the goods, subsection (1) has effect, in relation to the goods, as if paragraph (h) were omitted.
(2B) If a person is exempt from the operation of Part 3‑3 in relation to a step in the manufacture of therapeutic goods, subsection (1) has effect, in relation to the goods, as if the reference in paragraph (h) to Part 3‑3 were a reference to that Part to the extent that it applies to that person in relation to the manufacture of the goods.
(2C) If:
(a) therapeutic goods were made outside Australia; and
(b) had the goods been made in Australia, they would have been exempt from the operation of Part 3‑3;
subsection (1) has effect, in relation to the goods, as if paragraph (g) were omitted.
(2D) A decision for the purposes of paragraph (1)(g) may also take into account any information provided to the Secretary by a health authority of a Convention country and relating to:
(a) the general standards of manufacturing practice of a particular manufacturer; or
(b) the specific standards of manufacture or control adopted by a particular manufacturer in relation to particular goods.
(2E) For the purposes of subsection (2D), a Convention country is a country that is a party to the Mutual Recognition Convention.
(2F) Information referred to in subsection (2D) and provided in accordance with the Mutual Recognition Convention is to be treated as equivalent to information obtained as a result of an inspection under Part 3‑3 of this Act.
(3) Where an application is made, the Secretary must notify the applicant in writing of his or her decision on the application within 28 days of the making of the decision and, in the case of a decision not to list the goods, of the reasons for the decision.
(4) As soon as practicable after an applicant has been informed that therapeutic goods in respect of which an application was made are acceptable for listing, the Secretary must give to the applicant a certificate of listing of the goods, and the listing of the goods commences on the day specified for the purpose in the certificate.
26AA Listing of therapeutic device to which EC/EFTA attestation of conformity applies
(1) If:
(a) an application is made in accordance with section 23 for the listing of a therapeutic device in relation to a person; and
(b) the applicant gives to the Secretary an EC/EFTA attestation of conformity as to the matters specified in paragraphs 26(1)(c) to (m) in relation to the device;
the Secretary must list the device in relation to the person unless the Secretary considers that the device may compromise the health or safety of users.
(2) The Secretary must notify the applicant in writing of his or her decision within 28 days of the making of the decision. If the Secretary decides not to list the device, the notice must contain the reasons for that decision.
(3) If the Secretary decides to list the device, the Secretary must:
(a) include the device in the Register; and
(b) give to the applicant a certificate of listing.
(4) The listing of the device commences on the day specified for the purpose in the certificate of listing.
26A Listing of certain medicines
(1) If:
(a) an application is made for the listing of medicine in relation to a person in accordance with section 23; and
(b) the application is accompanied by either:
(i) the certificate required under subsection 26B(1); or
(ii) a notice (in accordance with a form approved, in writing, by the Secretary) that a certificate under that subsection is not required in relation to the application; and
(c) the requirements of subsection (2) and (where applicable) subsections (2A), (3) and (4A) have been complied with; and
(d) the medicine is not export only medicine; and
(e) the medicine is not one that has previously had its registration or listing cancelled;
the Secretary must list the medicine in relation to the person.
(1A) To avoid doubt, if:
(a) an application is made for the listing of a medicine in relation to a person in accordance with section 23; and
(b) the application is accompanied by either:
(i) the certificate required under subsection 26B(1); or
(ii) a notice that a certificate under that subsection is not required in relation to the application; and
(c) the other requirements in subsection (1) are met;
the Secretary must list the medicine under subsection (1) without inquiring into the correctness of the certificate or the notice.
(2) The applicant must certify that:
(a) the medicine is eligible for listing; and
(b) the medicine is safe for the purposes for which it is to be used; and
(c) the presentation of the medicine is not unacceptable; and
(ca) the medicine does not contain an ingredient that is not specified in a determination under paragraph 26BB(1)(a); and
(cb) if a determination under paragraph 26BB(1)(b) specifies requirements in relation to ingredients being contained in the medicine—none of the requirements have been contravened; and
(d) the medicine conforms to every standard (if any) applicable to the medicine; and
(da) both of the following are complied with in relation to the medicine:
(i) the applicable provisions of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code;
(ii) the other requirements (if any) relating to advertising applicable under Part 5‑1 or under the regulations; and
(e) if the medicine has been manufactured in Australia—each step in the manufacture of the medicine has been carried out by a person who is the holder of a licence to carry out that step; and
(f) the medicine complies with all prescribed quality or safety criteria that are applicable to the medicine; and
(fa) the medicine’s specifications comply with any requirements that are prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph and that are applicable to the medicine; and
(fb) the medicine’s label:
(i) complies with any requirements that are prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subparagraph and that are applicable to the medicine; and
(ii) does not make a claim that is inconsistent with any claim made by the applicant in relation to the medicine in, or in connection with, the application; and
(fc) the applicant holds information or evidence showing the medicine’s specifications will be maintained under the conditions set out on the medicine’s label until the medicine’s expiry date; and
(g) the medicine does not contain substances that are prohibited imports for the purposes of the Customs Act 1901; and
(h) all the manufacturers of the medicine are nominated as manufacturers in the application; and
(i) the applicant has, with manufacturers of the medicine who are manufacturers of the prescribed kind, written agreements containing such matters as are prescribed; and
(j) the applicant holds information or evidence to support any claim that the applicant makes relating to the medicine; and
(k) the information included in or with the application is correct.
(2A) The applicant must also certify any other matters prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subsection.
(3) Subject to subsection (7), if a step in the manufacture of the medicine has been carried out outside Australia, the Secretary must have certified, prior to the application being made, that the manufacturing and quality control procedures used in each such step are acceptable.
(4) In deciding whether so to certify for the purposes of subsection (3), the matters that may be taken into account include:
(a) whether the applicant has provided:
(i) if a step in the manufacture of the medicine has been carried out in a country that is a member of the European Community or a member of EFTA—an EC/EFTA attestation of conformity in relation to the medicine; or
(ia) if a step in the manufacture of the medicine has been carried out in a country declared by the Minister under section 3B to be covered by a non‑EC/EFTA MRA—a non‑EC/EFTA attestation of conformity, for the non‑EC/EFTA MRA, in relation to the medicine; or
(ii) in any other case—an acceptable form of evidence from a relevant overseas authority establishing that the manufacture of the medicine is of an acceptable standard; and
(b) whether the applicant has agreed to provide, if the Secretary considers inspection of the manufacturing procedures used in the manufacture of the medicine to be necessary:
(i) funds for the carrying out of that inspection by the Department; and
(ii) evidence that the manufacturer has agreed to such an inspection; and
(c) whether the applicant has complied with any requirements made by the Secretary under section 31 in relation to the manufacture or preparation of the medicine.
(4A) If the medicine includes any ingredient of animal origin, the Secretary must have certified, prior to the application being made, that he or she is satisfied of the safety of the ingredient.
(5) If a medicine is exempt from the operation of Part 3‑3 or a person is exempt from the operation of that Part in relation to the manufacture of the medicine, subsection (2) has effect, in relation to the medicine, as if paragraph (2)(e) were omitted.
(6) If a person (the manufacturer) is exempt from the operation of Part 3‑3 in relation to a step in the manufacture of a medicine, subsection (2) has effect, in relation to the medicine, as if the reference in paragraph (2)(e) to a person who is the holder of a licence were a reference to the manufacturer to the extent that Part 3‑3 applies to the manufacturer in relation to the manufacture of the medicine.
(7) If:
(a) a medicine was made outside Australia; and
(b) had the medicine been made in Australia, it would have been exempt from the operation of Part 3‑3;
subsection (3) does not apply in relation to the medicine.
(9) As soon as practicable after a medicine has been listed under this section, the Secretary must give to the applicant a certificate of listing of the medicine. The listing of the medicine commences on the day specified for the purpose in the certificate.
26B Certificates required in relation to patents
(1A) A certificate is required under subsection (1) in relation to an application for registration or listing of therapeutic goods only if:
(a) the applicant is required to submit evidence or information to establish the safety or efficacy of the goods as part of the process of applying for registration or listing; and
(b) in order to satisfy that requirement, the applicant relies (in whole or in part) on evidence or information that another person submitted to the Secretary:
(i) to establish the safety or efficacy of other therapeutic goods that have already been registered or listed; and
(ii) as part of the process of applying for the registration or listing of those other goods.
(1) The certificate required under this subsection is either:
(a) a certificate to the effect that the applicant, acting in good faith, believes on reasonable grounds that it is not marketing, and does not propose to market, the therapeutic goods in a manner, or in circumstances, that would infringe a valid claim of a patent that has been granted in relation to the therapeutic goods; or
(b) a certificate to the effect that:
(i) a patent has been granted in relation to the therapeutic goods; and
(ii) the applicant proposes to market the therapeutic goods before the end of the term of the patent; and
(iii) the applicant has given the patentee notice of the application for registration or listing of the therapeutic goods under section 23.
The certificate must be signed by, or on behalf of, the applicant and must be in a form approved by the Secretary.
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person gives a certificate required under subsection (1); and
(b) the certificate is false or misleading in a material particular.
Penalty: 1,000 penalty units.
(3) For the purposes of this section, a patent is taken to have been granted in relation to therapeutic goods if marketing the goods without the authority of the patentee would constitute an infringement of the patent.
(4) In this section:
patent has the same meaning as in the Patents Act 1990.
26BA Approved form for notices
An approval of a form for a notice for the purposes of subsection 25AB(3), 26(1) or 26A(1) may require or permit the notice to be given in accordance with specified software requirements:
(a) on a specified kind of data processing device; or
(b) by way of a specified kind of electronic transmission.
26BB Permissible ingredients
(1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make a determination specifying either or both of the following:
(a) ingredients;
(b) for some or all of those ingredients—requirements in relation to those ingredients being contained in medicine.
Note: A person seeking the listing of a medicine under section 26A must certify that:
(a) the medicine does not contain an ingredient that is not specified in the determination; and
(b) none of the requirements specified in the determination in relation to ingredients being contained in the medicine have been contravened.
Requirements
(2) The requirements referred to in paragraph (1)(b) may relate to particular ingredients not being contained in particular medicine.
(3) The requirements referred to in paragraph (1)(b) may relate to permitted concentrations or permitted total amounts of ingredients.
(4) Subsections (2) and (3) do not limit paragraph (1)(b).
(5) A determination under paragraph (1)(b) may make different provision for different classes of medicine.
Limitations on determination under subsection (1)
(6) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make a determination specifying either or both of the following:
(a) ingredients that must not be specified under paragraph (1)(a);
(b) requirements that must not be specified under paragraph (1)(b) in relation to ingredients being contained in medicine.
(7) A determination under paragraph (6)(b) may make different provision for different classes of medicine.
Incorporation of instruments
(8) Despite subsection 14(2) of the Legislation Act 2003, a determination under this section may make provision in relation to a matter by applying, adopting or incorporating any matter contained in an instrument or other writing as in force or existing from time to time.
26BC Variation of determination under section 26BB—Minister’s initiative
The Minister may, on his or her own initiative and by legislative instrument, vary a determination under section 26BB.
26BD Variation of determination under section 26BB—application by person
(1) A person may apply to the Minister for a variation of a determination under subsection 26BB(1).
(2) An application under subsection (1) must:
(a) be made in accordance with a form approved by the Secretary; and
(b) set out the variation sought; and
(c) be delivered to an office of the Department specified in the form; and
(d) be accompanied by the prescribed application fee.
(3) If an application is made under subsection (1) and any applicable prescribed evaluation fee has been paid, the Minister may, by legislative instrument, vary the determination.
(3A) In deciding whether to vary the determination, the Minister must have regard to the quality and safety of the ingredients concerned. This subsection does not limit the matters to which the Minister may have regard to in deciding whether to vary the determination.
Further information
(4) The Minister may, by notice in writing given to the person, require the person to give to the Minister, within such reasonable time as is specified in the notice, such further information concerning the application as is specified in the notice.
Applications or information may be given electronically
(5) An approval of a form mentioned in paragraph (2)(a), or a notice mentioned in subsection (4), may require or permit an application or information to be given in accordance with specified software requirements:
(a) on a specified kind of data processing device; or
(b) by way of a specified kind of electronic transmission.
26C Certificates required in relation to patent infringement proceedings
(1) This section applies if:
(a) a person gives a certificate required under subsection 26B(1) in relation to therapeutic goods; and
(b) another person (the second person) intends to commence proceedings under the Patents Act 1990 against the person referred to in paragraph (1)(a) for infringement of a patent that has been granted in relation to the therapeutic goods (the proceedings).
(2) The second person, before the date upon which the proceedings are commenced, must give to the Secretary and to the person referred to in paragraph (1)(a) the certificate required by subsection (3).
(3) The certificate required by this subsection is a certificate to the effect that the proceedings:
(a) are to be commenced in good faith; and
(b) have reasonable prospects of success; and
(c) will be conducted without unreasonable delay.
The certificate must be signed by, or on behalf of, the second person and must be in a form approved by the Secretary.
(4) For the purpose of paragraph (3)(b), proceedings have reasonable prospects of success if:
(a) the second person had reasonable grounds in all the circumstances known to the second person, or which ought reasonably to have been known to the second person (in addition to the fact of grant of the patent), for believing that he or she would be entitled to be granted final relief by the court against the person referred to in paragraph (1)(a) for infringement by that person of the patent; and
(b) the second person had reasonable grounds in all the circumstances known to the second person, or which ought reasonably to have been known to the second person (in addition to the fact of grant of the patent), for believing that each of the claims, in respect of which infringement is alleged, is valid; and
(c) the proceedings are not otherwise vexatious or unreasonably pursued.
(5) The person referred to in paragraph (1)(a), with leave of the court, or the Attorney‑General, may apply to a prescribed court for an order that the second person pay to the Commonwealth a pecuniary penalty if the second person gives a certificate required under subsection (3) and:
(a) the certificate is false or misleading in a material particular; or
(b) the second person breaches an undertaking given in the certificate.
(5A) A pecuniary penalty ordered under subsection (5) must not exceed $10,000,000.
(6) When determining the extent of a pecuniary penalty to be ordered pursuant to subsection (5), the court must take into account:
(a) any profit obtained by the second person; and
(b) any loss or damage suffered by any person;
by reason of the second person exploiting the patent during the proceedings.
(7) For the avoidance of doubt, subsection (6) does not limit the matters the court may take into account when determining a pecuniary penalty ordered pursuant to subsection (5).
(8) If:
(a) the second person has sought and obtained in the proceedings an interlocutory injunction restraining the person referred to in paragraph (1)(a) from infringing a patent; and
(b) section 26D does not apply; and
(c) a prescribed court declares that the second person has given a certificate required under subsection (3); and
(d) a prescribed court declares that:
(i) the certificate is false or misleading in a material particular; or
(ii) the second person has breached an undertaking given in the certificate;
the prescribed court may, pursuant to this section, order that the second person pay to the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory compensation for any damages sustained or costs incurred by the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory as a result of the grant of the interlocutory injunction.
(9) In this section:
prescribed court has the same meaning as in the Patents Act 1990.
26D Requirements for interlocutory injunction
(1) This section applies where:
(a) an applicant gives notice to a patentee in accordance with subparagraph 26B(1)(b)(iii); and
(b) the patentee and/or its exclusive licensee (in this section the party or parties is or are referred to as the patentee) applies to a prescribed court for an interlocutory injunction to restrain the applicant from marketing the therapeutic goods the subject of the application on the ground that such conduct will constitute an infringement of its patent.
(2) An application for interlocutory relief in accordance with subsection (1) may not be instituted unless the patentee has first notified the Attorney‑General of the Commonwealth, or of a State or of a Territory, in writing of the application.
(3) The Attorney‑General of the Commonwealth shall be deemed to be a party to any proceedings commenced in accordance with subsection (1) unless the Attorney‑General gives written notice to the prescribed court that he or she does not desire to be a party.
(4) If an interlocutory injunction is granted pursuant to an application made as described in subsection (1) and:
(a) the patentee subsequently discontinues the principal proceedings without the consent of the other parties thereto; or
(b) the principal proceedings are dismissed; and
(c) in either case, the prescribed court declares that:
(i) the patentee did not have reasonable grounds, in all the circumstances known to the patentee or which ought reasonably have been known to the patentee:
(A) to believe that it would be granted final relief by the prescribed court against the applicant referred to in paragraph (1)(a) for infringement by that person of the patent; or
(B) (in addition to the fact of grant of the patent), for believing that each of the claims, in respect of which infringement is alleged in the proceedings, would have a reasonable prospect of being held to be valid if challenged by the applicant referred to in paragraph (1)(a); or
(ii) the application for the interlocutory injunction was otherwise vexatious or not reasonably made or pursued;
the prescribed court may, in addition to any other relief which it believes should be granted to any person, make any of the orders described in subsection (5).
(5) If the prescribed court makes a declaration pursuant to paragraph (4)(c), the prescribed court may, pursuant to the usual undertaking as to damages given by the patentee to the prescribed court to obtain the interlocutory injunction:
(a) assess and award compensation to the applicant referred to in paragraph (1)(a) against whom the interlocutory injunction was made:
(i) on the basis of an account of the gross profits of the patentee arising from the sale by it in Australia of the therapeutic goods the subject of the interlocutory injunction, during the period of the interlocutory injunction, without requiring the said applicant to establish or quantify its actual loss; or
(ii) on such other basis as the court determines to be appropriate; and
(b) award to the Commonwealth compensation for any damages sustained, or costs incurred, by it as a result of the grant of the interlocutory injunction; and
(c) award to a State or a Territory compensation for any damages sustained, or costs incurred, by it as a result of the grant of the interlocutory injunction.
