The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has taken strong action against alleged illegal import, manufacture, supply and advertising of therapeutic goods in Australia during 2019-20. During the year, 187 infringement notices were issued for alleged breaches of the therapeutic goods legislation, totalling almost $1.8 million.
In the same period, the TGA pursued civil court action against three companies, with the Federal Court of Australia ordering one company to pay the Commonwealth $10 million for breaches of therapeutic goods advertising requirements. A further five criminal matters were referred to the Commonwealth Department of Public Prosecution.
These actions are an important part of the TGA’s work to protect Australian consumers.
Infringements related to COVID-19
Alleged breaches of the therapeutic goods legislation in relation to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) resulted in 58 infringement notices totalling $0.549 million. These were issued to 14 companies and 4 individuals between 26 March 2020 and 30 June 2020.
Other infringements
A further 129 infringement notices totalling $1.242 million were also issued throughout the financial year. These infringement notices, to 13 companies and 7 individuals, were for a range of alleged breaches of the therapeutic goods legislation not related to COVID-19.
