On October 1, 2026, the Therapeutic Goods (Poisons Standard-October 2026) Instrument 2026 took effect, replacing the June edition. The new edition adds two BPA-type acrylates-BPA glycidyl dimethacrylate (CAS No.1565-94-2) and BPA glycidyl diacrylate (CAS No.4687-94-9)-to Schedule 6, applicable to preparations for cosmetic use, and simultaneously introduces the corresponding first aid instructions and warning statement requirements.
Two BPA-Type Acrylates Newly Listed in Schedule 6
Neither substance was previously scheduled under the Poisons Standard. Both new Schedule 6 entries are limited to "in preparations for cosmetic use", and industrial uses fall outside the scope of these entries.
The amendment is based on the evaluation statement of the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) on BPA-based acrylates and methacrylates, and was considered at the 40th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Chemicals Scheduling (ACCS #40, March 2025); the TGA Delegate published the interim decision on December 18, 2025, no public submissions were received during the consultation period, and the final decision confirmed the interim decision.
Scheduling Does Not Mean a Ban - Attention Should Be Paid to the New Requirements
Schedule 6 lists substances of moderate hazard (Poisons), which are controlled through warning labels, safety directions, and special packaging rather than a prohibition on use.
Under the new entries added to Appendix E (first aid instructions) and Appendix F (warning statements and safety directions), the products concerned must carry:
- First aid instructions: "For advice, contact a Poisons Information Centre (e.g. phone Australia 13 11 26; New Zealand 0800 764 766) or a doctor (at once)."
- Safety directions: "Avoid contact with skin" and "(Over) (Repeated) exposure may cause sensitisation".
Background: Focus on the Sensitisation Risks of Nail UV Gel Products
BPA-type acrylates are mainly used in industrial fields such as adhesives, coatings, and inks, and in cosmetics are commonly found in products such as nail UV gels. According to the AICIS evaluation, five BPA-based (meth)acrylates may be used in cosmetic nail products, of which only the two above have been listed in Schedule 6 this time; the remaining three (ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate, ethoxylated bisphenol A diacrylate, and bisphenol A bis(methacryloyloxyethoxyethyl) ether) are not scheduled for the time being.
These substances are known skin sensitisers; before UV curing, the monomers/oligomers in the products can come into direct contact with the skin. Once a consumer is sensitised, subsequent exposure to extremely low doses can trigger allergic reactions, and the growing at-home use has further increased the exposure risk. In view of the wide range of cosmetic products affected, the TGA set the implementation date at October 1, 2026, allowing a transition period for industry.
CIRS Reminder
The two BPA-type acrylates are commonly found in nail UV gel and similar products. Cosmetic companies exporting to Australia should check their product formulations as soon as possible; where the above ingredients are present, they must ensure that, from October 1, 2026, labels comply with the Schedule 6 requirements (warning statements, safety directions, and first aid instructions), and should pay close attention to Australian compliance requirements
If you need any assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with us via service@cirs-group.com.
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