(6) In this section:
prescribed court has the same meaning as in the Patents Act 1990.
27 Registration or listing number
(1) Where the Secretary includes therapeutic goods (other than grouped therapeutic goods) in the Register, the Secretary is to assign a unique registration or listing number to the goods.
(2) Where the Secretary includes grouped therapeutic goods in the Register, the Secretary is to assign a single, unique registration or listing number to the grouped therapeutic goods.
28 Conditions of registration or listing
(1) The registration or listing of therapeutic goods is subject to the conditions set out in a determination under subsection (2).
(2) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make a determination setting out conditions for the purposes of subsection (1), being conditions that relate to:
(a) the manufacture of the goods; or
(b) the custody, use, supply, disposal or destruction of the goods; or
(c) the keeping of records relating to the goods; or
(d) matters dealt with in, or matters additional to matters dealt with in, standards applicable to the goods; or
(e) such other matters relating to the goods as the Minister thinks appropriate.
(2A) Without limiting subsection (2), different conditions may be specified for:
(a) the registration of therapeutic goods; and
(b) the listing of therapeutic goods; and
(c) different classes of therapeutic goods.
(2B) If the Secretary includes therapeutic goods in the Register in relation to a person, the Secretary may, by notice in writing given to the person, impose conditions on the registration or listing of those goods.
(3) The Secretary may, by notice in writing given to the person in relation to whom therapeutic goods are registered or listed, impose new conditions on the registration or listing or vary or remove conditions imposed under subsection (2B) or this subsection.
(3A) The Secretary’s power under subsection (3) may be exercised at the request of the person concerned or of the Secretary’s own motion. A request must be accompanied by the prescribed fee.
(4) The imposition or variation or removal of a condition under subsection (3) takes effect:
(a) if the notice states that the action is necessary to prevent imminent risk of death, serious illness or serious injury—on the day on which the notice is given to the person; or
(aa) in the case of an imposition or variation requested by the person, and to which paragraph (a) does not apply—on the day specified in the notice, which must be at least 28 days after the notice is given to the person, unless the person has agreed to an earlier day; or
(ab) in the case of a removal to which paragraph (a) does not apply—on the day specified in the notice, which must be at least 28 days after the notice is given to the person, unless the person has agreed to an earlier day; or
(b) in any other case—on the day specified for the purpose in the notice, being a day not earlier than 28 days after the notice is given to the person.
(4A) For the purposes of paragraphs (4)(aa) and (ab), the earlier day must not be earlier than the day the notice is given to the person.
(5) In addition to any conditions imposed under subsection (1), (2B) or (3), the registration or listing of therapeutic goods (the subject goods) is subject to the conditions that the person in relation to whom the subject goods are registered or listed will:
(aa) not supply a batch of the subject goods in Australia, or export a batch of the subject goods from Australia, after the expiry date for the goods; and
(ab) not, by any means, advertise the subject goods for an indication other than those accepted in relation to the inclusion of the goods in the Register; and
(a) allow an authorised person:
(i) to enter, at any reasonable time, premises at which the person deals with the subject goods; and
(ii) while on those premises, to inspect those premises and any therapeutic goods on those premises and to examine, take measurements of, conduct tests on or take samples of any therapeutic goods on those premises or any thing on those premises that relates to any therapeutic goods; and
(iii) while on those premises, to make any still or moving image or any recording of those premises or any thing on those premises; and
(b) if requested to do so by an authorised person, produce to the person such documents relating to the subject goods as the person requires and allow the person to copy the documents; and
(c) in relation to each batch of the subject goods—keep a record, at least until the end of the period of 12 months after the expiry date for the goods, of all of the manufacturers involved in the manufacture of that batch; and
(d) if requested to do so by an authorised person, make any such record available to the authorised person for inspection:
(i) at or before the time the authorised person requests, or (if the authorised person requests) immediately; and
(ii) either in electronic form or in paper form, as the authorised person requests; and
(e) comply, in relation to the subject goods, with any reporting requirements that are prescribed; and
(f) if a manufacturer who was not nominated as a manufacturer of the subject goods in the application for the registration or listing of the goods becomes a manufacturer of the goods—inform the Secretary in writing of that fact, no later than 10 working days after the manufacturer becomes a manufacturer of the goods; and
(g) if premises that were not nominated as premises to be used in the manufacture of the subject goods in the application become premises used in the manufacture of the goods—inform the Secretary in writing of that fact, no later than 10 working days after the premises are first used for that purpose.
(5A) In addition to any conditions imposed under subsection (1), (2B), (3) or (5), the listing of a medicine under section 26A is subject to a condition that the person in relation to whom the medicine is listed will deliver a reasonable number of samples of the medicine if the Secretary so requests:
(a) within the period specified in the request; and
(b) in accordance with any other requirements specified in the request.
The period specified in the request must include at least 10 working days.
(5B) The listing of a medicine under section 26A is subject to a condition that:
(a) each step in the manufacture of the medicine that is carried out in Australia is carried out by a person who is the holder of a licence to carry out that step or who is exempt from the operation of Part 3‑3 in relation to that step; and
(b) each step in the manufacture of the medicine that is carried out outside Australia is the subject of a certification in force under subsection 26A(3) or 28A(2).
(5C) Subsection (5B) does not apply if the medicine is exempt from the operation of Part 3‑3.
(6) If:
(a) in, or in connection with, an application for the listing of therapeutic goods, a claim is made by the applicant in relation to the goods; and
(b) the claim is included in the Register in respect of the goods;
the listing of the goods is subject to the following conditions:
(c) a condition that the sponsor of the goods had, at the time when the claim was made, information or evidence that supported the claim and complied with the requirements (if any) of the regulations;
(d) a condition that the sponsor retains the information or evidence at all times while the goods remain listed;
(e) a condition that, at any time while the goods remain listed, the sponsor will, if asked to do so by the Secretary, give the information or evidence to the Secretary.
(7) The regulations may prescribe the amount, standard or type of information or evidence required for the purposes of paragraph (6)(c).
28A Certification of manufacturing steps outside Australia following application for listing
(1) The person in relation to whom medicine is listed under section 26A may apply to the Secretary for a certification under this section of a step in the manufacture of the medicine that is to be carried out outside Australia.
Note: The listing of medicine is subject to the condition that each step in the manufacture of the medicine that is carried out outside Australia is the subject of a certification in force under subsection 26A(3) or subsection (2) of this section: see subsection 28(5B).
(2) If an application is made to the Secretary under this section, the Secretary may, by writing, certify that the manufacturing and quality control procedures used in that step are acceptable. The Secretary must give the person written notice of the certification.
(3) In deciding whether to give the certification, subsection 26A(4) applies in a way corresponding to the way in which it applies for the purposes of subsection 26A(3).
29 Duration of registration or listing
Where goods are included in the Register in relation to a person, the goods remain so included until their registration or listing is cancelled under this Part.
Note: The goods are taken not to be included in the Register while their registration or listing is suspended: see section 29G.
29A Criminal offence for failing to notify adverse effects etc. of goods
(1) As soon as a person in relation to whom therapeutic goods are registered or listed becomes aware of information of a kind mentioned in subsection (2) relating to the goods, the person must give the information to the Secretary in writing.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 1,000 penalty units, or both.
Note: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(2) The information with which subsection (1) is concerned is information of the following kinds:
(a) information that contradicts information already furnished by the person under this Act;
(b) information that indicates that the use of the goods in accordance with the recommendations for their use may have an unintended harmful effect;
(c) information that indicates that the goods, when used in accordance with the recommendations for their use, may not be as effective as the application for registration or listing of the goods or information already furnished by the person under this Act suggests;
(d) information that indicates that the quality, safety or efficacy of the goods is unacceptable.
29AA Civil penalty for failing to notify adverse effects etc. of goods
(1) A person contravenes this section if:
(a) therapeutic goods are registered or listed in relation to a person; and
(b) the person becomes aware of information of a kind mentioned in subsection (2) relating to the goods; and
(c) the person does not give the information to the Secretary in writing as soon as he or she becomes aware of it.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—3,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—30,000 penalty units.
(2) The information with which subsection (1) is concerned is information of the following kinds:
(a) information that contradicts information already given by the person under this Act;
(b) information that indicates that the use of the goods in accordance with the recommendations for their use may have an unintended harmful effect;
(c) information that indicates that the goods, when used in accordance with the recommendations for their use, may not be as effective as the application for registration or listing of the goods or information already given by the person under this Act suggests;
(d) information that indicates that the quality, safety or efficacy of the goods is unacceptable.
29B Notification of adverse effects etc. where application withdrawn or lapses
(1) If an application for registration or listing of goods is withdrawn or lapses, the Secretary may give the applicant written notice requiring the applicant:
(a) to inform the Secretary in writing whether the applicant is aware of any information of a kind mentioned in subsection 29A(2) or 29AA(2) relating to the goods; and
(b) if the applicant is aware of such information, to give the information to the Secretary in writing.
(2) Notice under subsection (1) may be given within 14 days after an application is withdrawn or lapses.
(3) A person must comply with the requirements of a notice under subsection (1) within 30 days after the notice is given to the person.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 1,000 penalty units, or both.
Note: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(4) A person must not, in purported compliance with a notice under subsection (1), give information that is false or misleading in a material particular.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 1,000 penalty units, or both.
Note: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
29C Civil penalties for failing to notify adverse effects etc. where application withdrawn or lapses
Civil penalty for failing to comply with requirements of a notice
(1) A person contravenes this subsection if the person does not comply with the requirements of a notice under subsection 29B(1) within 30 days after the day on which the notice is given to the person.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—3,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—30,000 penalty units.
Civil penalty for giving false or misleading information in purported compliance with requirements of a notice
(2) A person contravenes this subsection if the person, in purported compliance with a notice under subsection 29B(1), gives information that is false or misleading in a material particular.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—3,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—30,000 penalty units.
29D Suspension of registration or listing
(1) The Secretary may, by written notice given to a person in relation to whom therapeutic goods are included in the Register, suspend the registration or listing of the goods if:
(a) the Secretary is satisfied that:
(i) there is a potential risk of death, serious illness or serious injury if the therapeutic goods continue to be included in the Register; and
(ii) it is likely that the person will, within the period of the suspension, be able to take the action necessary to ensure that the therapeutic goods would not cause a potential risk of death, serious illness or serious injury if the therapeutic goods were to continue to be included in the Register; or
(b) the Secretary is satisfied that it is likely that there are grounds for cancelling the registration or listing of the goods under paragraph 30(1)(da), (e) or (f) or subsection 30(1A), (1C) or (2).
Notice of proposed suspension in some cases
(2) However, before suspending the registration or listing of the goods because of paragraph (1)(b), the Secretary must:
(a) inform the person by written notice that the Secretary proposes the suspension and set out the reasons for it; and
(b) give the person a reasonable opportunity to make submissions to the Secretary in relation to the proposed suspension.
(3) The Secretary is not to make a decision relating to the proposed suspension until the Secretary has had regard to any submissions the person makes under paragraph (2)(b).
Period of suspension
(4) A notice under subsection (1) must specify the period of the suspension. The period must not exceed 6 months.
Note: Section 29E deals with when the suspension takes effect and extensions of the suspension.
Publication
(5) As soon as practicable after giving a notice under subsection (1), the Secretary must cause to be published in the Gazette or on the Department’s website a notice setting out particulars of the suspension.
29E When suspension takes effect etc.
(1) A suspension under section 29D takes effect:
(a) if the notice under subsection 29D(1) states that the suspension is necessary to prevent a potential risk of death, serious illness or serious injury—on the day on which the notice is given to the person; or
(b) in any other case—on the day specified for the purpose in the notice, being a day not earlier than 20 working days after the notice is given to the person.
(2) The suspension has effect until:
(a) the Secretary revokes it under section 29F; or
(b) the end of:
(i) the period specified in the notice under subsection 29D(4); or
(ii) if the period is extended under subsection (3) of this section, the period as so extended.
Extension of suspension
(3) The Secretary may, by written notice given to the person, extend the period specified in the notice under subsection 29D(4) by a further specified period not exceeding 6 months.
Publication
(4) As soon as practicable after giving a notice under subsection (3), the Secretary must cause to be published in the Gazette or on the Department’s website a notice setting out particulars of the extension.
29F Revocation of suspension
(1) The Secretary must revoke a suspension under section 29D, by written notice given to the person in relation to whom the therapeutic goods are included in the Register, if the Secretary is satisfied that:
(a) the ground on which the registration or listing of the therapeutic goods was suspended no longer applies; and
(b) there are no other grounds for suspending the registration or listing of the therapeutic goods.
(2) The Secretary’s power to revoke the suspension may be exercised:
(a) if the person in relation to whom the therapeutic goods are included in the Register applies in writing to the Secretary; or
(b) on the Secretary’s own initiative.
Publication
(3) As soon as practicable after giving a notice under subsection (1), the Secretary must cause to be published in the Gazette or on the Department’s website a notice setting out particulars of the revocation.
Notice of refusal to revoke suspension
(4) If the Secretary decides, after an application is made under paragraph (2)(a), not to revoke the suspension, the Secretary must:
(a) notify the applicant in writing of his or her decision; and
(b) state in the notice the reasons for the decision.
29G Effect of suspension
(1) If the registration or listing of therapeutic goods is suspended under section 29D, the goods are taken, for the purposes of this Act (other than sections 28, 29A, 29AA, 29E, 29F, 30 and 31), not to be included in the Register while the suspension has effect.
Note: Dealing in therapeutic goods that are not included in the Register may be an offence or may contravene a civil penalty provision: see Division 1.
(2) While the suspension has effect, the Secretary’s power under section 30 to cancel the registration or listing of the therapeutic goods is not affected.
30 Cancellation of registration or listing
(1) The Secretary may, by notice in writing given to a person in relation to whom therapeutic goods are included in the Register, cancel the registration or listing of the goods if:
(a) it appears to the Secretary that failure to cancel the registration or listing would create an imminent risk of death, serious illness or serious injury; or
(b) the goods become exempt goods; or
(c) the person requests in writing the cancellation of the registration or listing; or
(d) the goods contain substances that are prohibited imports for the purposes of the Customs Act 1901; or
(da) the person has refused or failed to comply with the condition to which the inclusion of the goods is subject under paragraph 28(5)(d):
(i) if the person was requested under that paragraph to make the record in question available at or before a requested time—before the end of the period of 24 hours after that time; or
(ii) if the person was requested under that paragraph to make the record in question available immediately—within 24 hours after the request was made; or
(e) in the case of a medicine listed under section 26A, it appears to the Secretary that any of the certifications under paragraph 26A(2)(a), (ca), (cb), (e) or (g) are incorrect or (if applicable) the requirements under subsection 26A(3) or (4A) are not fulfilled; or
(f) both of the following apply:
(i) under the regulations, an authority constituted by or under the regulations gives a direction to, or makes a requirement of, the person in relation to an advertisement of the goods to ensure that advertising complies with the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code;
(ii) the person does not comply with the direction or requirement.
(1A) The Secretary may, by notice in writing given to a person in relation to whom a medicine is listed under section 26A, cancel the listing of the medicine if:
(a) the medicine is not eligible for listing; or
(b) the medicine is exempt; or
(c) there is a serious breach, involving the medicine, of an applicable provision of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code or any other requirement relating to advertising applicable under Part 5‑1 or under the regulations, and the Secretary is satisfied that:
(i) the breach is significant; and
(ii) as a result of the breach, the presentation of the medicine is misleading to a significant extent.
(1B) However, paragraph (1A)(c) does not apply to medicines that are manufactured in Australia for export only, or are imported into Australia for export only.
(1C) The Secretary may, by notice in writing given to a person in relation to whom a medicine is listed under section 26A, cancel the listing of the medicine if:
(a) the Secretary, under section 31, gives to the person a notice requiring the person to give to the Secretary information or documents relating to the medicine; and
(b) the notice is given for the purposes of ascertaining whether any of the certifications by the person under subsection 26A(2) or (2A) in relation to the medicine are incorrect; and
(c) the person fails to comply with the notice within 20 working days after the notice is given.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), the Secretary may, by notice in writing given to a person in relation to whom therapeutic goods are included in the Register, cancel the registration or listing of the goods if:
(a) it appears to the Secretary that the quality, safety or efficacy of the goods is unacceptable; or
(aa) it appears to the Secretary that the presentation of the goods:
(i) in the case of registered goods—is not acceptable; or
(ii) in the case of listed goods—is unacceptable; or
(b) the goods have changed so that they have become separate and distinct from the goods as so included; or
(ba) in the case of a medicine listed under section 26A, it appears to the Secretary that any of the certifications under paragraph 26A(2)(b), (c), (d), (da), (f), (fa), (fb), (fc), (h), (i), (j) or (k) or subsection 26A(2A) are incorrect; or
(c) the sponsor has refused or failed to comply with a condition to which the inclusion of the goods is subject (other than the condition under paragraph 28(5)(d)); or
(caa) all of the following subparagraphs apply:
(i) the Secretary gives the person a notice under section 31 that requires the person to give to the Secretary information, or to produce to the Secretary documents, relating to the goods;
(ii) subsection (1C) of this section does not apply to the notice;
(iii) the person fails to comply with that notice within a further 14 days after the end of the period specified in that notice; or
(ca) the person has contravened subsection 29A(1) or 29AA(1) in relation to the goods; or
(d) the goods become required to be included in the other part of the Register; or
(e) the goods do not conform to a standard applicable to the goods; or
(ea) either of the following has not been complied with in relation to the goods:
(i) an applicable provision of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code;
(ii) any other requirement relating to advertising applicable under Part 5‑1 or the regulations; or
(f) the annual registration or listing charge is not paid within 28 days after it becomes payable.
