Australia Consults to Amend the Poisons Standard

In September 2024, Australia released two public consultations regarding the amendment to the Poison Standard. One is about the interim decision on the amendment of the Poisons Standard, and the other is the proposed changes to the Poisons Standard.

Consultation on Interim Decisions

On April 23, 2024, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia launched a public consultation, inviting public submissions regarding proposed amendments to five substances in the Poisons Standard. On September 19, 2024, TGA launched a public consultation on interim decisions of those proposals. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the consultation by October 18, 2024.

Among the proposed amendments, allyl esters and glyoxylic acid are relevant to cosmetic use. While uses of allyl esters were not identified in Australia, the chemicals are reported to be used in cosmetics, particularly perfumery, overseas. The interim decisions include two derivatives of allyl alcohol under the scope of “ALLYL ESTERS” in Schedule 6. Additionally, glyoxylic acid will be included in Schedule 6, along with warning statements and safety directions. Below are the proposed details of these two substances. Proposed additions are shown in green.

Industrial Chemicals

Proposed Amendments

Interim Decisions

Implementation Date

Allyl esters

Amend Entry – Schedule 6 Poisons

ALLYL ESTERS (excluding derivatives) being:

(a) ALLYL CYCLOHEXANEACETATE (CAS No. 4728-82-9); or

(b) ALLYL CYCLOHEXANEPROPIONATE (CAS No. 2705-87-5); or

(d) ALLYL HEXANOATE (CAS No. 123-68-2); or

(e) ALLYL ISOVALERATE (CAS No. 2835-39-4); or

(f) ALLYL NONANOATE (CAS No. 7493-72-3); or

(g) ALLYL OCTANOATE (CAS No. 4230-97-1); or

(h) ALLYL PHENYLACETATE (CAS No. 1797-74-6); or

(i) ALLYL TRIMETHYLHEXANOATE (CAS No. 68132-80-9); or

(j) ALLYL PHENOXYACETATE (CAS No. 7493-74-5); or

(k) ALLYL (CYCLOHEXYLOXY)ACETATE (CAS No. 68901-15-5);

in preparations containing 0.1% or less of free allyl alcohol by the weight of allyl ester except in preparations containing 5% or less of allyl esters with 0.1% or less of free allyl alcohol by the weight of allyl esters.

Including allyl phenoxyacetate and allyl (cyclohexyloxy) acetate into Schedule 6 of the Poisons Standard

February 1, 2025

Glyoxylic acid

New Entry of Schedule 6 – Poisons

GLYOXYLIC ACID (including its salts and esters) in cosmetic products.

New Entry of Appendix E, clause 3 – First aid instructions for poisons

Statement code (and statement):

A (For advice, contact a Poisons Information Centre (e.g. phone Australia 13 11 26; New Zealand 0800 764 766) or a doctor (at once).)

G3 (If swallowed, do NOT induce vomiting.)

E2 (If in eyes, hold eyelids apart and flush the eye continuously with running water. Continue flushing until advised to stop by a Poisons Information Centre (e.g. phone Australia 13 11 26; New Zealand 0800 764 766) or a doctor, or for at least 15 minutes.)

New Entry of Appendix F, clause 4 – Poisons that must be labeled with warning statements and safety directions

Warning statement item number (and statement):

79 (Will irritate eyes)

Safety direction item number (and statement):

1 (Avoid contact with eyes)

5 (Wear protective gloves when mixing or using)

6 (Wash hands after use)

31 (Do not use on broken skin)

[Either of:]

9 (Use only in well ventilated area.)

10 (Ensure adequate ventilation when using.)

Creating a new entry for glyoxylic acid

June 1, 2026

Consultation on Proposes Amendments

On September 23, 2024, TGA launched another public consultation on proposed amendments to the Poisons Standard. The proposed amendments focus on five industrial chemicals, among which, Symphytum officinalis (comfrey) is relevant to cosmetic use. The proposed amendment allows Symphytum spp. (comfrey) to be used in dermal preparations for therapeutic or cosmetic use under concentrations of 20% or less. Below are the details of the proposed amendment. Proposed additions are shown in green.

Industrial Chemicals

CAS Number

Alternative Names

Proposed Amendments

Symphytum officinalis (comfrey)

84696-05-9

Comfrey, boneset, knitbone, black wort, wall wort, slippery root

Amend entry – Schedule 5 Caution

SYMPHYTUM spp. in preparations for dermal therapeutic or dermal cosmetic use except in preparations for dermal therapeutic or dermal cosmetic use containing 20% or less of comfrey.

Amend entry – Schedule 10 Substances of such danger to health as to warrant prohibition of sale, supply and use

SYMPHYTUM spp. in preparations for human or animal use except when included or expressly excluded from Schedule 5.