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.
If you are a non-pharmacy retailer such as a supermarket, petrol station or convenience store, you will only be able to sell packs of paracetamol containing 16 tablets or capsules from 1 February 2025.
If you currently have paracetamol packs containing 20 tablets or capsules, you need to run down your stocks before 1 February 2025 or return them to the wholesaler. It will be illegal to sell packs of 20 from this date.
These restrictions cover paracetamol products and combination products, such as cold and flu medicines that contain paracetamol. Any paracetamol tablets and capsules for general sale will also be required to be in blister packaging. Retailers are encouraged to restrict sales to a single pack at a time.
Pharmacies must also prepare for the new restrictions that will:
- Reduce the maximum size of packs available in pharmacies without the supervision of a pharmacist (i.e. ‘Pharmacy Medicine’ packs) from 100 to 50 tablets or capsules.
- Make other pack sizes of up to 100 tablets or capsules available only under the supervision of a pharmacist (i.e. ‘Pharmacist Only Medicines’).
For more information, visit tga.gov.au/news/blog/comply-paracetamol-pack-size-changes.