(3) Where the Secretary proposes to cancel the registration or listing of goods in relation to a person under subsection (2) otherwise than as a result of a failure to pay the annual registration or listing charge, the Secretary must:
(a) inform the person in writing that the Secretary proposes to cancel that registration or listing and set out the reasons for that proposed action; and
(b) give the person a reasonable opportunity to make submissions to the Secretary in relation to the proposed action.
(4) Where a person makes submissions in accordance with paragraph (3)(b), the Secretary is not to make a decision relating to the cancellation until the Secretary has taken the submissions into account.
(4A) The Secretary must, by notice in writing given to a person in relation to whom therapeutic goods are included in the Register, cancel the registration of the goods if the Secretary becomes aware that protected information was used when evaluating the goods for registration.
(5) Where the Secretary cancels the registration or listing of goods in relation to a person, the goods cease to be registered or listed:
(a) if the cancellation is effected under subsection (1), (1A) or (1C)—on the day on which the notice of cancellation is given to the person; or
(b) in any other case—on the day specified in the notice, which must be at least 20 working days after the notice is given to the person.
30A Revocation of cancellation of registration or listing upon request
(1) If:
(a) the Secretary cancels the registration or listing of therapeutic goods because of the request of a person made under paragraph 30(1)(c); and
(b) before the end of the period of 90 days beginning on the day the goods ceased to be registered or listed, the person requests, in writing, the Secretary to revoke the cancellation; and
(c) the request is accompanied by the prescribed application fee;
the Secretary may, by notice in writing given to the person, revoke the cancellation.
(2) If the cancellation is revoked, the cancellation is taken never to have occurred.
30B Publication of cancellation of registration or listing
If the Secretary cancels the registration or listing of therapeutic goods under section 30, the Secretary must, as soon as practicable after the cancellation, cause to be published in the Gazette, or on the Department’s website, a notice setting out particulars of the cancellation.
30C Consultation with Gene Technology Regulator
(1) This section applies to an application for listing or registration of a therapeutic good under section 23 if the therapeutic good is, or contains, a GM product or a genetically modified organism.
(2) Subject to subsection (5), the Secretary must give written notice to the Gene Technology Regulator:
(a) stating that the application has been made; and
(b) requesting the Gene Technology Regulator to give advice about the application.
(3) If the Secretary gives the Gene Technology Regulator a notice under subsection (2), the Gene Technology Regulator may give written advice to the Secretary about the application.
(4) The advice is to be given within the period specified in the notice.
(5) If an advice from the Gene Technology Regulator is in force under section 30D in relation to a class of therapeutic goods, the Secretary is not required to notify the Regulator under this section in relation to an application for listing or registration of a therapeutic good belonging to that class.
30D Secretary may seek advice about classes of GM products or genetically modified organisms
(1) The Secretary may request advice from the Gene Technology Regulator in relation to:
(a) therapeutic goods that consist of, or that contain, a GM product belonging to a class of GM products specified in the request; or
(b) therapeutic goods that consist of, or that contain, a genetically modified organism belonging to a class of genetically modified organisms specified in the request.
(2) A request for advice under subsection (1) must specify the matters to which the advice is to relate.
(3) If the Secretary requests advice from the Gene Technology Regulator under subsection (1), the Gene Technology Regulator may provide written advice in relation to the matters specified in the request.
(4) If the Gene Technology Regulator gives advice to the Secretary under subsection (3), the advice remains in force until it is withdrawn by the Gene Technology Regulator by written notice given to the Secretary.
30E Secretary to take advice into account
If the Secretary receives advice from the Gene Technology Regulator:
(a) in response to a notice under section 30C within the period specified in the notice; or
(b) under section 30D;
the Secretary must:
(c) ensure that the advice is taken into account in making a decision on the application to which the notice relates, or on an application to which the advice under section 30D relates, as the case requires; and
(d) inform the Gene Technology Regulator of the decision on the application.
Division 2A—Public notification and recovery of therapeutic goods
30EA Public notification and recovery of therapeutic goods
(1) The Secretary may, in writing, impose requirements, relating to therapeutic goods, on a person if:
(a) any of the circumstances referred to in the second column of an item in the following table occur in relation to the goods; and
(b) the person is referred to in the third column of that item.
| Circumstances in which requirements may be imposed |
| Item | Circumstance relating to therapeutic goods | Person subject to requirements |
| 1. | The goods are supplied while they are registered goods or listed goods, but they do not conform with a standard applicable to the goods | The person in relation to whom the goods are included in the Register |
| 2. | The goods are supplied while they are registered goods or listed goods, but the manufacturing principles have not been observed in the manufacture of the goods | The person in relation to whom the goods are included in the Register |
| 3. | The goods are supplied while: (a) they are exempt goods; or (b) they are exempt under section 18A; or (c) they are the subject of an approval or authority under section 19; or (d) they are the subject of an approval under section 19A; but they do not conform with a standard applicable to the goods | The person supplying the goods |
| 4. | The goods are supplied while: (a) they are exempt goods; or (b) they are exempt under section 18A; or (c) they are the subject of an approval or authority under section 19; or (d) they are the subject of an approval under section 19A; but the manufacturing principles have not been observed in the manufacture of the goods | The person supplying the goods |
| 5. | The goods are supplied in contravention of subsection 19B(1), (2) or (4), 19D(1) or 42E(1) or section 42EA | The person supplying the goods |
| 5A. | The goods are supplied while they are registered goods or listed goods, but it appears to the Secretary that: (a) the quality, safety or efficacy of the goods is unacceptable; or (b) in the case of registered goods—the presentation of the goods is not acceptable; or (c) in the case of listed goods—the presentation of the goods is unacceptable | The person in relation to whom the goods are included in the Register |
| 6. | The goods are supplied while they are registered goods or listed goods, but one or more steps in the manufacture of the goods has been carried out by a manufacturer while the manufacturer did not hold a licence that was in force | The person in relation to whom the goods are included in the Register |
| 6A. | The registration or listing of the goods has been suspended under this Part | The person in relation to whom the goods were included in the Register |
| 7. | The registration or listing of the goods has been cancelled under this Part | The person in relation to whom the goods were included in the Register |
(2) The requirements may be one or more of the following:
(a) to take specified steps, in the specified manner and within such reasonable period as is specified, to recover therapeutic goods that have been distributed;
(b) to inform the public or a specified class of persons, in the specified manner and within such reasonable period as is specified, to the effect that the circumstances referred to in paragraph (1)(a) have occurred in relation to therapeutic goods;
(c) to publish, in the specified manner and within such reasonable period as is specified, specified information, or information of a specified kind, relating to the manufacture or distribution of therapeutic goods.
(3) If the circumstances referred to in paragraph (1)(a) apply only to a batch of therapeutic goods, the Secretary may limit the imposition of the requirements to the therapeutic goods included in that batch.
(4) A requirement to recover therapeutic goods under this section does not apply to therapeutic goods that cannot be recovered because they have been administered to, or applied in the treatment of, a person.
30EB Publication of requirements
The Secretary must cause to be published in the Gazette or on the Department’s website, as soon as practicable after imposing a requirement under section 30EA, a notice setting out particulars of the requirement.
30EC Criminal offences for non‑compliance with requirements
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person does an act or omits to do an act; and
(b) the act or omission breaches a requirement imposed on the person under section 30EA; and
(c) the act or omission has resulted in, or will result in, harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 4,000 penalty units, or both.
Note 1: A jury may acquit a person of an offence against this subsection and may convict the person of an offence against subsection (4) instead: see section 53A.
Note 2: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person does an act or omits to do an act; and
(b) the act or omission breaches a requirement imposed on the person under section 30EA; and
(c) the act or omission is likely to result in harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: 2,000 penalty units.
Note: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(3) Subsection (2) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(4) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person does an act or omits to do an act; and
(b) the act or omission breaches a requirement imposed on the person under section 30EA.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 1,000 penalty units, or both.
30ECA Civil penalty for non‑compliance with requirements
A person contravenes this section if:
(a) the person does an act or omits to do an act; and
(b) the act or omission breaches a requirement imposed on the person under section 30EA.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.
30ED Powers of suspension and cancellation unaffected
Imposition of a requirement under section 30EA does not affect the Secretary’s power to suspend or cancel the registration or listing of therapeutic goods under this Part.
Division 3—General
30F Criminal offences for goods exempt under section 18A not conforming to standards etc.
(1) This section applies if:
(a) therapeutic goods of a particular kind are exempt under section 18A; and
(b) a person supplies a batch of goods of that kind; and
(c) the Secretary is satisfied that the goods included in that batch:
(i) do not conform to a standard applicable to goods of that kind; or
(ii) are otherwise not fit to be used for their intended purposes.
(2) The Secretary may, by written notice given to the person, require the person to take steps to recover the goods included in that batch (except any of those goods that cannot be recovered because they have been administered to, or applied in the treatment of, a person).
(3) The notice may specify one or more of the following requirements:
(a) the steps to be taken to recover the goods;
(b) the manner in which the steps are to be taken;
(c) a reasonable period within which the steps are to be taken.
(4) The Secretary must, as soon as practicable after giving the notice, cause particulars of it to be published in the Gazette.
Written notice is not a legislative instrument
(4A) A written notice given to a person by the Secretary under this section is not a legislative instrument.
Offences
(4B) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the Secretary gives a notice to the person under subsection (2); and
(b) the notice specifies a particular requirement mentioned in subsection (3); and
(c) the person fails to comply with that requirement; and
(d) either:
(i) the use of the goods has resulted in, or will result in, harm or injury to any person; or
(ii) the use of the goods, if the goods were used, would result in harm or injury to any person; and
(e) the harm or injury has resulted, will result, or would result, because the person failed to comply with that requirement.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 4,000 penalty units, or both.
Note 1: A jury may acquit a person of an offence against this subsection and may convict the person of an offence against subsection (5) instead: see section 53A.
Note 2: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(4C) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the Secretary gives a notice to the person under subsection (2); and
(b) the notice specifies a particular requirement mentioned in subsection (3); and
(c) the person fails to comply with that requirement; and
(d) the use of the goods, if the goods were used, would be likely to result in harm or injury to any person; and
(e) the harm or injury would be likely to result because the person failed to comply with that requirement.
Penalty: 2,000 penalty units.
Note: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(4D) Subsection (4C) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(5) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the Secretary gives a notice to the person under subsection (2); and
(b) the notice specifies a particular requirement mentioned in subsection (3); and
(c) the person fails to comply with that requirement.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 1,000 penalty units, or both.
(6) For the purposes of an offence against subsection (5), strict liability applies to the following physical elements of circumstances:
(a) that the notice concerned is given under subsection (2);
(b) that the particular requirement concerned is a requirement mentioned in subsection (3).
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
30FA Civil penalty for goods exempt under section 18A not conforming to standards etc.
A person contravenes this section if:
(a) the Secretary gives a notice to the person under subsection 30F(2); and
(b) the notice specifies a particular requirement mentioned in subsection 30F(3); and
(c) the person does not comply with the requirement.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.
30G Disposal of unused goods exempt under section 18A
(1) This section applies to particular therapeutic goods if:
(a) an exemption in relation to those goods under section 18A ceases to have effect otherwise than because those goods have become registered goods or listed goods (see paragraph 18A(5)(a)); and
(b) those goods have not been used before the exemption so ceases to have effect.
(2) The Secretary may arrange for the disposal of any of those goods in accordance with the regulations.
(3) Regulations made for the purposes of subsection (2) may set out the methods by which those goods are to be stored, supplied, destroyed, exported or otherwise disposed of.
(4) A method set out in the regulations under subsection (3) must not enable or permit any benefit to be conferred on a person (including the Commonwealth) other than the owner of those goods.
30H Record for goods exempt under section 18A
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) there are therapeutic goods that are exempt under section 18A; and
(b) a condition of the exemption:
(i) requires the person to keep a record about those goods; or
(ii) specifies the manner in which the person must keep the record; and
(c) the person does an act or omits to do an act in relation to those goods; and
(d) the act or omission results in the breach of that condition of the exemption.
Penalty: 240 penalty units.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(b).
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(3) A person commits an offence if:
(a) there are therapeutic goods that are exempt under section 18A; and
(b) a condition of the exemption:
(i) requires the person to keep a record about those goods; or
(ii) specifies the manner in which the person must keep the record; and
(c) the person does an act or omits to do an act in relation to those goods; and
(d) the act or omission results in the breach of that condition of the exemption.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(4) An offence under subsection (3) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
31 Secretary may require information or documents
(1) The Secretary may, by notice in writing given to a person:
(aa) who is an applicant for the registration of therapeutic goods; or
(ab) in relation to whom therapeutic goods are registered; or
(ac) in relation to whom therapeutic goods were, at any time during the previous 5 years, registered;
require the person to give to the Secretary, within such reasonable time as is specified in the notice and in such form as is specified in the notice, information or documents relating to one or more of the following:
(a) the formulation of the goods;
(b) the composition of the goods;
(c) the design specifications of the goods;
(d) the quality of the goods;
(e) the method and place of manufacture or preparation of the goods and the procedures employed to ensure that proper standards are maintained in the manufacture and handling of the goods;
(f) the presentation of the goods;
(g) the safety and efficacy of the goods for the purposes for which they are to be used;
(ga) whether the goods comply with conditions (if any) on the registration of the goods;
(gb) the conformity of the goods to a standard applicable to the goods;
(h) whether either of the following has not been complied with in relation to the goods:
(i) an applicable provision of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code;
(ii) any other requirement relating to advertising applicable under Part 5‑1 or the regulations;
(ha) if the goods are registered in relation to the person—whether the goods are being:
(i) supplied in Australia; or
(ii) imported into Australia; or
(iii) exported from Australia;
(j) the regulatory history of the goods in another country;
(k) any other matter prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph in relation to goods of that kind.
(1A) If a notice is given under subsection (1) to a person covered by paragraph (1)(ac), then paragraphs (1)(a) to (k) (to the extent to which they are relevant) apply in relation to that part of the period of 5 years before the notice was given during which the therapeutic goods were registered.
(1B) If:
(a) a person makes an application under section 23 for the registration of therapeutic goods in accordance with a form referred to in paragraph 23(1)(a); and
(b) the form is described as a pre‑submission planning form; and
(c) the person chooses a number of days specified in the form for the purposes of giving information or documents to the Secretary in the event that the person is given a notice under subsection (1) of this section in relation to the application;
then that number of days must be specified in any such notice as the time within which the person must give the required information or documents to the Secretary. The number of days so specified is taken to be a reasonable time for the purposes of subsection (1).
(1C) If:
(a) the person in relation to whom therapeutic goods are registered makes a request under subsection 9D(3) in accordance with a form referred to in subsection 9D(6); and
(b) the form is described as a pre‑submission planning form; and
(c) the person chooses a number of days specified in the form for the purposes of giving information or documents to the Secretary in the event that the person is given a notice under subsection (1) of this section in relation to the request;
then that number of days must be specified in any such notice as the time within which the person must give the required information or documents to the Secretary. The number of days so specified is taken to be a reasonable time for the purposes of subsection (1).
(2) The Secretary may, by notice in writing given to a person:
(aa) who is an applicant for the listing of therapeutic goods; or
(ab) in relation to whom therapeutic goods are listed; or
(ac) in relation to whom therapeutic goods were, at any time during the previous 5 years, listed;
require the person to give to the Secretary, within such reasonable time as is specified in the notice and in such form as is specified in the notice, information or documents relating to one or more of the following:
(a) the formulation of the goods;
(b) the composition of the goods;
(c) the design specifications of the goods;
(ca) the quality of the goods;
(d) the method and place of manufacture or preparation of the goods and the procedures employed to ensure that proper standards are maintained in the manufacture and handling of the goods;
(e) the presentation of the goods;
(f) the safety of the goods for the purposes for which they are to be used;
(fa) if the goods are medicine—the matters covered by a certification by the person under paragraph 26A(2)(j) in relation to the medicine;
(fb) whether the goods comply with conditions (if any) on the listing of the goods;
(g) the conformity of the goods to a standard applicable to the goods;
(gaa) whether either of the following has not been complied with in relation to the goods:
(i) an applicable provision of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code;
(ii) any other requirement relating to advertising applicable under Part 5‑1 or the regulations;
(ga) if the goods are listed in relation to the person—whether the goods are being:
(i) supplied in Australia; or
(ii) imported into Australia; or
(iii) exported from Australia;
(h) any other matter prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph in relation to goods of that kind.
(2A) If a notice is given under subsection (2) to a person covered by paragraph (2)(ac), then paragraphs (2)(a) to (h) (to the extent to which they are relevant) apply in relation to that part of the period of 5 years before the notice was given during which the therapeutic goods were listed.
