Liniments and Veterinary Medicines Manufactured from Methylated Spirits Regulations (Provisional)

Overview

The Provisional Regulation under the Spirits Act 1906, enacted in 1909, was introduced to address the need for clear labelling of liniment and veterinary medicine products manufactured from methylated spirits. This regulation was established by the Governor-General in the context of urgency, as advised by the Federal Executive Council, and was intended to come into immediate operation. The aim of this legislation was to ensure that such products had clear and explicit labelling to inform consumers and users of the specific concentration of methylated spirit contained within the preparations. This regulatory measure was necessary to maintain consumer safety and transparency in the sale and use of these products.

Scope and Application

The Provisional Regulation under the Spirits Act 1906 pertains to the labelling requirements for liniments and veterinary medicines that are manufactured from methylated spirits. This Act applies to manufacturers and suppliers of these specific types of products, ensuring that consumers and veterinary professionals are adequately informed about the contents of the products they purchase. The geographic scope of this regulation is national, as it applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, thereby ensuring a consistent standard of information across all states and territories. The regulation mandates that the label on these products must explicitly state the percentage by volume of standard methylated spirit contained within, thus ensuring transparency and compliance with safety standards. The regulation does not explicitly outline exclusions or exemptions, and it operates under the overarching authority of the Spirits Act 1906, which may be further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments or amendments as necessary.

Key Provisions

The Provisional Regulation under the Spirits Act 1906, as detailed in Statutory Rules 1909, No. 112, mandates that any liniments or veterinary medicines manufactured from methylated spirits must include a specific label description (Section 1). The label must clearly state the percentage by volume of standard methylated spirit in the preparation, with the exact quantity to be explicitly mentioned (Section 1). Entities manufacturing these products are required to ensure that the label adheres to these specifications. They must provide clear and accurate information on the product, ensuring consumers and users are fully informed about the contents of the liniment or veterinary medicine. This requirement ensures transparency and compliance with the regulations, protecting public health and safety by clearly indicating the presence of methylated spirits, which are potentially harmful if misused or not properly labelled. Failure to comply with these labelling requirements may result in legal consequences. Under the Spirits Act 1906, non-compliance can lead to penalties. The specifics of these penalties, including potential fines or other sanctions, are not detailed within the Provisional Regulation itself, but it is clear that breaches will be subject to enforcement actions as per the overarching legislative framework. It is essential for manufacturers to adhere strictly to these labelling standards to avoid any legal repercussions.