Scheduling (national classification system)
Scheduling is a national classification system that controls how medicines and chemicals are made available to the consumers in order to protect public health.
Medicines and chemicals are classified into Schedules according to the level of regulatory control over the availability of the medicine or chemical required to protect public health and safety. The Schedules are published in the Poisons Standard and are given legal effect through state and territory legislation.
For details go to Scheduling of medicines & poisons.
Key information
Scheduling
- Scheduling basics
- Advisory Committee on Chemicals Scheduling
- Advisory Committee on Medicines Scheduling
- Public notices about scheduling
- Update on Psilocybin and MDMA scheduling
- Implementation of decisions and actions following the review of chemical scheduling in relation to cosmetic and fragrance ingredients
- Scheduling legislation
- Scheduling news
Poisons Standard
- Introduction to the Poisons Standard
- The Poisons Standard (the SUSMP)
- AHMAC - Scheduling policy framework for medicines and chemicals
- Scheduling handbook: Guidance for amending the Poisons Standard
State and territory information
- State/Territory scheduling information
- Contacts for State/Territory medicines & poisons regulation units
- Australian State & Territory regulatory controls on Schedule 7 poisons
- Australian State & Territory variations from Part 4 of the Poisons Standard
Amending the Poisons Standard and consultation coversheets
- Scheduling handbook: Guidance for amending the Poisons Standard
- Application to amend the Poisons Standard
Reports
- Independent Expert Panel on MDMA and psilocybin
- Independent expert report on the risks of intentional self-poisoning with paracetamol
- An evaluation of the therapeutic value, benefits and risks of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and psilocybin for the treatment of mental, behavioural or developmental disorders
- Regulatory options for appropriate access and safety controls for alkyl nitrites - Public meeting questions and answers
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Comply with paracetamol pack size changes
If your business sells or advertises paracetamol, then you need to be aware of the new rules around pack sizes that commence on 1 February 2025. -
Therapeutic Goods (Poisons Standard) (Paracetamol) Labelling Exemption (No. 1) 2024
This instrument is made under section 39 of the current Poisons Standard. -
Therapeutic Goods (Poisons Standard) (Paracetamol) Labelling Exemption (No. 2) 2024
This instrument is made under section 39 of the current Poisons Standard.
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Find out about the public submissions on scheduling matters referred to the ACMS #46 meeting held in November 2024
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Interim decisions and invitation for further comment. Closing date: 27 July 2025
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This web publication constitutes a notice for the purposes of regulation 42ZCZS and regulation 42ZCZX of the Therapeutic Goods Regulations 1990 (the Regulations).
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Consultation: Proposed amendments to the Poisons Standard in relation to homosalate, oxybenzone and benzophenone – Joint ACMS-ACCS meeting – September 2025
In accordance with regulation 42ZCZK of the Therapeutic Goods Regulations 1990, the Secretary invites public submissions on scheduling proposals referred to the June 2025 meetings of the Advisory Committees on Medicines and Chemicals Scheduling.