(3) An approval of a form may require or permit information to be given in accordance with specified software requirements:
(a) on a specified kind of data processing device; or
(b) by way of a specified kind of electronic transmission.
(4) A person commits an offence if:
(a) either:
(i) the person is given a notice under subsection (1) and the person is covered by paragraph (1)(ab) or (ac); or
(ii) the person is given a notice under subsection (2) and the person is covered by paragraph (2)(ab) or (ac); and
(b) the person fails to comply with the notice.
Penalty: 500 penalty units.
(4A) Subsection (4) does not apply if the person has a reasonable excuse.
Note: The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (4A). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
(5) An offence under subsection (4) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(5A) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person is given a notice under this section in relation to therapeutic goods; and
(b) the person gives information or a document in compliance or purported compliance with the notice; and
(c) the information or document is false or misleading in a material particular; and
(d) either:
(i) the use of the therapeutic goods has resulted in, or will result in, harm or injury to any person; or
(ii) the use of the therapeutic goods, if the therapeutic goods were used, would result in harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 4,000 penalty units, or both.
Note 1: A jury may acquit a person of an offence against this subsection and may convict the person of an offence against subsection (6) instead: see section 53A.
Note 2: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(5B) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person is given a notice under this section in relation to therapeutic goods; and
(b) the person gives information or a document in compliance or purported compliance with the notice; and
(c) the information or document is false or misleading in a material particular; and
(d) the use of the therapeutic goods, if the therapeutic goods were used, would be likely to result in harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: 2,000 penalty units.
Note: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(5C) Subsection (5B) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(6) A person who is given a notice under this section in relation to therapeutic goods must not, in compliance or purported compliance with the notice, give information or a document that is false or misleading in a material particular.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 1,000 penalty units, or both.
31AAA Civil penalty for providing false or misleading information or documents in relation to therapeutic goods
A person contravenes this section if:
(a) the person is given a notice under section 31 in relation to therapeutic goods; and
(b) the person gives information or a document in compliance or purported compliance with the notice; and
(c) the information or document is false or misleading in a material particular.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.
31A Secretary may require information etc. about goods exempt under section 18
Exempt goods for use for experimental purposes in humans
(1) If therapeutic goods are exempt under subsection 18(1) from the operation of this Part (except this section and sections 31C to 31F) to allow for their use for experimental purposes in humans, the Secretary may give the sponsor of the goods a written notice requiring the sponsor to give to the Secretary specified information or documents relating to one or more of the following:
(a) the supply of the goods;
(b) the handling of the goods;
(c) the monitoring of the supply of the goods;
(d) the results of the supply of the goods;
(e) any other matter prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph in relation to goods of that kind.
Statement by medical practitioner about medicine
(2) If a medicine is exempt under subsection 18(1) from the operation of this Part (except this section and sections 31C to 31F) because a medical practitioner has signed a statement in accordance with regulation 12A of the Therapeutic Goods Regulations 1990, the Secretary may give the medical practitioner a written notice requiring the medical practitioner to give to the Secretary specified information or documents relating to one or more of the following:
(a) the condition of the person to whom the medicine is to be given or is given;
(b) the supply of the medicine;
(c) the handling of the medicine;
(d) the monitoring of the supply of the medicine;
(e) the results of the supply of the medicine;
(f) any other matter prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph in relation to medicines of that kind.
Compliance period
(3) A notice under subsection (1) or (2) must specify a reasonable period within which the person to whom the notice is given must comply with it. The period must be at least 14 days starting on the day on which the notice is given.
Information may need to be given in accordance with specified software requirements
(4) A notice under subsection (1) or (2) may require information to be given in accordance with specified software requirements:
(a) on a specified kind of data processing device; or
(b) by way of a specified kind of electronic transmission.
31AA Secretary may require information etc. about goods exempt under section 18A
(1) This section applies to a person who is required to comply with a condition of an exemption of therapeutic goods under section 18A.
(2) The Secretary may, by written notice given to the person, require the person to give to the Secretary specified information or documents relating to one or more of the following:
(a) the supply of any of those goods;
(b) the handling of any of those goods;
(c) the monitoring of the supply of any of those goods;
(d) the results of the supply of any of those goods;
(e) any other matter prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph.
Compliance period
(3) The notice must specify a reasonable period within which the person must comply with it. The period must be at least 14 days starting on the day on which the notice is given.
Information may need to be given in accordance with specified software requirements
(4) The notice may require information to be given in accordance with specified software requirements:
(a) on a specified kind of data processing device; or
(b) by way of a specified kind of electronic transmission.
31B Secretary may require information relating to approvals and authorities under section 19
Approval under subsection 19(1)
(1) The Secretary may give to a person who is granted an approval under subsection 19(1) in relation to specified therapeutic goods a written notice requiring the person to give to the Secretary specified information or documents relating to one or more of the following:
(a) the supply of the goods;
(b) the handling of the goods;
(c) the monitoring of the supply of the goods;
(d) the results of the supply of the goods;
(e) any other matter prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph in relation to goods of that kind.
Approval under subsection 19(1)—use by another person
(2) The Secretary may give to a person using specified therapeutic goods that are the subject of an approval granted to someone else under paragraph 19(1)(b) a written notice requiring the person to give to the Secretary specified information or documents relating to either of both of the following:
(a) the use of the goods;
(b) any other matter prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph in relation to goods of that kind.
Authority under subsection 19(5)
(3) The Secretary may give to a person who is granted an authority under subsection 19(5) in relation to specified therapeutic goods, or a specified class of therapeutic goods, a written notice requiring the person to give to the Secretary specified information or documents relating to one or more of the following:
(a) the supply of the goods;
(b) the handling of the goods;
(c) the monitoring of the supply of the goods;
(d) the results of the supply of the goods;
(e) any other matter prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph in relation to goods of that kind.
Compliance period
(4) A notice under subsection (1), (2) or (3) must specify a reasonable period within which the person to whom the notice is given must comply with it. The period must be at least 14 days starting on the day on which the notice is given.
Information may need to be given in accordance with specified software requirements
(5) A notice under subsection (1), (2) or (3) may require information to be given in accordance with specified software requirements:
(a) on a specified kind of data processing device; or
(b) by way of a specified kind of electronic transmission.
31C Criminal offence for failing to give information or documents sought under section 31A, 31AA or 31B
A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person is given a notice under section 31A, 31AA or 31B; and
(b) the person fails to comply with the notice.
Penalty: 400 penalty units.
Note: The privilege against self incrimination is not a reasonable excuse for the purposes of this section. However, the information given, and the fact that a document was given under this section (and other information, documents or things obtained because of giving the information or document) generally cannot be used in a prosecution (see section 31F).
31D False or misleading information
(1) A person to whom a notice is given under section 31A, 31AA or 31B commits an offence if:
(a) the person gives information to the Secretary in compliance or purported compliance with the notice; and
(b) the person does so knowing that the information:
(i) is false or misleading; or
(ii) omits any matter or thing without which the information is misleading.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 1,000 penalty units, or both.
Note: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply as a result of subparagraph (1)(b)(i) if the information is not false or misleading in a material particular.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2).
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply as a result of subparagraph (1)(b)(ii) if the information did not omit any matter or thing without which the information is misleading in a material particular.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (3).
31E False or misleading documents
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person produces a document to the Secretary; and
(b) the person does so knowing that the document is false or misleading; and
(c) the document is produced in compliance or purported compliance with a notice given under section 31A, 31AA or 31B.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 1,000 penalty units, or both.
Note: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the document is not false or misleading in a material particular.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2).
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person who produces a document if the document is accompanied by a written statement signed by the person or, in the case of a body corporate, by a competent officer of the body corporate:
(a) stating that the document is, to the knowledge of the first‑mentioned person, false or misleading in a material particular; and
(b) setting out, or referring to, the material particular in which the document is, to the knowledge of the first‑mentioned person, false or misleading.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (3).
31F Self‑incrimination
(1) A person is not excused from giving information or a document under a notice given under section 31A, 31AA or 31B on the ground that the giving of the information or document would tend to incriminate the person or expose the person to a penalty.
(2) However, in the case of an individual:
(a) the information given; or
(b) the giving of the document; or
(c) any information, document or thing obtained as a direct or indirect consequence of giving the information or document;
is not admissible in evidence in:
(d) criminal proceedings against the individual, except proceedings under, or arising out of, section 31D or 31E; or
(e) proceedings for a pecuniary penalty order against the individual for a contravention of a civil penalty provision.
Part 3‑2A—Biologicals
Division 1—Preliminary
32 What this Part is about
This Part regulates biologicals. It does this by providing a process for including biologicals in the Register and providing for enforcement through criminal offences and civil penalties.
This Part provides for the following administrative processes:
(a) exempting biologicals from the requirement to be included in the Register;
(b) making the inclusion of biologicals in the Register subject to conditions;
(c) suspending or cancelling entries of biologicals from the Register;
(d) requiring public notification of problems with biologicals, and recovery of biologicals;
(e) obtaining information or documents about biologicals.
32A Meaning of biological
(1) Subject to subsection (3), a biological is a thing that:
(a) either:
(i) comprises, contains or is derived from human cells or human tissues; or
(ii) is specified under subsection (2); and
(b) is represented in any way to be, or is, whether because of the way in which it is presented or for any other reason, likely to be taken to be:
(i) for use in the treatment or prevention of a disease, ailment, defect or injury affecting persons; or
(ii) for use in making a medical diagnosis of the condition of a person; or
(iii) for use in influencing, inhibiting or modifying a physiological process in persons; or
(iv) for use in testing the susceptibility of persons to a disease or ailment; or
(v) for use in the replacement or modification of parts of the anatomy in persons.
(2) The Secretary may, by legislative instrument, specify things for the purposes of subparagraph (1)(a)(ii).
Note: For specification by class, see subsection 13(3) of the Legislation Act 2003.
(3) The Secretary may, by legislative instrument, determine that a specified thing is not a biological for the purposes of this Act.
Note: For specification by class, see subsection 13(3) of the Legislation Act 2003.
32AA Biological classes
The regulations may prescribe different classes of biologicals.
Note 1: The regulations may prescribe the circumstances in which a biological included in a class of biologicals is separate and distinct from other biologicals: see section 32AB.
Note 2: The Secretary may approve different application forms for different classes of biologicals: see section 32DD.
32AB When biologicals are separate and distinct from other biologicals
(1) The regulations may prescribe the circumstances in which a biological included in a specified class of biologicals is separate and distinct from other biologicals.
(2) The regulations may make different provision in relation to different classes of biologicals that are prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of section 32AA.
Note: The Secretary may cancel the entry of a biological from the Register if the biological has changed so that it has become separate and distinct from the biological as so included: see subsection 32GC(1).
Division 2—Main criminal offences and civil penalties
32B What this Division is about
This Division contains criminal offences and civil penalties relating to the import, export, manufacture, supply and use of biologicals.
32BA Criminal offences for importing a biological
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person imports into Australia a biological for use in humans; and
(b) none of the following subparagraphs applies:
(i) the biological is included in the Register in relation to the person;
(ii) the person is exempt under subsection 32CA(1) in relation to the biological or the biological is exempt under subsection 32CA(2);
(iii) the biological is exempt under section 32CB;
(iv) the biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CK(1) that is held by the person, being an approval covering the importation into Australia of the biological;
(v) the biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CO(1) or (2) that is held by the person; and
(c) either:
(i) the use of the biological has resulted in, or will result in, harm or injury to any person; or
(ii) the use of the biological, if the biological were used, would result in harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 4,000 penalty units, or both.
Note 1: A jury may acquit a person of an offence against this subsection and may convict the person of an offence against subsection (4) instead: see section 53A.
Note 2: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person imports into Australia a biological for use in humans; and
(b) none of the following subparagraphs applies:
(i) the biological is included in the Register in relation to the person;
(ii) the person is exempt under subsection 32CA(1) in relation to the biological or the biological is exempt under subsection 32CA(2);
(iii) the biological is exempt under section 32CB;
(iv) the biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CK(1) that is held by the person, being an approval covering the importation into Australia of the biological;
(v) the biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CO(1) or (2) that is held by the person; and
(c) the use of the biological, if the biological were used, would be likely to result in harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: 2,000 penalty units.
Note: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(3) An offence against subsection (2) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(4) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person imports into Australia a biological for use in humans; and
(b) none of the following subparagraphs applies:
(i) the biological is included in the Register in relation to the person;
(ii) the person is exempt under subsection 32CA(1) in relation to the biological or the biological is exempt under subsection 32CA(2);
(iii) the biological is exempt under section 32CB;
(iv) the biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CK(1) that is held by the person, being an approval covering the importation into Australia of the biological;
(v) the biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CO(1) or (2) that is held by the person.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 1,000 penalty units, or both.
Defences
(5) Subsection (1), (2) or (4) does not apply if the defendant proves that the defendant was not the sponsor of the biological at the time of the importation.
Note: A defendant bears a legal burden in relation to the matter in subsection (5): see section 13.4 of the Criminal Code.
(6) Subsection (1) does not apply if:
(a) harm or injury did not, or will not, directly result from:
(i) the quality, safety or efficacy of the biological; or
(ii) a matter relating to the labelling or packaging of the biological; or
(iii) the improper use of the biological; or
(b) harm or injury would not directly result from:
(i) the quality, safety or efficacy of the biological; or
(ii) a matter relating to the labelling or packaging of the biological; or
(iii) the improper use of the biological.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsection (6): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
32BB Criminal offences for exporting a biological
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person exports from Australia a biological for use in humans; and
(b) none of the following subparagraphs applies:
(i) the biological is included in the Register in relation to the person;
(ii) the person is exempt under subsection 32CA(1) in relation to the biological or the biological is exempt under subsection 32CA(2);
(iii) the biological is exempt under section 32CB;
(iv) the biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CK(1) that is held by the person, being an approval covering the exportation from Australia of the biological; and
(c) either:
(i) the use of the biological has resulted in, or will result in, harm or injury to any person; or
(ii) the use of the biological, if the biological were used, would result in harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 4,000 penalty units, or both.
Note 1: A jury may acquit a person of an offence against this subsection and may convict the person of an offence against subsection (4) instead: see section 53A.
Note 2: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person exports from Australia a biological for use in humans; and
(b) none of the following subparagraphs applies:
(i) the biological is included in the Register in relation to the person;
(ii) the person is exempt under subsection 32CA(1) in relation to the biological or the biological is exempt under subsection 32CA(2);
(iii) the biological is exempt under section 32CB;
(iv) the biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CK(1) that is held by the person, being an approval covering the exportation from Australia of the biological; and
(c) the use of the biological, if the biological were used, would be likely to result in harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: 2,000 penalty units.
Note: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(3) An offence against subsection (2) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(4) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person exports from Australia a biological for use in humans; and
(b) none of the following subparagraphs applies:
(i) the biological is included in the Register in relation to the person;
(ii) the person is exempt under subsection 32CA(1) in relation to the biological or the biological is exempt under subsection 32CA(2);
(iii) the biological is exempt under section 32CB;
(iv) the biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CK(1) that is held by the person, being an approval covering the exportation from Australia of the biological.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 1,000 penalty units, or both.
Defences
(5) Subsection (1), (2) or (4) does not apply if the defendant proves that the defendant was not the sponsor of the biological at the time of the exportation.
Note: A defendant bears a legal burden in relation to the matter in subsection (5): see section 13.4 of the Criminal Code.
(6) Subsection (1) does not apply if:
(a) harm or injury did not, or will not, directly result from:
(i) the quality, safety or efficacy of the biological; or
(ii) a matter relating to the labelling or packaging of the biological; or
(iii) the improper use of the biological; or
(b) harm or injury would not directly result from:
(i) the quality, safety or efficacy of the biological; or
(ii) a matter relating to the labelling or packaging of the biological; or
(iii) the improper use of the biological.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsection (6): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
32BC Criminal offences for manufacturing a biological
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person manufactures in Australia a biological for use in humans; and
(b) none of the following subparagraphs applies:
(i) the biological is included in the Register in relation to the person;
(ii) the person is exempt under subsection 32CA(1) in relation to the biological or the biological is exempt under subsection 32CA(2);
(iii) the biological is exempt under section 32CB; and
(c) either:
(i) the use of the biological has resulted in, or will result in, harm or injury to any person; or
(ii) the use of the biological, if the biological were used, would result in harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 4,000 penalty units, or both.
Note 1: A jury may acquit a person of an offence against this subsection and may convict the person of an offence against subsection (4) instead: see section 53A.
Note 2: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person manufactures in Australia a biological for use in humans; and
(b) none of the following subparagraphs applies:
(i) the biological is included in the Register in relation to the person;
(ii) the person is exempt under subsection 32CA(1) in relation to the biological or the biological is exempt under subsection 32CA(2);
(iii) the biological is exempt under section 32CB; and
(c) the use of the biological, if the biological were used, would be likely to result in harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: 2,000 penalty units.
Note: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(3) An offence against subsection (2) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(4) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person manufactures in Australia a biological for use in humans; and
(b) none of the following subparagraphs applies:
(i) the biological is included in the Register in relation to the person;
(ii) the person is exempt under subsection 32CA(1) in relation to the biological or the biological is exempt under subsection 32CA(2);
(iii) the biological is exempt under section 32CB.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 1,000 penalty units, or both.
Defences
(5) Subsection (1), (2) or (4) does not apply if the defendant proves that the defendant was not the sponsor of the biological at the time of the manufacture.
