Australian Industrial Chemicals Scheme (AICIS) : Introduction

The National Transport Commission (NTC) of Australia has announced key amendments to the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code. These changes introduce clearer definitions and improved segregation rules for incompatible dangerous goods. These changes aim to enhance workplace safety, reduce transport-related risks, and ensure regulatory clarity. 

Background on the ADG Code Revision 

A draft version of the revised ADG Code was released for public consultation in October 2024. In response to stakeholder feedback, the NTC held webinars, most recently on 12 March 2025, to address concerns and clarify the proposed changes. The ADG Code establishes national requirements for the classification, labelling, and handling of hazardous substances by road and rail in Australia. 

Key Updates from the draft 

1. Incompatible Dangerous Goods 

• Segregation provisions split:  Separate rules for packages and bulk tanks. 

• Revised chemical compatibility table. 

• Clarification on acids and alkalies. 

• New chemical groupings table, with a particular emphasis on strong acids. 

2. Definition of a "Dangerous Situation" 

• Existing Definition Maintained: Due to stakeholder concerns, the current definition remains unchanged: "A situation causing or likely to cause imminent risk of death or injury to a person, or harm to the environment or to property." 

• Enhanced Guidance Added: Additional examples and context have been provided to help users recognize reportable incidents and improve understanding of serious risks. 

Obligations for Stakeholders 

Stakeholders should: 

• Review and apply the revised provisions in the updated ADG Code, particularly those regarding segregation rules and chemical classifications.  

• Update internal policies and ensure that staff are trained on the new definitions and compatibility groupings.  

• Incorporate the clarified definition of a “dangerous situation” should into incident reporting processes to enhance accuracy and consistency.  

Additionally, stakeholders are encouraged to stay engaged in the consultation process by attending the upcoming NTC webinar on 2 April for further updates and discussion. 

The Australian government has updated its Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS), listing new high-risk industrial chemicals for review. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has prioritized chemicals under the 2024-2027 IChEMS Scheduling Strategy, focusing on substances with significant environmental risks.

This framework categorizes chemicals into seven risk-based schedules, with Schedules 6 and 7 covering substances of highest concern due to their potential for irreversible harm.

IChEMS Schedules and Minimum Standards

Industrial chemicals are categorized from Schedule 1 (lowest risk) to Schedule 7 (highest risk) to ensure proper management, use, and disposal. The standard applies:

• Stricter controls on higher-risk chemicals.

• Baseline environmental safety requirements through IChEMS Minimum Standards.

• Prohibitions and restrictions where necessary.

2024-2027 IChEMS Scheduling Strategy

The IChEMS Scheduling Strategy outlines long-term regulatory priorities for the management of industrial chemicals to ensure that their classification and control are consistent with environmental protection goals. As part of this strategy, the current work plan (2024-2025) focuses on specific high-priority chemicals that are expected to undergo assessment.

Chemicals under Review

Known and Emerging Chemicals of Concern

• Decabromodiphenylethane (DBDPE) (CAS RN: 84852-53-9)

Internationally Recognized Chemicals of Concern

• Minamata Convention: Mercury metal and industrial mercury compounds (CAS RN: 7439-97-6, 10112-91-1, etc.).

• Rotterdam Convention: Tetraethyl lead (CAS RN: 78-00-2), 1,2-dichloroethane (CAS RN: 107-06-2), and Tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate (CAS RN: 126-72-7).

• Stockholm Convention: Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (C9-C21), Medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) (CAS RN: 85535-85-9).

• Restricted Chemicals in Canada, EU, and US: Nonylphenol (CAS RN: 25154-52-3), Commercial octabromobiphenyl (CAS RN: 27858-07-7).

• Perfluorinated Substances: Perfluoro-4-ethylcyclohexane sulfonate (CAS RN: 646-83-3).

Regulatory Actions and Compliance Requirements

Mandatory Standards for Chemical Management

IChEMS sets strict measures for:

• Safe use, storage, handling, and disposal of industrial chemicals.

• New import restrictions on high-risk substances.

• Transitioning to alternative chemicals where applicable.

Public Consultation and Industry Participation

The DCCEEW seeks input from stakeholders to refine the standards. Industry professionals, chemical manufacturers, and importers are encouraged to:

• Comment on the feasibility of proposed regulations.

• Submit supporting evidence for amendments.

• Ensure compliance with updated chemical safety laws.

Future Chemical Scheduling Considerations

• Additional restrictions on high-risk chemicals.

• Regulation of emerging pollutants.

• Adoption of global best practices for chemical safety.

The IChEMS work plan can be found here.