Industrial chemicals

The Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS), aids in the protection of the Australian people and the environment through the regulation of the introduction of industrial chemicals, the assessment and evaluation of the introduction and use of certain industrial chemicals and providing information and recommendations to promote their safe use. Industrial chemicals include a broad range of chemicals used in inks, plastics, adhesives, paints, glues, solvents, cosmetics, soaps and many other products. The Office of Chemical Safety (OCS) within the Department of Health and Aged Care administers the statutory scheme known as the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 (IC Act). OCS assessments inform decisions made by a wide range of Commonwealth, State and Territory government agencies involved in regulating the control, use, release and disposal of industrial chemicals. AICIS administers the following licensing systems under the IC Act:

• Chemical assessments and authorisations – The import and/or manufacture of industrial chemicals is authorised under specific categories. Chemicals not listed on the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals (Inventory) may be introduced under Exempted (very low risk introductions), Reported (low risk) or Assessed (medium to high risk) categories. Introducers will have to first categorise the chemical they wish to introduce by determining the indicative risk to human health and the environment. Commercial importers and/or manufacturers (introducers) are required to apply for assessment of a medium to high risk chemical and upon completion an assessment certificate may be granted. Introducers are also required to apply to vary the Inventory listing for an industrial chemical if their intended use differs from that specified in the listing. An introducer may apply for a commercial evaluation authorisation in order to evaluate the commercial viability of industrial chemicals.
• Registration of introducers – establishes a Register of Industrial Chemical Introducers – A certificate of Registration authorises companies and persons to import industrial chemicals into Australia.
• International Conventions - is responsible for implementing the domestic obligations of the Rotterdam Convention for industrial chemicals and the Minamata Convention on Mecury for mercury with industrial use. Australia's import decisions for industrial chemicals listed in Annex III of the Convention reflects the current regulatory status of that chemical in Australia. More information can be obtained from:
https://www.industrialchemicals.gov.au/chemical-information/banned-or-re...
• Rotterdam Convention - The importation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and other substances obtained by chlorinating terphenyls (PCTs) and other polyphenyls, is prohibited under the provisions of the Customs Act 1901 and Prohibited Import (PI) Regulations unless the permission in writing of the responsible Minister is granted and presented at the time of importation. The permission must be issued in the name of the owner. It may include strict conditions as to the application, disposal and destruction of the industrial chemicals.
Under the Industrial Chemicals (General) Rules 2019, the introduction and export of chemicals listed in sections 72 and 73 is prohibited without approval from the Executive Director, AICIS.

Refer above for details of each licensing system and chemicals that are subject to each system under the IC Act.

International Conventions - The Rotterdam Convention applies to chemicals subject to the Convention originating in and coming from countries that are Parties to that Convention. The purpose of the Rotterdam Convention is to promote shared responsibility and cooperative efforts among Parties in the international trade of certain hazardous chemicals in order to protect human health and the environment from potential harm. Systems for chemicals covered by the Rotterdam Convention apply to goods originating in and coming from countries that are Parties to that Convention. AICIS also authorises chemicals imported from countries which are not a Party to the Convention, for example tetraethyl lead. The licensing of chemicals covered by the Rotterdam Convention is for the purpose of fulfilling Australia's obligations under that Convention. The monetary value is not a criterion for control.

Not applicable.

Chemical assessment and authorisation applies to the importation of industrial chemicals (as defined in the IC Act) from all countries.

International Conventions – Rotterdam Convention applies to chemicals subject to the Convention originating in and coming from countries that are Parties to that Convention. AICIS also authorises chemicals imported from countries which are not a Party to the Convention, for example tetraethyl lead.