Note: A defendant bears a legal burden in relation to the matter in subsection (5): see section 13.4 of the Criminal Code.
(6) Subsection (1) does not apply if:
(a) harm or injury did not, or will not, directly result from:
(i) the quality, safety or efficacy of the biological; or
(ii) a matter relating to the labelling or packaging of the biological; or
(iii) the improper use of the biological; or
(b) harm or injury would not directly result from:
(i) the quality, safety or efficacy of the biological; or
(ii) a matter relating to the labelling or packaging of the biological; or
(iii) the improper use of the biological.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsection (6): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
32BD Criminal offences for supplying a biological
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person supplies in Australia a biological for use in humans; and
(b) none of the following subparagraphs applies:
(i) the biological is included in the Register in relation to the person;
(ii) the person is exempt under subsection 32CA(1) in relation to the biological or the biological is exempt under subsection 32CA(2);
(iii) the biological is exempt under section 32CB;
(iv) the biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CK(1) that is held by the person, being an approval covering the supply in Australia of the biological;
(v) the biological is the subject of an authority under subsection 32CM(1) that is held by the person;
(vi) the biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CO(1) or (2) that is held by the person, being an approval covering the supply in Australia of the biological; and
(c) either:
(i) the use of the biological has resulted in, or will result in, harm or injury to any person; or
(ii) the use of the biological, if the biological were used, would result in harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 4,000 penalty units, or both.
Note 1: A jury may acquit a person of an offence against this subsection and may convict the person of an offence against subsection (4) instead: see section 53A.
Note 2: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person supplies in Australia a biological for use in humans; and
(b) none of the following subparagraphs applies:
(i) the biological is included in the Register in relation to the person;
(ii) the person is exempt under subsection 32CA(1) in relation to the biological or the biological is exempt under subsection 32CA(2);
(iii) the biological is exempt under section 32CB;
(iv) the biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CK(1) that is held by the person, being an approval covering the supply in Australia of the biological;
(v) the biological is the subject of an authority under subsection 32CM(1) that is held by the person;
(vi) the biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CO(1) or (2) that is held by the person, being an approval covering the supply in Australia of the biological; and
(c) the use of the biological, if the biological were used, would be likely to result in harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: 2,000 penalty units.
Note: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(3) An offence against subsection (2) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(4) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person supplies in Australia a biological for use in humans; and
(b) none of the following subparagraphs applies:
(i) the biological is included in the Register in relation to the person;
(ii) the person is exempt under subsection 32CA(1) in relation to the biological or the biological is exempt under subsection 32CA(2);
(iii) the biological is exempt under section 32CB;
(iv) the biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CK(1) that is held by the person, being an approval covering the supply in Australia of the biological;
(v) the biological is the subject of an authority under subsection 32CM(1) that is held by the person;
(vi) the biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CO(1) or (2) that is held by the person, being an approval covering the supply in Australia of the biological.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 1,000 penalty units, or both.
Defences
(5) Subsection (1), (2) or (4) does not apply if the defendant proves that the defendant was not the sponsor of the biological at the time of the supply.
Note: A defendant bears a legal burden in relation to the matter in subsection (5): see section 13.4 of the Criminal Code.
(6) Subsection (1) does not apply if:
(a) harm or injury did not, or will not, directly result from:
(i) the quality, safety or efficacy of the biological; or
(ii) a matter relating to the labelling or packaging of the biological; or
(iii) the improper use of the biological; or
(b) harm or injury would not directly result from:
(i) the quality, safety or efficacy of the biological; or
(ii) a matter relating to the labelling or packaging of the biological; or
(iii) the improper use of the biological.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsection (6): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
32BE Notice required to adduce evidence in support of exception to offences
(1) If:
(a) a defendant is committed for trial for an offence against subsection 32BA(1), 32BB(1), 32BC(1) or 32BD(1); or
(b) an offence against subsection 32BA(1), 32BB(1), 32BC(1) or 32BD(1) is to be heard and determined by a court of summary jurisdiction;
the committing magistrate or the court must:
(c) inform the defendant of the requirements of this section; and
(d) cause a copy of this section to be given to the defendant.
(2) A defendant must not, without leave of the court, adduce evidence in support of the exception under subsection 32BA(6), 32BB(6), 32BC(6) or 32BD(6) unless the defendant gives notice of particulars of the exception:
(a) if paragraph (1)(a) applies—more than 21 days before the trial begins; or
(b) if paragraph (1)(b) applies—more than 21 days before the hearing of the offence begins.
(3) A defendant must not, without leave of the court, call any other person to give evidence in support of the exception unless:
(a) the notice under subsection (2) includes the name and address of the person or, if the name and address is not known to the defendant at the time the defendant gives the notice, any information in the defendant’s possession that might be of material assistance in finding the person; and
(b) if the name or the address is not included in the notice—the court is satisfied that the defendant before giving the notice took, and after giving the notice continued to take, all reasonable steps to ascertain the name or address; and
(c) if the name or address is not included in the notice, but the defendant subsequently ascertains the name or address or receives information that might be of material assistance in finding the person—the defendant immediately gives notice of the name, address or other information, as the case may be; and
(d) if the defendant is told by or on behalf of the prosecutor that the person has not been found by the name, or at the address, given by the defendant:
(i) the defendant immediately gives notice of any information in the defendant’s possession that might be of material assistance in finding the person; and
(ii) if the defendant later receives any such information—the defendant immediately gives notice of the information.
(4) A notice purporting to be given under this section on behalf of the defendant by the defendant’s legal practitioner is, unless the contrary is proved, taken as having been given with the authority of the defendant.
(5) Any evidence tendered to disprove that the exception applies may, subject to direction by the court, be given before or after evidence is given in support of the exception.
(6) A notice under this section must be given in writing to the Director of Public Prosecutions. A notice is taken as having been given if it is:
(a) delivered to or left at an office of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions; or
(b) sent by certified mail addressed to the Director of Public Prosecutions at an office of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
(7) In this section:
Director of Public Prosecutions means a person holding office as, or acting as, the Director of Public Prosecutions under the Director of Public Prosecutions Act 1983.
32BF Civil penalties for importing, exporting, manufacturing or supplying a biological
Importing a biological for use in humans
(1) A person contravenes this subsection if:
(a) the person imports into Australia a biological for use in humans; and
(b) none of the following subparagraphs applies:
(i) the biological is included in the Register in relation to the person;
(ii) the person is exempt under subsection 32CA(1) in relation to the biological or the biological is exempt under subsection 32CA(2);
(iii) the biological is exempt under section 32CB;
(iv) the biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CK(1) that is held by the person, being an approval covering the importation into Australia of the biological;
(v) the biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CO(1) or (2) that is held by the person.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.
Exporting a biological for use in humans
(2) A person contravenes this subsection if:
(a) the person exports from Australia a biological for use in humans; and
(b) none of the following subparagraphs applies:
(i) the biological is included in the Register in relation to the person;
(ii) the person is exempt under subsection 32CA(1) in relation to the biological or the biological is exempt under subsection 32CA(2);
(iii) the biological is exempt under section 32CB;
(iv) the biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CK(1) that is held by the person, being an approval covering the exportation from Australia of the biological.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.
Manufacturing a biological for use in humans
(3) A person contravenes this subsection if:
(a) the person manufactures in Australia a biological for use in humans; and
(b) none of the following subparagraphs applies:
(i) the biological is included in the Register in relation to the person;
(ii) the person is exempt under subsection 32CA(1) in relation to the biological or the biological is exempt under subsection 32CA(2);
(iii) the biological is exempt under section 32CB.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.
Supplying a biological for use in humans
(4) A person contravenes this subsection if:
(a) the person supplies in Australia a biological for use in humans; and
(b) none of the following subparagraphs applies:
(i) the biological is included in the Register in relation to the person;
(ii) the person is exempt under subsection 32CA(1) in relation to the biological or the biological is exempt under subsection 32CA(2);
(iii) the biological is exempt under section 32CB;
(iv) the biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CK(1) that is held by the person, being an approval covering the supply in Australia of the biological;
(v) the biological is the subject of an authority under subsection 32CM(1) that is held by the person;
(vi) the biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CO(1) or (2) that is held by the person, being an approval covering the supply in Australia of the biological.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.
Exception if person was not the sponsor of the biological
(5) Subsection (1), (2), (3) or (4) does not apply if the person proves that he or she was not the sponsor of the biological at the time of the importation, exportation, manufacture or supply, as the case may be.
Civil penalty relating to the supply of biologicals included in the Register
(6) A person contravenes this subsection if:
(a) a biological is included in the Register in relation to the person; and
(b) the biological is of a kind prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph; and
(c) the person supplies the biological in Australia; and
(d) the biological number of the biological is not set out on the label of the biological in the prescribed manner.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—200 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—2,000 penalty units.
32BG Criminal offence and civil penalty relating to a failure to notify the Secretary about manufacturing
Criminal offence
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person:
(i) imports a biological into Australia for use in humans; or
(ii) exports a biological from Australia for use in humans; or
(iii) manufactures a biological in Australia for use in humans; or
(iv) supplies a biological in Australia for use in humans; and
(b) the person is the sponsor of the biological; and
(c) the person is not exempt under subsection 32CA(1) in relation to the biological and the biological is not exempt under subsection 32CA(2); and
(d) the person has not, at or before the time of the importation, exportation, manufacture or supply, properly notified to the Secretary either or both of the following:
(i) the manufacturer of the biological;
(ii) the premises used in the manufacture of the biological.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 1,000 penalty units, or both.
Civil penalty
(2) A person contravenes this subsection if:
(a) the person:
(i) imports a biological into Australia for use in humans; or
(ii) exports a biological from Australia for use in humans; or
(iii) manufactures a biological in Australia for use in humans; or
(iv) supplies a biological in Australia for use in humans; and
(b) the person is the sponsor of the biological; and
(c) the person is not exempt under subsection 32CA(1) in relation to the biological and the biological is not exempt under subsection 32CA(2); and
(d) the person has not, at or before the time of the importation, exportation, manufacture or supply, properly notified to the Secretary either or both of the following:
(i) the manufacturer of the biological;
(ii) the premises used in the manufacture of the biological.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.
Definition
(3) For the purposes of this section:
(a) a manufacturer is properly notified to the Secretary if:
(i) the manufacturer was nominated, as a manufacturer of the biological, in an application for inclusion of the biological in the Register; or
(ii) the Secretary was subsequently informed in writing that the manufacturer is a manufacturer of the biological; and
(b) premises are properly notified to the Secretary if:
(i) the premises were nominated, as premises used in the manufacture of the biological, in an application for inclusion of the biological in the Register; or
(ii) the Secretary was subsequently informed in writing that the premises are used in the manufacture of the biological.
32BH Criminal offence relating to wholesale supply
A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person supplies a biological in Australia for use in humans; and
(b) none of the following subparagraphs applies:
(i) the biological is included in the Register;
(ii) the person is exempt under subsection 32CA(1) in relation to the biological or the biological is exempt under subsection 32CA(2);
(iii) the biological is exempt under section 32CB;
(iv) the biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CK(1) that is held by the person, being an approval covering the supply in Australia of the biological;
(v) the biological is the subject of an authority under subsection 32CM(1) that is held by the person;
(vi) the biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CO(1) or (2) that is held by the person, being an approval covering the supply in Australia of the biological; and
(c) the person to whom the biological is supplied is not the ultimate consumer of the biological.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
32BI Criminal offence for using a biological not included in the Register
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person uses a biological; and
(b) the biological is used:
(i) in the treatment of another person; or
(ii) solely for experimental purposes in humans; and
(c) none of the following subparagraphs applies:
(i) the biological is included in the Register;
(ii) the person is exempt under subsection 32CA(1) in relation to the biological or the biological is exempt under subsection 32CA(2);
(iii) the biological is exempt under section 32CB;
(iv) the biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CO(1) or (2);
(v) the person uses the biological in accordance with an approval under subsection 32CK(1);
(vi) the person uses the biological in accordance with a condition applicable under regulations made for the purposes of section 32CL;
(vii) the person uses the biological in accordance with an authority under subsection 32CM(1); and
(d) either:
(i) if the person used the biological in the treatment of that other person—the use of the biological has resulted in, or will result in, harm or injury to that other person; or
(ii) if the person used the biological solely for experimental purposes in humans—the use of the biological has resulted in, or will result in, harm or injury to any of those humans.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 4,000 penalty units, or both.
Note: A jury may acquit a person of an offence against this subsection and may convict the person of an offence against subsection (4) instead: see section 53A.
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person uses a biological; and
(b) the biological is used:
(i) in the treatment of another person; or
(ii) solely for experimental purposes in humans; and
(c) none of the following subparagraphs applies:
(i) the biological is included in the Register;
(ii) the person is exempt under subsection 32CA(1) in relation to the biological or the biological is exempt under subsection 32CA(2);
(iii) the biological is exempt under section 32CB;
(iv) the biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CO(1) or (2);
(v) the person uses the biological in accordance with an approval under subsection 32CK(1);
(vi) the person uses the biological in accordance with a condition applicable under regulations made for the purposes of section 32CL;
(vii) the person uses the biological in accordance with an authority under subsection 32CM(1); and
(d) either:
(i) if the person used the biological in the treatment of another person—the use of the biological is likely to result in harm or injury to that other person; or
(ii) if the person used the biological solely for experimental purposes in humans—the use of the biological is likely to result in harm or injury to any of those humans.
Penalty: 2,000 penalty units.
(3) An offence against subsection (2) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(4) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person uses a biological; and
(b) the biological is used:
(i) in the treatment of another person; or
(ii) solely for experimental purposes in humans; and
(c) none of the following subparagraphs applies:
(i) the biological is included in the Register;
(ii) the person is exempt under subsection 32CA(1) in relation to the biological or the biological is exempt under subsection 32CA(2);
(iii) the biological is exempt under section 32CB;
(iv) the biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CO(1) or (2);
(v) the person uses the biological in accordance with an approval under subsection 32CK(1);
(vi) the person uses the biological in accordance with a condition applicable under regulations made for the purposes of section 32CL;
(vii) the person uses the biological in accordance with an authority under subsection 32CM(1).
Penalty for contravention of this subsection: 500 penalty units.
32BJ General criminal offences relating to this Part
Including incorrect biological number on containers etc.
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person sets out or causes to be set out, on a container or package that contains a biological or on a label of a biological, a number that purports to be the biological number of the biological; and
(b) the number is not that biological number.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), number includes any combination of one or more of the following:
(a) numbers;
(b) letters;
(c) symbols.
Advertising biological for an indication
(3) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person, by any means, advertises a biological for an indication; and
(b) the biological is included in the Register; and
(c) the indication is not an indication accepted in relation to that inclusion.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
Arranging supply of biological not included in Register
(4) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person claims, by any means, that the person or another person can arrange the supply of a biological; and
(b) none of the following subparagraphs applies:
(i) the biological is included in the Register in relation to the person;
(ii) the person is exempt under subsection 32CA(1) in relation to the biological or the biological is exempt under subsection 32CA(2);
(iii) the biological is exempt under section 32CB;
(iv) the biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CK(1) that is held by the person, being an approval covering the supply in Australia of the biological;
(v) the biological is the subject of an authority under subsection 32CM(1) that is held by the person;
(vi) the biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CO(1) or (2) that is held by the person, being an approval covering the supply in Australia of the biological.
Penalty for contravention of this subsection: 60 penalty units.
32BK Civil penalty for making misrepresentations about biologicals
(1) A person contravenes this section if:
(a) the person makes a representation of a kind referred to in subsection (2); and
(b) the representation is false or misleading.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.
(2) Subsection (1) applies to the following representations:
(a) representations that a biological is included in the Register;
(b) representations that a person is exempt under subsection 32CA(1) in relation to a biological or that a biological is exempt under subsection 32CA(2);
(c) representations that a biological is exempt under section 32CB;
(d) representations that a biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CK(1);
(e) representations that a biological is the subject of an authority under subsection 32CM(1);
(f) representations that a biological is the subject of an approval under subsection 32CO(1) or (2).
Division 3—Exemptions
Subdivision A—Preliminary
32C What this Division is about
There are 4 kinds of exemptions in relation to biologicals:
(a) exemptions of biologicals under the regulations; and
(b) exemptions of biologicals to deal with emergencies; and
(c) exemptions of biologicals for special and experimental uses; and
(d) exemptions of biologicals where substitutes are unavailable.
Subdivision B—Exempting biologicals under the regulations
32CA Exempt biologicals
(1) The regulations may exempt specified persons from the operation of Division 4 in relation to specified biologicals.
Note: For specification by class, see subsection 13(3) of the Legislation Act 2003.
(2) The regulations may exempt specified biologicals from the operation of Division 4.
Note: For specification by class, see subsection 13(3) of the Legislation Act 2003.
(3) An exemption under this section may be subject to conditions that are prescribed in the regulations.
(4) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person does an act or omits to do an act; and
(b) the act or omission results in the breach of a condition of an exemption under this section.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(5) If the regulations revoke an exemption, the revocation takes effect on the day specified in the regulations. The day must not be earlier than 28 days after the day on which the regulations revoking the exemption take effect.
Subdivision C—Exempting biologicals to deal with emergencies
32CB Minister may make exemptions
(1) The Minister may, by writing, exempt specified biologicals from the operation of Division 4.
