Imported Food Notice (IFN) 16-23 advises importers and brokers of regulatory changes for sports supplements that are in the form of tablets, capsules or pills.
 

Key points include:

From 30 November 2023, products for the improvement or maintenance of physical or mental performance in sport, exercise, or recreation activity and that are supplied in the dosage form of a tablet, capsule or pill, other than products that only contain glucose, will be required to be registered as a therapeutic good (medicine).

Manufacturers / importers may make a commercial decision to withdraw their sports supplements from the market or have the product reformulated to be considered as food, rather than be regulated as therapeutic goods.

From 30 November 2023, sports supplements in the form of a tablet, capsule or pill, that are referred for inspection under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme and are assessed as being within scope of the new requirements will be referred to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Sports supplements that meet the requirements of the Food Standard Code and are presented in a typical food form will not be affected by the changed requirements. This includes food products such as protein powders, nutrition bars and energy drinks.