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Reviewed by The Nootropic Lab Editorial Team·Last updated: 27 May 2026

TGA-Listed Cognitive Supplements (Australia) — AUST L vs AUST R + Permitted Indications

Therapeutic goods sold in Australia must be entered in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) with an AUST L (listed), AUST L(A) (listed assessed), or AUST R (registered) number. Most cognitive supplements are AUST L. This page explains what each category means, how to read AUST numbers on labels, and how the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code 2021 governs claim language for cognitive products.

Affiliate disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Our editorial opinions are independent — we only recommend products we have independently researched. Read our methodology.

ARTG listing categories

AUST L (Listed)

Evidence bar: Lower-risk; pre-cleared ingredients only; manufacturer self-certifies efficacy.

Permitted indications: Limited to TGA pre-approved Permitted Indications list. Cannot include serious-form indications.

Example: AUST L 246877 — Blackmores Brain Active (multi-vitamin + Bacopa stack)

AUST L(A) (Listed Assessed)

Evidence bar: Listed but with TGA assessment of efficacy claims; intermediate evidentiary bar.

Permitted indications: May use intermediate-form indications beyond standard AUST L list, subject to assessment.

Example: Less common; growing category for premium evidence-graded products

AUST R (Registered)

Evidence bar: Higher-risk products; full TGA evaluation of safety, quality, and efficacy.

Permitted indications: Approved indications based on submitted clinical data. May include serious-form indications.

Example: Less common for cognitive supplements; more typical for prescription-adjacent products

How to verify an AUST number

  1. Locate the AUST L / AUST L(A) / AUST R number on the product label.
  2. Open the ARTG public summary search.
  3. Enter the AUST number; verify sponsor name matches the brand, medicinal ingredients match the label, listing status is "active".
  4. If the listing is "cancelled" or details do not match, do not purchase.

Audit of our Australian catalog

We track 8 productsin our Australian catalog. Products are a mix of TGA-listed Australian-domiciled brands (Blackmores, Nature's Own, Swisse) and U.S.-domiciled brands available via cross-border channels (iHerb AU warehouse, Amazon AU). Our reviews note the AUST number where visible on product labelling. Per-product AUST L surfacing is on our 2026 roadmap.

Until per-product AUST surfacing ships, verify each AUST L claim directly via the ARTG link above before purchasing.

Frequently asked questions

What is an AUST L number?

An AUST L number is the unique identifier issued by the Therapeutic Goods Administration when a low-risk listed medicine is entered in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The number appears on the product label, typically as "AUST L XXXXXX". Listed medicines use pre-cleared ingredients and the manufacturer self-certifies that efficacy claims are supported.

How do I check an AUST L number?

Search the ARTG public summary on the TGA website. Enter the AUST L number (or product name); if the listing is current you will see the sponsor (the company holding the listing), the medicinal ingredients, the indications, and the listing status. AUST L listings can be cancelled if the TGA finds the product non-compliant — always verify currency before purchase.

What is the difference between AUST L and AUST R?

AUST L (Listed) covers lower-risk medicines with pre-cleared ingredients and manufacturer self-certified efficacy. AUST R (Registered) covers higher-risk medicines that undergo full TGA evaluation of safety, quality, and efficacy data. Most cognitive supplements are AUST L; AUST R is more typical for prescription-adjacent products. AUST L(A) is an intermediate "Listed Assessed" category for products with TGA-assessed efficacy claims beyond standard AUST L scope.

What are "permitted indications"?

Permitted Indications are the specific health claim phrasings the TGA has pre-approved for AUST L medicines. AUST L sponsors may only make claims drawn from this list. For cognitive supplements, permitted indications include phrasings like "supports mental focus", "supports cognitive function", and "may help relieve symptoms of mild stress". Claims outside this list (e.g. "treats Alzheimer's") trigger the higher AUST R category and require full registration.

What is the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code?

The Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code 2021 governs how listed and registered medicines may be advertised to consumers in Australia. It applies to product copy on websites, social media, retail, and editorial content. The Code prohibits claims of cure, comparisons with prescription drugs, testimonials by health professionals, and other restricted forms. We follow the Code on this site and use AUST L permitted-indication language verbatim where applicable.

Regulatory sources (6)expand
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