Note 1: For specification by class, see subsection 33(3AB) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
Note 2: There are criminal offences and a civil penalty relating to biologicals exempt under this section not conforming to standards etc.: see section 32CJ.
(2) The Minister may make an exemption under subsection (1) only if the Minister is satisfied that, in the national interest, the exemption should be made so that:
(a) the biologicals may be stockpiled as quickly as possible in order to create a preparedness to deal with a potential threat to public health that may be caused by a possible future emergency; or
(b) the biologicals can be made available urgently in Australia in order to deal with an actual threat to public health caused by an emergency that has occurred.
Period of exemption
(3) An exemption under subsection (1) comes into force:
(a) on the day the exemption is made; or
(b) on a later day specified in the exemption.
(4) An exemption under subsection (1) remains in force for the period specified in the exemption, unless revoked earlier.
Note: Section 32CD deals with variation and revocation of the exemption.
Effect of inclusion of biological in the Register
(5) An exemption under subsection (1) ceases to have effect in relation to a particular biological when that biological becomes included in the Register under Division 4.
Exemption not a legislative instrument
(6) An exemption under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument.
32CC Conditions of exemptions
An exemption under section 32CB is subject to conditions specified in the exemption about any of the following:
(a) the quantity of biologicals that are exempt;
(b) the source of those biologicals;
(c) the persons or class of persons who may import, export, manufacture or supply those biologicals;
(d) the supply of those biologicals (including the persons or class of persons to whom biologicals may be supplied for use and the circumstances under which a stockpile of biologicals may be supplied for use);
(e) the storage and security of those biologicals;
(f) the keeping and disclosure of, and access to, records about those biologicals;
(g) the disposal of those biologicals;
(h) the manner in which any of those biologicals is to be dealt with if a condition of the exemption is breached;
(i) any other matters that the Minister thinks appropriate.
Whether or not biologicals are exempt under section 32CB is not affected by whether or not there is a breach of a condition under this section in relation to those biologicals.
Note 1: There are criminal offences and civil penalties related to the breach of a condition of an exemption: see sections 32CH and 32CI.
Note 2: Section 32CD deals with variation and revocation of the conditions.
32CD Variation or revocation of exemption
Variation of exemption
(1) The Minister may, by writing, vary an exemption made under section 32CB by removing specified biologicals from the exemption.
Note: For specification by class, see subsection 33(3AB) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
Revocation of exemption
(2) The Minister may, by writing, revoke an exemption made under section 32CB.
Variation or revocation of conditions
(3) The Minister may, by writing:
(a) vary the conditions of an exemption made under section 32CB (including by imposing new conditions); or
(b) revoke the conditions of an exemption made under section 32CB.
When variation or revocation takes effect
(4) A variation or revocation under this section takes effect:
(a) if the Minister states in the variation or revocation that the variation or revocation is necessary to prevent imminent risk of death, serious illness or serious injury—on the day the variation or revocation is made; or
(b) in any other case—on a later day specified in the variation or revocation (which must not be earlier than 28 days after the day the variation or revocation is made).
32CE Informing persons of exemption etc.
If the Minister makes an exemption under section 32CB, the Minister must take reasonable steps to give a copy of the following to each person covered by paragraph 32CC(c):
(a) the exemption;
(b) any variation or revocation of the exemption under section 32CD.
32CF Notification and tabling
Notification
(1) The Secretary must cause a notice setting out particulars of the following:
(a) an exemption made under section 32CB because of paragraph 32CB(2)(b);
(b) a variation or revocation under section 32CD, to the extent that the variation or revocation relates to an exemption made under section 32CB because of paragraph 32CB(2)(b);
to be published in the Gazette within 7 days after the day on which the exemption, variation or revocation is made. However, the exemption, variation or revocation is not invalid merely because of a failure to comply with this subsection.
Tabling
(2) The Minister must cause a document setting out particulars of the following:
(a) an exemption made under section 32CB because of paragraph 32CB(2)(b);
(b) a variation or revocation under section 32CD, to the extent that the variation or revocation relates to an exemption made under section 32CB because of paragraph 32CB(2)(b);
to be tabled in each House of the Parliament within 5 sitting days of that House after the day on which the exemption, variation or revocation is made. However, the exemption, variation or revocation is not invalid merely because of a failure to comply with this subsection.
32CG Disposal of unused biologicals
(1) This section applies to a biological if:
(a) an exemption under section 32CB in relation to that biological ceases to have effect otherwise than because that biological becomes included in the Register under Division 4; and
(b) that biological has not been used before the exemption so ceases to have effect.
(2) The Secretary may arrange for the disposal of the biological in accordance with the regulations.
(3) Regulations made for the purposes of subsection (2) may set out the methods by which the biological is to be stored, supplied, destroyed, exported or otherwise disposed of.
(4) A method set out in the regulations under subsection (3) must not enable or permit any benefit to be conferred on a person (including the Commonwealth) other than the owner of the biological.
32CH Criminal offences for breaching a condition of an exemption
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person does an act or omits to do an act in relation to a biological; and
(b) the biological is covered by an exemption in force under section 32CB; and
(c) the act or omission results in the breach of a condition of the exemption; and
(d) the act or omission is likely to cause a serious risk to public health.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 2,000 penalty units, or both.
Note: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(b).
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(3) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person does an act or omits to do an act in relation to a biological; and
(b) the biological is covered by an exemption in force under section 32CB; and
(c) the act or omission results in the breach of a condition of the exemption.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 4 years or 240 penalty units, or both.
(4) Strict liability applies to paragraph (3)(b).
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(5) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person does an act or omits to do an act in relation to a biological; and
(b) the biological is covered by an exemption in force under section 32CB; and
(c) the act or omission results in the breach of a condition of the exemption.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(6) An offence against subsection (5) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
32CI Civil penalty for breaching a condition of an exemption
A person contravenes this section if:
(a) the person does an act or omits to do an act in relation to a biological; and
(b) the biological is covered by an exemption in force under section 32CB; and
(c) the act or omission results in the breach of a condition of the exemption.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.
32CJ Criminal offences and civil penalty for biologicals not conforming to standards etc.
(1) This section applies if:
(a) a biological is exempt under section 32CB; and
(b) a person supplies a batch of the biologicals; and
(c) the Secretary is satisfied that the biologicals included in that batch:
(i) do not conform to a standard applicable to the biologicals; or
(ii) are otherwise not fit to be used for their intended purposes.
(2) The Secretary may, by written notice given to the person, require the person to take steps to recover the biologicals included in that batch (except any of those biologicals that cannot be recovered because they have been administered to, or applied in the treatment of, a person).
(3) The notice may specify one or more of the following requirements:
(a) the steps to be taken to recover the biologicals;
(b) the manner in which the steps are to be taken;
(c) a reasonable period within which the steps are to be taken.
(4) The Secretary must, as soon as practicable after giving the notice, cause particulars of it to be published in the Gazette.
Notice is not a legislative instrument
(5) A notice given under subsection (2) is not a legislative instrument.
Offences
(6) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the Secretary gives a notice to the person under subsection (2); and
(b) the notice specifies a particular requirement mentioned in subsection (3); and
(c) the person fails to comply with that requirement; and
(d) either:
(i) the use of any of the biologicals has resulted in, or will result in, harm or injury to any person; or
(ii) the use of any of the biologicals, if any of the biologicals were used, would result in harm or injury to any person; and
(e) the harm or injury has resulted, will result, or would result, because the person failed to comply with that requirement.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 4,000 penalty units, or both.
Note: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(7) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the Secretary gives a notice to the person under subsection (2); and
(b) the notice specifies a particular requirement mentioned in subsection (3); and
(c) the person fails to comply with that requirement; and
(d) the use of any of the biologicals, if any of the biologicals were used, would be likely to result in harm or injury to any person; and
(e) the harm or injury would be likely to result because the person failed to comply with that requirement.
Penalty: 2,000 penalty units.
Note: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(8) An offence against subsection (7) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(9) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the Secretary gives a notice to the person under subsection (2); and
(b) the notice specifies a particular requirement mentioned in subsection (3); and
(c) the person fails to comply with that requirement.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(10) An offence against subsection (9) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
Civil penalty
(11) A person contravenes this subsection if:
(a) the Secretary gives a notice to the person under subsection (2); and
(b) the notice specifies a particular requirement mentioned in subsection (3); and
(c) the person does not comply with the requirement.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.
Subdivision D—Exempting biologicals for special and experimental uses
32CK Approvals for importing, exporting or supplying a biological for special and experimental uses
(1) The Secretary may, by notice in writing, grant an approval to a person for one or more of the following:
(a) the importation into Australia of a specified biological;
(b) the exportation from Australia of a specified biological;
(c) the supply in Australia of a specified biological;
that is:
(d) for use in the treatment of another person; or
(e) for use solely for experimental purposes in humans.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the biological is included in the Register, the person is exempt under subsection 32CA(1) in relation to the biological or the biological is exempt under subsection 32CA(2).
Application for approval
(3) An application for an approval for use of the kind referred to in paragraph (1)(d) must:
(a) be made to the Secretary; and
(b) be accompanied by such information relating to the biological the subject of the application as is required by the Secretary.
(4) An application for an approval for use of the kind referred to in paragraph (1)(e) must:
(a) be made to the Secretary; and
(b) be made in writing; and
(c) be accompanied by such information relating to the biological the subject of the application as is required by the Secretary; and
(d) be accompanied by the prescribed evaluation fee.
Secretary’s decision
(5) If an application for an approval is made, the Secretary must:
(a) after having considered the application; and
(b) in the case of an application for an approval for use of the kind referred to in paragraph (1)(e)—after having evaluated the information submitted with the application;
notify the applicant of the decision on the application as soon as practicable after making the decision and, in the case of a decision not to grant the approval, of the reasons for the decision.
Conditions
(6) The Secretary may grant an approval under subsection (1) subject to any conditions that are specified in the notice of approval.
(7) Those conditions may include a condition relating to the charges that may be made for the biological to which the approval relates. This subsection does not limit subsection (6).
(8) An approval under subsection (1) for use of the kind referred to in paragraph (1)(e) is subject to the conditions (if any) specified in the regulations. Those conditions (if any) are in addition to any conditions imposed under subsection (6).
(9) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person does an act or omits to do an act; and
(b) the act or omission results in the breach of a condition of an approval under subsection (1).
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
Approval not a legislative instrument
(10) An approval under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument.
32CL Conditions of use of biological for experimental purposes in humans
(1) The use by a person (the experimenter) for experimental purposes in humans of a biological that is the subject of an approval:
(a) that is held by another person under subsection 32CK(1); and
(b) that covers the importation into Australia, or the supply in Australia, of the biological for use solely for experimental purposes in humans;
is subject to the conditions (if any) specified in the regulations relating to one or more of the following:
(c) the preconditions on the use of the biological for those purposes;
(d) the principles to be followed in the use of the biological for those purposes;
(e) the monitoring of the use, and the results of the use, of the biological for those purposes;
(f) the circumstances in which the experimenter must cease the use of the biological for those purposes.
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person does an act or omits to do an act; and
(b) the act or omission results in the breach of a condition applicable under regulations made for the purposes of this section.
Penalty for contravention of this subsection: 60 penalty units.
32CM Exemptions for medical practitioners
(1) The Secretary may, in writing, authorise a specified medical practitioner to supply a specified biological, for use in the treatment of humans, to the class or classes of recipients specified in the authority.
Note: Section 32CN contains criminal offences relating to the giving an authority to a medical practitioner.
(2) The Secretary may give an authority under subsection (1) subject to any conditions that are specified in the authority.
(3) The Secretary may impose conditions (or further conditions) on an authority given to a person under subsection (1) by giving to the person written notice of the conditions (or further conditions).
(4) An authority under subsection (1) may only be given:
(a) to a medical practitioner included in a class of medical practitioners prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph; or
(b) to a medical practitioner who has the approval of an ethics committee to supply the specified biological.
Paragraph (b) does not apply in the exceptional circumstances (if any) prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subsection.
(5) An authority under subsection (1) may only be given in relation to a class or classes of recipients prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subsection.
(6) The regulations may prescribe the circumstances in which a biological may be supplied under an authority under subsection (1).
(7) An authority under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument.
(8) In this section:
medical practitioner means a person who is registered, in a State or internal Territory, as a medical practitioner.
32CN Criminal offences relating to the giving of an authority to a medical practitioner
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the Secretary has authorised, under subsection 32CM(1), the person to supply a biological; and
(b) the person supplies the biological; and
(c) any of the following applies:
(i) the supply is not in accordance with the authority;
(ii) the supply is not in accordance with the conditions to which the authority is subject;
(iii) the supply is not in accordance with regulations made for the purpose of subsection 32CM(6); and
(d) either:
(i) the use of the biological has resulted in, or will result in, harm or injury to any person; or
(ii) the use of the biological, if the biological were used, would result in harm or injury to any person; and
(e) the harm or injury has resulted, will result, or would result, because:
(i) the supply is not in accordance with the authority; or
(ii) the supply is not in accordance with the conditions to which the authority is subject; or
(iii) the supply is not in accordance with regulations made for the purpose of subsection 32CM(6).
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 4,000 penalty units, or both.
Note: A jury may acquit a person of an offence against this subsection and may convict the person of an offence against subsection (4) instead: see section 53A.
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the Secretary has authorised, under subsection 32CM(1), the person to supply a biological; and
(b) the person supplies the biological; and
(c) any of the following applies:
(i) the supply is not in accordance with the authority;
(ii) the supply is not in accordance with the conditions to which the authority is subject;
(iii) the supply is not in accordance with regulations made for the purpose of subsection 32CM(6); and
(d) the use of the biological, if the biological were used, would be likely to result in harm or injury to any person; and
(e) the harm or injury would be likely to result because:
(i) the supply is not in accordance with the authority; or
(ii) the supply is not in accordance with the conditions to which the authority is subject; or
(iii) the supply is not in accordance with regulations made for the purpose of subsection 32CM(6).
Penalty: 2,000 penalty units.
(3) An offence against subsection (2) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(4) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the Secretary has authorised, under subsection 32CM(1), the person to supply a biological; and
(b) the person supplies the biological; and
(c) any of the following applies:
(i) the supply is not in accordance with the authority;
(ii) the supply is not in accordance with the conditions to which the authority is subject;
(iii) the supply is not in accordance with regulations made for the purpose of subsection 32CM(6).
Penalty for contravention of this subsection: 500 penalty units.
Subdivision E—Exempting biologicals where substitutes are unavailable etc.
32CO Approvals where substitutes for biologicals are unavailable etc.
(1) The Secretary may, by notice in writing, grant an approval to a person for:
(a) the importation into Australia of a specified biological; or
(b) the importation into Australia of a specified biological and the supply in Australia of that biological;
if the Secretary is satisfied that:
(c) therapeutic goods included in the Register that could act as a substitute for the biological are unavailable or are in short supply; and
(d) either:
(i) the biological that is the subject of the application for approval is registered or approved for general marketing in at least one foreign country specified by the Secretary under subsection (5); or
(ii) an application that complies with section 32DA or 32DD has been made for inclusion of the biological in the Register; and
(e) the biological is of a kind specified by the Secretary in a determination under subsection (6); and
(f) the approval is necessary in the interests of public health.
(2) The Secretary may, by notice in writing, grant an approval to a person for:
(a) the importation into Australia of a specified biological; or
(b) the importation into Australia of a specified biological and the supply in Australia of that biological;
if the Secretary is satisfied that:
(c) there are no therapeutic goods that are included in the Register that could act as a substitute for the biological; and
(d) an application that complies with section 32DA or 32DD has been made for inclusion of the biological in the Register; and
(e) the biological is of a kind specified by the Secretary in a determination under subsection (6); and
(f) the approval is necessary in the interests of public health.
Application for approval
(3) An application for an approval must:
(a) be made to the Secretary; and
(b) be accompanied by such information relating to the biological as is required by the Secretary.
Secretary’s decision
(4) If an application for an approval is made, the Secretary must, after having considered the application, notify the applicant of the decision on the application as soon as practicable after making the decision and, in the case of a decision not to grant the approval, of the reasons for the decision.
Determinations
(5) The Secretary may, by legislative instrument, make a determination specifying foreign countries for the purposes of subparagraph (1)(d)(i).
(6) The Secretary may, by legislative instrument, make a determination specifying the kinds of biologicals that can be the subject of an approval under this section.
Conditions
(7) The Secretary may grant an approval subject to any conditions that are specified in the notice of approval.
(8) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person does an act or omits to do an act; and
(b) the act or omission results in the breach of a condition of an approval under subsection (1) or (2).
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
Period of approval
(9) The Secretary may grant an approval for such period as is specified in the notice of approval.
When approval lapses
(10) The approval lapses if:
(a) the period specified in the notice of approval expires; or
(b) a decision has been made on an application that has been made for inclusion of the biological in the Register.
(11) The approval lapses if:
(a) the Secretary is satisfied that paragraph (1)(c), (d), (e) or (f), or paragraph (2)(c), (d), (e) or (f), as the case requires, no longer applies in relation to the biological, or that a condition of the approval has been contravened; and
(b) the Secretary has given to the person to whom the approval was granted a notice stating that the Secretary is so satisfied.
(12) The lapsing of the approval on the expiry of the period specified in the notice of approval does not prevent another approval being granted under this section in relation to the biological before that lapsing. The other approval may be expressed to take effect on the expiry of that period.
