Cost Recovery Implementation Statement (CRIS)
In accordance with the Australian Government Charging Framework, we review our Cost Recovery Implementation Statement (CRIS) for the pharmacy approvals process every year.
Based on the outcome of the review, the fees for applications may change.
The Minister has approved the fees below, effective from 1 August 2025:
- for applications the Australian Community Pharmacy Authority (ACPA) assesses – $1,370
- for applications we assess – $465
The rationale for these fees is summarised in the Cost Recovery Implementation Statement 2025–2026.
Fees are determined using the Activity-Based Costing (ABC) methodology for the allocation of all direct and indirect costs to the pharmacy approval activities. Direct and indirect costs are estimated based on the average time required to assess one application.
Application types that incur a fee
Application fees apply to:
- applications ACPA assesses for approval to:
- establish a new pharmacy to supply pharmaceutical benefits
- relocate an approved pharmacy (with or without change of ownership).
- applications we assess for approval to:
- change ownership of an approved pharmacy (not involving relocation)
- expand or contract the size of an approved pharmacy.
Fees when applications are rejected
All applications to establish a new or relocate an existing pharmacy go through the same checking and assessment processes by both us and the ACPA. This is regardless of whether there are multiple applications for the same location or where an application sits in the queue. As the fees are to recover costs associated with these regulatory processes, payment of the full application fee applies.
Fees when applications are invalid
If, on preliminary review, we deem your application is invalid because you have not provided the correct information or documents, you will be asked to resubmit the application. You will not have to pay another application fee but lodgement will be recorded as the date and time the application is resubmitted. This may mean your application is pushed further down the queue.
Fees when applications are deferred
If ACPA requests further information for consideration at a later meeting or out of session, you will not be required to pay another application fee.
Fees for Ministerial Discretion
Fees do not apply when requesting Ministerial Discretion as this is considered an appeal process, not a regulatory charging activity.
Fees for medical practitioners or hospital authorities seeking approval
Applications from medical practitioners or hospital authorities seeking approval to supply PBS medicines do not incur a fee.
Paying the application fee
After lodging your application you will be prompted to make a credit card payment online. Alternatively you can download the invoice to make a payment through BPay, Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or by credit card over the phone.
Fees must be paid within 7 calendar days from the date of the invoice. To ensure your payment is processed within 7 calendar days, please make your payment as soon as possible.
If we do not receive your payment within 7 calendar days from the date of the invoice we will cancel your application.
You can withdraw your application at any time. However, we will not issue a refund once an invoice for the application fee has been paid.