The Australian Government has introduced measures under the Biosecurity Act 2015 to prohibit price gouging and impose restrictions on the improper export of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RAT).
The measures will be in place from today and will remain in place until 17 February 2022, Minister for Home Affairs, Karen Andrews said in a statement.
”These measures will prevent people who have purchased RAT’s at retail settings to on-sell them at extortionate prices, which is assessed at more than 120 per cent more than the price for which they were purchased,” Minister Andrews said.
”A person must also not export a COVID-19 rapid antigen test kit from Australia, unless a valid exception applies.
”People found to be engaged in price gouging or unlawfully exporting RAT kits will be required to surrender those kits to law enforcement agencies or Customs officials for destruction or redistribution to the National Medical Stockpile as appropriate.”
Penalties for failing to comply with the new requirements include up to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $66,600, or both.
The Minister said the Government was also working with the pharmacy sector and major retailers to prevent hoarding and bolster the supply of RAT kits by limiting the number of tests people can buy at any one time.
”PCR and RAT testing for COVID-19 remains free for people who are suspected to have COVID-19 or who are close contacts, through Government run testing clinics.
”To support the high number of tests currently being undertaken; the Commonwealth Government has secured more than 70 million rapid antigen tests which will arrive throughout this month and the next. Together with these new measures, in addition to private market supply, this will ensure a steady supply of RAT kits for Australians,” said Minister Andrews.