Approval not a legislative instrument
(13) An approval under subsection (1) or (2) is not a legislative instrument.
Division 4—Including biologicals in the Register
Subdivision A—Preliminary
32D What this Division is about
A Class 1 biological can be included in the Register if a proper application is made and the applicant certifies various matters.
A biological other than a Class 1 biological can be included in the Register if a proper application is made and the Secretary is satisfied the biological is suitable for inclusion following an evaluation of the biological.
Subdivision B—Class 1 biologicals
32DA Application for inclusion in the Register
(1) A person may make an application to the Secretary to include a Class 1 biological in the Register.
(2) An application must:
(a) be made in accordance with a form that is approved, in writing, by the Secretary; and
(b) be accompanied by a statement certifying the matters mentioned in subsection (3); and
(c) be delivered to an office of the Department specified in the form; and
(d) be accompanied by the prescribed application fee.
(3) The applicant must certify that:
(a) the biological is a Class 1 biological; and
(b) the biological is safe for the purposes for which it is to be used; and
(c) the biological conforms to every standard (if any) applicable to it; and
(d) both of the following are complied with in relation to the biological:
(i) the applicable provisions of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code;
(ii) the other requirements (if any) relating to advertising applicable under Part 5‑1 or under the regulations; and
(e) the biological complies with all prescribed quality or safety criteria that are applicable to it; and
(f) the biological does not contain substances that are prohibited imports for the purposes of the Customs Act 1901.
(4) An approval of a form may require or permit an application to be given in accordance with specified software requirements:
(a) on a specified kind of data processing device; or
(b) by way of a specified kind of electronic transmission.
32DB Inclusion of Class 1 biological in the Register
(1) If an application is made in accordance with section 32DA for a Class 1 biological to be included in the Register in relation to a person, the Secretary must include the biological in the Register in relation to the person.
Biological number
(2) If the Secretary includes the biological in the Register, the Secretary must assign a unique number to the biological. The number assigned may be any combination of numbers and either or both of letters and symbols.
Note: The number assigned is the biological number of the biological.
Certificate
(3) As soon as practicable after the biological has been included in the Register, the Secretary must give to the applicant a certificate of the inclusion of the biological in the Register.
(4) The certificate must:
(a) specify the biological number of the biological; and
(b) specify the day on which the inclusion of the biological in the Register commences.
Duration of inclusion in the Register
(5) The biological remains included in the Register in relation to the person until the Secretary cancels the entry of the biological from the Register under this Part.
Note: The biological is taken not to be included in the Register while it is suspended: see section 32FD.
32DC Refusal to include Class 1 biological in the Register
If:
(a) an application is made under subsection 32DA(1) to include a Class 1 biological in the Register; and
(b) the Secretary refuses the application;
the Secretary must, as soon as practicable after the refusal, give the person notice of the refusal and of the reasons for the refusal.
Subdivision C—Biologicals other than Class 1 biologicals
32DD Application for inclusion in the Register
(1) A person may make an application to the Secretary to include a biological, other than a Class 1 biological, in the Register.
(2) An application is not effective unless:
(a) the application is made in accordance with a form that is approved, in writing, by the Secretary and that relates to that biological; and
(b) the application is accompanied by any documents that the form requires; and
(c) the application is delivered to an office of the Department specified in the form; and
(d) if the Secretary so requires—the applicant has delivered to that office a reasonable number of samples of the biological; and
(e) the application is accompanied by the prescribed application fee.
Note: An evaluation fee is also payable: see sections 32DI to 32DM.
(3) The Secretary may approve different forms for different classes of biologicals that are prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of section 32AA.
(4) An approval of a form may require or permit an application to be given in accordance with specified software requirements:
(a) on a specified kind of data processing device; or
(b) by way of a specified kind of electronic transmission.
32DE Evaluation of biologicals
(1) If an application is made in accordance with section 32DD for a biological to be included in the Register in relation to a person, the Secretary must evaluate the biological for inclusion in the Register, having regard to:
(a) whether the quality, safety and efficacy of the biological for the purposes for which it is to be used have been satisfactorily established; and
(b) whether the presentation of the biological is acceptable; and
(c) whether the biological conforms to any standard applicable to it; and
(d) whether:
(i) the applicable provisions of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code; and
(ii) the other requirements (if any) relating to advertising applicable under Part 5‑1 or the regulations;
are complied with in relation to the biological; and
(e) if a step in the manufacture of the biological has been carried out outside Australia and the biological is not exempt from the operation of Part 3‑3—whether the manufacturing and quality control procedures used in the step are acceptable; and
(f) if a step in the manufacture of the biological has been carried out in Australia, the biological is not exempt from the operation of Part 3‑3 and the person is not exempt from the operation of that Part in relation to that step—whether that step has been carried out in accordance with that Part; and
(g) whether the biological contains substances that are prohibited imports for the purposes of the Customs Act 1901; and
(h) whether all of the manufacturers of the biological are nominated as manufacturers of the biological in the application; and
(i) such other matters (if any) as the Secretary considers relevant.
(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(e), subsections 25(2), (2E), (2F) and (2G) apply in a way corresponding to the way in which they apply for the purposes of paragraph 25(1)(g).
32DF Inclusion of biological in the Register
(1) If:
(a) an application is made in accordance with section 32DD for a biological to be included in the Register in relation to a person; and
(b) the Secretary decides that it is appropriate to include the biological in the Register after an evaluation under section 32DE; and
(c) no part of an evaluation fee under section 32DI that is due and payable by the person remains unpaid;
the Secretary must include the biological in the Register in relation to the person.
Biological number
(2) If the Secretary includes the biological in the Register, the Secretary must assign a unique number to the biological. The number assigned may be any combination of numbers and either or both of letters and symbols.
Note: The number assigned is the biological number of the biological.
Certificate
(3) As soon as practicable after the biological has been included in the Register, the Secretary must give to the applicant a certificate of the inclusion of the biological in the Register.
(4) The certificate must:
(a) specify the biological number of the biological; and
(b) specify the day on which the inclusion of the biological in the Register commences.
Duration of inclusion in the Register
(5) The biological remains included in the Register in relation to the person until the Secretary cancels the entry of the biological from the Register under this Part.
Note: The biological is taken not to be included in the Register while it is suspended: see section 32FD.
32DG Refusal to include biological in the Register
If:
(a) an application is made under subsection 32DD(1) to include a biological in the Register; and
(b) the Secretary refuses the application;
the Secretary must, as soon as practicable after the refusal, give the person notice of the refusal and of the reasons for the refusal.
32DH Lapsing of application
(1) An application under subsection 32DD(1) for inclusion of a biological in the Register lapses if:
(a) any part of the evaluation fee payable in respect of the biological remains unpaid at the end of the period of 42 days after the day on which the part became due and payable; or
(b) information given to the Secretary by, or on behalf of, the applicant in connection with the application, including information given for the purpose of a requirement under section 32JA, is false or misleading in a material particular; or
(c) the applicant fails to comply with a requirement under section 32JA to give information consisting of patient data in relation to the biological.
(2) In this section:
patient data, in relation to a biological, means information, derived from clinical trials, relating to individuals before, during and after the administration of the biological to those individuals, including, but not limited to, demographic, biochemical and haematological information.
32DI Evaluation fee
(1) If an application is made in accordance with section 32DD for a biological to be included in the Register, an evaluation fee specified in, or determined in accordance with, the regulations is payable by the applicant in respect of the evaluation of the biological for inclusion in the Register.
(2) The Secretary must notify the applicant in writing of the amount of the evaluation fee.
32DJ When evaluation fee due for payment
(1) Subject to sections 32DK and 32DM, an evaluation fee payable by an applicant is due and payable on the day on which the applicant is notified of the amount of the evaluation fee.
(2) The evaluation fee is payable in the manner prescribed by the regulations.
32DK Payment of evaluation fee by instalments
(1) The regulations may provide for the payment of an evaluation fee to be made by such instalments and at such times as are ascertained in accordance with the regulations, and the evaluation fee is due and payable accordingly.
(2) Regulations made for the purposes of subsection (1) may provide that a person is not allowed to pay an evaluation fee by instalments if any part of an instalment of that or any other evaluation fee payable by the person was unpaid immediately after the time when it became due for payment.
(3) If:
(a) the regulations make provision as mentioned in subsection (2); and
(b) an instalment of an evaluation fee under section 32DI was unpaid immediately after the time when it became due for payment;
the balance of the evaluation fee becomes due and payable immediately.
(4) Subsection (2) does not limit subsection (1).
32DL Recovery of evaluation fee
An evaluation fee may be recovered by the Commonwealth as a debt due to the Commonwealth.
32DM Reduction of evaluation fee where evaluation not completed within prescribed period
(1) Nothing in section 32DI, 32DJ or 32DK requires the applicant to pay more than 3/4 of the evaluation fee before the completion of the evaluation if a period is prescribed under paragraph 63(2)(daa) for completing the evaluation.
(2) The Secretary must notify the applicant in writing of the day the evaluation is completed.
(3) If the evaluation is not completed within that period, the evaluation fee is 3/4 of the fee that, apart from this subsection, would have been the evaluation fee.
(4) If:
(a) the evaluation is completed within that period; and
(b) part of the evaluation fee under section 32DI is unpaid when the evaluation is completed;
that part becomes due and payable on the completion of the evaluation.
(5) For the purposes of this section, if a copy of the evaluation report, or a summary of that report, is given to either or both of the following:
(a) the applicant;
(b) a committee established under the regulations to advise the Secretary on applications to include biologicals in the Register where a period for evaluating the biologicals is prescribed under paragraph 63(2)(daa);
then the evaluation is taken to be completed immediately before the first copy or summary is so given.
Note: This subsection has the effect that if the applicant withdraws the application after being given a copy of the evaluation report, or a summary of that report, before the end of that period, the full evaluation fee is due and payable by the applicant.
(6) A notification under subsection (2) is not a legislative instrument.
Subdivision D—Transitional provisions for existing biologicals
32DN Transitional provisions for existing biologicals
Biologicals currently included in the Register
(1) If, immediately before the commencement of this section, therapeutic goods that are a biological were included in relation to a person:
(a) in the part of the Register for goods known as registered goods; or
(b) in the part of the Register for goods known as listed goods; or
(c) in the part of the Register for medical devices included in the Register under Chapter 4;
then, as soon as practicable after the commencement of this section, the Secretary must:
(d) by writing, cancel the inclusion of the goods in that part; and
(e) include the biological in the Register under this Part in relation to the person; and
(f) vary the Register as a result of that cancellation and inclusion.
Pending applications
(2) If:
(a) before the commencement of this section, an application was made for the registration or listing of therapeutic goods that are a biological or for the inclusion of such goods in the Register under Chapter 4; and
(b) immediately before that commencement, the application was not finally determined; and
(c) the application has not been, and is not, withdrawn either before or after that commencement; and
(d) the application is successful when it is finally determined; and
(e) the goods are included:
(i) in the part of the Register for goods known as registered goods; or
(ii) in the part of the Register for goods known as listed goods; or
(iii) in the part of the Register for medical devices included in the Register under Chapter 4;
then, as soon as practicable after that inclusion, the Secretary must:
(f) by writing, cancel the inclusion of the goods in that part; and
(g) include the biological in the Register under this Part in relation to the person; and
(h) vary the Register as a result of that cancellation and inclusion.
(3) For the purposes of this section, an application is finally determined when the application, and any applications for review or appeals arising out of it, have been finally determined or otherwise disposed of.
Notice of decisions
(4) The Secretary must give the person written notice of the cancellation and inclusion under subsection (1) or (2).
Biological number
(5) If the Secretary includes the biological in the Register under subsection (1) or (2), the Secretary must assign a unique number to the biological. The number assigned may be any combination of numbers and either or both of letters and symbols.
Note: The number assigned is the biological number of the biological.
Certificate
(6) As soon as practicable after the biological has been included in the Register under this Part, the Secretary must give to the person a certificate of the inclusion of the biological in the Register.
(7) The certificate must:
(a) specify the biological number of the biological; and
(b) specify the day on which the inclusion of the biological in the Register under this Part commences.
Duration of inclusion in the Register
(8) The biological remains included in the Register in relation to the person until the Secretary cancels the entry of the biological from the Register under this Part.
Note: The biological is taken not to be included in the Register while it is suspended: see section 32FD.
Annual charge
(9) If, during a financial year, the Secretary includes a biological in the Register under subsection (1) or (2), subsection 4(1AA) of the Therapeutic Goods (Charges) Act 1989 does not apply in relation to the biological for that financial year.
No review of decisions
(10) A decision under this section is taken not to be an initial decision for the purposes of section 60.
Subdivision E—Criminal offences and civil penalties
32DO Criminal offences for false statements in applications for including biologicals in the Register
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person makes a statement; and
(b) the statement is made in, or in connection with, an application for inclusion of a biological in the Register; and
(c) the statement is false or misleading in a material particular; and
(d) either:
(i) the use of the biological has resulted in, or will result in, harm or injury to any person; or
(ii) the use of the biological, if the biological were used, would result in harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 4,000 penalty units, or both.
Note 1: A jury may acquit a person of an offence against this subsection and may convict the person of an offence against subsection (4) instead: see section 53A.
Note 2: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person makes a statement; and
(b) the statement is made in, or in connection with, an application for inclusion of a biological in the Register; and
(c) the statement is false or misleading in a material particular; and
(d) the use of the biological, if the biological were used, would be likely to result in harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: 2,000 penalty units.
Note: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(3) An offence against subsection (2) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(4) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person makes a statement; and
(b) the statement is made in, or in connection with, an application for inclusion of a biological in the Register; and
(c) the statement is false or misleading in a material particular.
Penalty for contravention of this subsection: Imprisonment for 12 months or 1,000 penalty units, or both.
32DP Civil penalty for false statements in applications for including biologicals in the Register
A person contravenes this section if the person in, or in connection with, an application for inclusion of a biological in the Register, makes a statement that is false or misleading in a material particular.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.
32DQ Criminal offence and civil penalty for failing to notify adverse effects etc. of biological while it is included in the Register
Criminal offence
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) a biological is included in the Register in relation to the person; and
(b) the person knows that particular information is information of a kind to which subsection (3) applies; and
(c) the person fails to give that information to the Secretary within the period specified in the regulations (whether or not the person has already given to the Secretary other information relating to the same matter).
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 1,000 penalty units, or both.
Note: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
Civil penalty
(2) A person contravenes this subsection if:
(a) a biological is included in the Register in relation to the person; and
(b) the person knows that particular information is information of a kind to which subsection (3) applies; and
(c) the person fails to give that information to the Secretary within the period specified in the regulations (whether or not the person has already given to the Secretary other information relating to the same matter).
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—3,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—30,000 penalty units.
Relevant information
(3) This subsection applies to information of the following kinds:
(a) information that contradicts information already given by the person under this Act in relation to the biological (including information given about the quality, safety or efficacy of the biological);
(b) information that indicates that the use of the biological in accordance with the recommendations for its use may have an unintended harmful effect;
(c) information that indicates that the biological, when used in accordance with the recommendations for its use, may not be as effective as the application for inclusion of the biological in the Register or information already given by the person under this Act suggests.
32DR Criminal offences and civil penalties for failing to notify adverse effects etc. of biological where application withdrawn or lapses
(1) If an application for inclusion of a biological in the Register is withdrawn or lapses, the Secretary may, within 14 days after the application is withdrawn or lapses, give the applicant written notice requiring the applicant:
(a) to inform the Secretary in writing whether the applicant is aware of any information of a kind to which subsection (2) applies; and
(b) if the applicant is aware of such information, to give the information to the Secretary in writing.
(2) This subsection applies to information of the following kinds:
(a) information that contradicts information already given by the person under this Act in relation to the biological (including information given about the quality, safety or efficacy of the biological);
(b) information that indicates that the use of the biological in accordance with the recommendations for its use may have an unintended harmful effect;
(c) information that indicates that the biological, when used in accordance with the recommendations for its use, may not be as effective as the application for inclusion of the biological in the Register or information already given by the person under this Act suggests.
Offences
(3) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the Secretary gives a notice to the person under subsection (1); and
(b) the person fails to comply with the notice within 30 days after the notice is given to the person.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 1,000 penalty units, or both.
Note: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(4) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person gives information in purported compliance with a notice under subsection (1); and
(b) the information is false or misleading in a material particular.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 1,000 penalty units, or both.
Note: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
Civil penalties
(5) A person contravenes this subsection if:
(a) the Secretary gives a notice to the person under subsection (1); and
(b) the person fails to comply with the notice within 30 days after the notice is given to the person.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—3,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—30,000 penalty units.
(6) A person contravenes this subsection if:
(a) the person gives information in purported compliance with a notice under subsection (1); and
(b) the information is false or misleading in a material particular.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—3,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—30,000 penalty units.
Subdivision F—Advice from Gene Technology Regulator
32DS Consultation with Gene Technology Regulator
(1) This section applies to an application for inclusion of a biological in the Register if the biological is, or contains, a GM product or a genetically modified organism.
(2) Subject to subsection (5), the Secretary must give written notice to the Gene Technology Regulator:
(a) stating that the application has been made; and
(b) requesting the Gene Technology Regulator to give advice about the application.
