The government is now operating in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions, pending the outcome of the 2025 federal election.
Changes to the visibility of suspended medical devices
From 16 September 2021, the visibility of suspended medical devices in the ARTG database has changed, with the suspended medical devices no longer visible in the ARTG database on the TGA web site. The suspended medical device is not visible as it cannot be lawfully supplied. In addition, the ARTG certificate and record summary of the suspended medical device will be watermarked as 'Suspended'. Sponsors of a suspended medical device will not be able to submit an application to vary their medical device entry, or transfer the ARTG entry to another sponsor whilst the medical device remains suspended.
Database for suspensions
The TGA maintains a database listing suspensions from the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) based on the different circumstances in which the suspension occurs and the kind of therapeutic goods involved.
About suspensions
To find out whether a product is currently authorised for supply in Australia, check the ARTG.
Effect of suspension
Once suspended, the goods are taken not to be included in the ARTG while the suspension has effect. The therapeutic good cannot be imported, manufactured or exported from Australia by the sponsor for the duration of the suspension. The Secretary can revoke or extend a suspension.
Review of a suspension by a delegate of the Minister
Under section 60 of the Act, a person whose interests are affected by a decision of the Secretary to suspend the entry of therapeutic goods from the ARTG, can, within 90 days, request an internal review of the decision by the Minister for Health. A person can also seek a review by the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) of the decision by the Minister on the internal review.
The Secretary is required under the Act to publish particulars of any decision by the delegate of the Minister that overturns a decision to suspend a product from the ARTG. Information about any such reviews of a suspension is the database under 'Decision status'.
Records of individual decisions
The database contains records of compliance decisions that the Secretary is required under the Act to publish. If a delegate of the Minister decides to revoke the suspension, the information about both the initial and review decisions are required to remain available to the public. It is for this reason that details about all decisions will remain in the database.