(3) If the Secretary gives the Gene Technology Regulator a notice under subsection (2), the Gene Technology Regulator may give written advice to the Secretary about the application.
(4) The advice is to be given within the period specified in the notice.
(5) If an advice from the Gene Technology Regulator is in force under section 32DT in relation to a class of biologicals, the Secretary is not required to notify the Gene Technology Regulator under this section in relation to an application for inclusion in the Register of a biological belonging to that class.
(6) A notice under subsection (2) is not a legislative instrument.
32DT Secretary may seek advice about classes of GM products or genetically modified organisms
(1) The Secretary may request advice from the Gene Technology Regulator in relation to:
(a) biologicals that consist of, or that contain, a GM product belonging to a class of GM products specified in the request; or
(b) biologicals that consist of, or that contain, genetically modified organisms belonging to a class of genetically modified organisms specified in the request.
(2) A request for advice under subsection (1) must specify the matters to which the advice is to relate.
(3) If the Secretary requests advice from the Gene Technology Regulator under subsection (1), the Gene Technology Regulator may provide written advice in relation to the matters specified in the request.
(4) If the Gene Technology Regulator gives advice to the Secretary under subsection (3), the advice remains in force until it is withdrawn by the Gene Technology Regulator by written notice given to the Secretary.
32DU Secretary to take advice into account
If the Secretary receives advice from the Gene Technology Regulator:
(a) in response to a notice under section 32DS within the period specified in the notice; or
(b) under section 32DT;
the Secretary must:
(c) ensure that the advice is taken into account in making a decision on the application to which the notice relates, or on an application to which the advice under section 32DT relates, as the case requires; and
(d) inform the Gene Technology Regulator of the decision on the application.
Division 5—Conditions
32E What this Division is about
Inclusions of biologicals in the Register are subject to certain automatic conditions. The Minister and the Secretary may impose further conditions.
32EA Conditions applying automatically
Entry and inspection powers
(1) The inclusion of a biological in the Register is subject to a condition that the person in relation to whom the biological is included in the Register will:
(a) allow an authorised person:
(i) to enter, at any reasonable time, any premises (including premises outside Australia) at which that person or any other person deals with the biological; and
(ii) while on those premises, to inspect those premises and any biological on those premises and to examine, take measurements of, conduct tests on or take samples of any biological on those premises or any thing on those premises that relates to any biological; and
(iii) while on those premises, to make any still or moving image or any recording of those premises or any thing on those premises; and
(b) if requested to do so by an authorised person, produce to the person such documents relating to the biological included in the Register as the person requires and allow the person to copy the documents.
(2) An authorised person is not authorised to enter premises as mentioned in subsection (1) unless the person has shown his or her identity card issued under section 52 if required by the occupier of the premises. For the purposes of this subsection, occupier, in relation to premises, includes a person present at the premises who is in apparent control of the premises.
Delivery of samples
(3) The inclusion of a biological in the Register is subject to a condition that the person in relation to whom the biological is included in the Register will deliver a reasonable number of samples of the biological if the Secretary so requests:
(a) within the period, of not less than 14 days after the day the request is made, specified in the request; and
(b) in accordance with any other requirements specified in the request.
Manufacturing
(4) The inclusion of a biological in the Register is subject to a condition that the person in relation to whom the biological is included in the Register will:
(a) if a manufacturer who was not nominated as a manufacturer of the biological in the application for inclusion of the biological in the Register is to become a manufacturer of a step in the manufacture of the biological—inform the Secretary in writing of that fact and of the name and address of that manufacturer before that manufacturer begins to carry out that step; and
(b) if premises that were not nominated in the application as premises to be used in the manufacture of the biological are to become premises used in a step in the manufacture of the biological—inform the Secretary in writing of that fact and of the name and address of the new premises before the premises are first so used.
(5) The inclusion of a biological, other than a Class 1 biological, in the Register is subject to a condition that:
(a) each step in the manufacture of the biological that is carried out in Australia is carried out by a person who is the holder of a licence to carry out that step or who is exempt from the operation of Part 3‑3 in relation to that step; and
(b) each step in the manufacture of the biological that is carried out outside Australia is the subject of a certification in force under subsection 32EB(2).
(6) Subsection (5) does not apply if the biological is exempt from the operation of Part 3‑3.
(7) Paragraph (5)(b) does not apply in relation to a step that was the subject of the evaluation under section 32DE. This subsection ceases to apply in relation to that step if either or both of the following occur:
(a) that step begins to be carried out at premises that are different from the premises in respect of which that evaluation was conducted;
(b) that step begins to be carried out by a manufacturer that is different from the manufacturer in respect of which that evaluation was conducted.
Expiry date
(8) The inclusion of a biological in the Register is subject to a condition that the person in relation to whom the biological is included in the Register will not supply a batch of the biological in Australia, or export a batch of the biological from Australia, after the expiry date for the biological.
Advertising
(9) The inclusion of a biological in the Register is subject to a condition that the person in relation to whom the biological is included in the Register will not, by any means, advertise the biological for an indication other than an indication accepted in relation to that inclusion.
32EB Certification of manufacturing steps outside Australia
(1) The person in relation to whom a biological, other than a Class 1 biological, is included in the Register may apply to the Secretary for a certification under this section of a step in the manufacture of the biological that is to be carried out outside Australia.
(2) If an application is made to the Secretary under this section, the Secretary may, by writing, certify that the manufacturing and quality control procedures used in that step are acceptable. The Secretary must give the person written notice of the certification.
(3) In deciding whether to give the certification, subsections 25(2), (2E), (2F) and (2G) apply in a way corresponding to the way in which they apply for the purposes of paragraph 25(1)(g).
32EC Imposition of conditions by legislative instrument
(1) The inclusion of a biological in the Register is subject to the conditions set out in a determination under subsection (2).
(2) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make a determination setting out conditions for the purposes of subsection (1), being conditions that relate to:
(a) the manufacture of the biological; or
(b) the custody, use, supply, disposal or destruction of the biological; or
(c) the keeping of records relating to the biological; or
(d) matters dealt with in, or matters additional to matters dealt with in, standards applicable to the biological; or
(e) such other matters relating to the biological as the Minister thinks appropriate.
(3) Without limiting subsection (2), different conditions may be specified for different classes of biologicals.
32ED Imposition of conditions at time biological included in the Register
(1) If the Secretary includes a biological in the Register in relation to a person, the Secretary may, by notice in writing given to the person, impose conditions on the inclusion of the biological in the Register.
(2) A notice under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument.
32EE Imposition or variation or removal of conditions after biological included in the Register
(1) The Secretary may, by notice in writing given to the person in relation to whom a biological is included in the Register, impose new conditions on the inclusion or vary or remove conditions imposed under section 32ED or this subsection.
(2) The Secretary’s power under subsection (1) may be exercised at the request of the person concerned or on the Secretary’s own initiative. A request must be accompanied by the prescribed fee.
(3) The imposition or variation or removal of a condition under subsection (1) takes effect:
(a) if the notice states that the action is necessary to prevent imminent risk of death, serious illness or serious injury—on the day on which the notice is given to the person; or
(aa) in the case of an imposition or variation requested by the person, and to which paragraph (a) does not apply—on the day specified in the notice, which must be at least 28 days after the notice is given to the person, unless the person has agreed to an earlier day; or
(ab) in the case of a removal to which paragraph (a) does not apply—on the day specified in the notice, which must be at least 28 days after the notice is given to the person, unless the person has agreed to an earlier day; or
(b) in any other case—on a later day specified in the notice, being a day not earlier than 28 days after the notice is given to the person.
(3A) For the purposes of paragraphs (3)(aa) and (ab), the earlier day must not be earlier than the day the notice is given to the person.
(4) A notice under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument.
32EF Criminal offences for breach of condition
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) a biological is included in the Register in relation to the person; and
(b) the person does an act or omits to do an act; and
(c) the act or omission breaches a condition of the inclusion of the biological in the Register; and
(d) the act or omission has resulted in, or will result in, harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 4,000 penalty units, or both.
Note 1: A jury may acquit a person of an offence against this subsection and may convict the person of an offence against subsection (4) instead: see section 53A.
Note 2: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) a biological is included in the Register in relation to the person; and
(b) the person does an act or omits to do an act; and
(c) the act or omission breaches a condition of the inclusion of the biological in the Register; and
(d) the act or omission is likely to result in harm or injury to any person.
Penalty: 2,000 penalty units.
Note: For the liability of an executive officer of a body corporate, see sections 54B and 54BA.
(3) An offence against subsection (2) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(4) A person commits an offence if:
(a) a biological is included in the Register in relation to the person; and
(b) the person does an act or omits to do an act; and
(c) the act or omission breaches a condition of the inclusion of the biological in the Register.
Penalty for contravention of this subsection: Imprisonment for 12 months or 1,000 penalty units, or both.
32EG Civil penalty for breach of condition
A person contravenes this section if:
(a) a biological is included in the Register in relation to the person; and
(b) the person does an act or omits to do an act; and
(c) the act or omission breaches a condition of the inclusion of the biological in the Register.
Maximum civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units; and
(b) for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.
Division 6—Suspension from the Register
32F What this Division is about
The Secretary may suspend biologicals from the Register in certain circumstances. A biological that is suspended is taken not to be included in the Register for most purposes.
32FA Suspension of biological from the Register
(1) The Secretary may, by written notice given to a person in relation to whom a biological is included in the Register, suspend the biological from the Register if:
(a) the Secretary is satisfied that:
(i) there is a potential risk of death, serious illness or serious injury if the biological continues to be included in the Register; and
(ii) it is likely that the person will, within the period of the suspension, be able to take the action necessary to ensure that the biological would not cause a potential risk of death, serious illness or serious injury if the biological were to continue to be included in the Register; or
(b) the Secretary is satisfied that it is likely that there are grounds for cancelling the entry of the biological from the Register under Division 7 (other than because of paragraph 32GA(1)(a) or (d)).
Notice of proposed suspension in some cases
(2) However, before suspending a biological from the Register because it is likely that there are grounds for cancelling the entry of the biological from the Register under section 32GC, the Secretary must:
(a) inform the person by written notice that the Secretary proposes the suspension and set out the reasons for it; and
(b) invite the person to make written submissions to the Secretary in relation to the proposed suspension within the period specified in the notice (being not less than 28 days after the day the notice is given).
(3) The Secretary must not make a decision relating to the proposed suspension until the Secretary has had regard to any submissions the person makes under paragraph (2)(b).
Period of suspension
(4) A notice under subsection (1) must specify the period of the suspension (which must not exceed 6 months).
Note: Section 32FB deals with when the suspension takes effect and extensions of the suspension.
Publication
(5) As soon as practicable after giving a notice under subsection (1), the Secretary must cause to be published in the Gazette or on the Department’s website a notice setting out particulars of the suspension.
Notice not a legislative instrument
(6) A notice under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument.
32FB When suspension takes effect etc.
(1) A suspension under section 32FA takes effect:
(a) if the notice under subsection 32FA(1) states that the suspension is necessary to prevent a potential risk of death, serious illness or serious injury—on the day on which the notice is given to the person; or
(b) in any other case—on a later day specified in the notice, being a day not earlier than 28 days after the notice is given to the person.
(2) The suspension has effect until:
(a) the Secretary revokes it under section 32FC; or
(b) the end of:
(i) the period specified under subsection 32FA(4); or
(ii) if the period is extended under subsection (3) of this section—the period as so extended.
Extension of suspension
(3) The Secretary may, by written notice given to the person, extend the period specified under subsection 32FA(4) by a further specified period not exceeding 6 months.
Publication
(4) As soon as practicable after giving a notice under subsection (3), the Secretary must cause to be published in the Gazette or on the Department’s website a notice setting out particulars of the extension.
Notice not a legislative instrument
(5) A notice under subsection (3) is not a legislative instrument.
32FC Revocation of suspension
(1) The Secretary must revoke a suspension under section 32FA, by written notice given to the person in relation to whom the biological is included in the Register, if the Secretary is satisfied that:
(a) the ground on which the biological was suspended from the Register no longer applies; and
(b) there are no other grounds for suspending the biological from the Register.
(2) The Secretary’s power to revoke the suspension may be exercised:
(a) if the person in relation to whom the biological is included in the Register applies in writing to the Secretary; or
(b) on the Secretary’s own initiative.
Publication
(3) As soon as practicable after giving a notice under subsection (1), the Secretary must cause to be published in the Gazette or on the Department’s website a notice setting out particulars of the revocation.
Notice of refusal to revoke suspension
(4) If the Secretary decides, after an application is made under paragraph (2)(a), not to revoke the suspension, the Secretary must:
(a) notify the applicant in writing of his or her decision; and
(b) state in the notice the reasons for the decision.
Notice not a legislative instrument
(5) A notice under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument.
32FD Effect of suspension
(1) If a biological is suspended from the Register under section 32FA, the biological is taken, for the purposes of this Act (other than section 32DQ, Division 5, sections 32FB and 32FC and Divisions 7 and 9), not to be included in the Register while the suspension has effect.
Note: Dealing in a biological that is not included in the Register may be a criminal offence or may contravene a civil penalty provision: see Division 2.
(2) While the suspension has effect, the Secretary’s power under Division 7 to cancel the entry of the biological from the Register is not affected.
Division 7—Cancellation from the Register
32G What this Division is about
The Secretary may cancel inclusions of biologicals in the Register in certain circumstances.
32GA Immediate cancellation of biological from the Register in various circumstances
(1) The Secretary may, by written notice given to the person in relation to whom a biological is included in the Register, cancel the entry of the biological from the Register if:
(a) the Secretary is satisfied that there would be an imminent risk of death, serious illness or serious injury if the biological continued to be included in the Register; or
(b) the biological ceases to be a biological or the biological becomes covered by an order under section 7 declaring goods not to be therapeutic goods; or
(c) the person is exempt under subsection 32CA(1) in relation to the biological or the biological is exempt under subsection 32CA(2); or
(d) the person requests in writing the cancellation of the entry of the biological from the Register; or
(e) the biological contains substances that are prohibited imports for the purposes of the Customs Act 1901; or
(f) the Secretary is satisfied that a statement made in, or in connection with, the application for including the biological in the Register was false or misleading in a material particular; or
(g) the annual charge payable under the Therapeutic Goods (Charges) Act 1989 in respect of the inclusion of the biological in the Register is not paid within 28 days after it becomes payable; or
(h) the person has failed to comply with a condition mentioned in subsection 32EA(1) or (3); or
(i) both of the following apply:
(i) under the regulations, an authority constituted by or under the regulations gives a direction to, or makes a requirement of, the person in relation to an advertisement of the biological to ensure that advertising complies with the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code;
(ii) the person does not comply with the direction or requirement; or
(j) there is a breach, involving the biological, of an applicable provision of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code or any other requirement relating to advertising applicable under Part 5‑1 or under the regulations.
(2) A notice under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument.
32GB Immediate cancellation of biological from the Register after failure to comply with information gathering notice
(1) The Secretary may, by written notice given to the person in relation to whom a biological is included in the Register, cancel the entry of the biological from the Register if:
(a) the Secretary gives to the person a notice under section 32JA requiring the person to give to the Secretary information, or to produce to the Secretary documents, relating to the biological; and
(b) the notice under section 32JA is given for the purposes of ascertaining whether any of the certifications by the person under subsection 32DA(3) in relation to the biological are incorrect; and
(c) the person fails to comply with the notice under section 32JA within a further 14 days after the end of the period specified in that notice.
(2) The Secretary may, by written notice given to the person in relation to whom a biological is included in the Register, cancel the entry of the biological from the Register if:
(a) the Secretary gives to the person a notice under section 32JA requiring the person to give to the Secretary information, or to produce to the Secretary documents, relating to whether the biological is being:
(i) supplied in Australia; or
(ii) imported into Australia; or
(iii) exported from Australia; and
(b) either:
(i) the information or documents given are to the effect that the biological is not being supplied in Australia, imported into Australia or exported from Australia; or
(ii) the person fails to comply with the notice under section 32JA within a further 14 days after the end of the period specified in that notice.
(3) A notice under subsection (1) or (2) is not a legislative instrument.
32GC Cancellation of biological from the Register after notice of proposed cancellation
(1) The Secretary may, by written notice given to the person in relation to whom a biological is included in the Register, cancel the entry of the biological from the Register if:
(a) it appears to the Secretary that the quality, safety or efficacy of the biological is unacceptable or that the presentation of the biological is not acceptable; or
(b) the biological has changed so that it has become separate and distinct from the biological as so included; or
Note: Section 32AB deals with when a biological is separate and distinct from other biologicals.
(c) the person has failed to comply with a condition to which the inclusion of the biological is subject (except a condition mentioned in subsection 32EA(1) or (3)); or
(d) the Secretary gives to the person a notice under section 32JA:
(i) that requires the person to give to the Secretary information, or to produce to the Secretary documents, relating to the biological; and
(ii) in respect of which section 32GB does not apply;
and the person fails to comply with that notice within a further 14 days after the end of the period specified in that notice; or
(e) the person contravenes subsection 32DQ(1) or (2) in relation to the biological; or
(f) the biological does not conform to a standard applicable to it; or
(g) either of the following has not been complied with in relation to the biological:
(i) an applicable provision of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code;
(ii) any other requirement relating to advertising applicable under Part 5‑1 or under the regulations.
(2) However, before cancelling the entry of the biological from the Register, the Secretary must:
(a) inform the person