Australia Regulatory News

On 13 November 2025, the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) opened a public consultation on proposed revisions to the Categorisation Guidelines. This annual update provides a ...

On 13 November 2025, the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) opened a public consultation on proposed revisions to the Categorisation Guidelines. This annual update provides a consolidated overview of all the planned amendments to be included the September 2026 edition, bringing together technical corrections, hazard-based updates, and regulatory clarifications. Two of the proposed changes are open for public comment, while the remainder are provided for information purposes only.

Overview of Proposed Changes

The consultation package covers four categories of updates that will shape the 2026 Categorisation Guidelines.

1. Updates to the List of Chemicals with High Hazards for Categorisation (Information Only)

The AICIS is proposing extensive changes to the high-hazard list that is used to determine introducers’ obligations. The draft update includes:

• 249 new chemicals to be added
• 121 existing entries to be updated
• Two chemicals to be removed
• One CAS number correction

These changes will ensure that the hazard listings continue to reflect the latest scientific understanding, supporting more accurate categorisation outcomes. While this part of the update is not open for comment, the AICIS is providing the full list so introducers can assess the potential impact on their future introductions.

2. High Hazard Salts and Esters (Open for Comment)

The AICIS is proposing to include the following five chemicals in part 6.5.2 of the Categorisation Guidelines, based on an evaluation indicating the need to demonstrate the absence of the developmental toxicity hazard characteristic. Introducers may need to verify that their introductions are not salts or esters of these specified chemicals during the categorisation process.

Chemicals proposed for inclusion:

• 1H-Benzotriazole, 6-chloro- (CAS 94-97-3)
• 1H-Benzotriazole (CAS 95-14-7)
• 1H-Benzotriazole, 6-methyl- (CAS 136-85-6)
• 1H-Benzotriazole, 6 (or 7)-methyl- (CAS 29385-43-1)
• 1H-Benzotriazole, 7-methyl- (CAS 29878-31-7)

The exception criteria remain the same as for other chemicals in this section. A salt or ester would not fall under this hazard requirement if:

• it is a high-molecular-weight polymer with low levels of low molecular weight species, or
• its molecular weight is greater than or equal to 1,000 g/mol.

Stakeholders are invited to comment on the proposed additions and to nominate other salts or esters that may need to be assessed for developmental toxicity concerns.

3. Single Definition for “Chemical Identity Holder” (Open for Comment)

The AICIS proposes replacing the current two definitions of ‘chemical identity holder’ with a single, consolidated definition. This is intended is to clarify how the term is used throughout the Categorisation Guidelines. Stakeholders are invited to comment on the revised definition.

4. Updated Links and Minor Editorial Amendments (Information Only)

The consultation also includes several smaller updates aimed at improving usability. These involve updated links and cross-references, structural refinements, and minor editorial changes that do not alter regulatory obligations, but will improve the clarity of the Guidelines ahead of their release in 2026.

Next Steps

Comments on the two open proposals are invited until 28 January 2026. AICIS will review the feedback before finalising the September 2026 Categorisation Guidelines.

On 5 November 2025, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) launched a public consultation on proposed environmental management standards for ten groups of industr...

On 5 November 2025, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) launched a public consultation on proposed environmental management standards for ten groups of industrial chemicals under the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS). The draft decisions set out proposed schedule assignments, which determine the level of environmental control that would apply. The consultation is open until 8 December 2025. The chemical groups included in this consultation are proposed for listing in Schedules 3, 4, and 5 of IChEMS.

Chemical Groups Included in the Consultation

The proposal covers the following groups of industrial chemicals:

• Dibutylphthalate, di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate and diisooctylphthalate
• Short-chain alkyl- and aryl-phthalates
• Lead(2+) salts of long-chain carboxylic acids
• Lead(2+) salts of medium-chain carboxylic acids
• Parabens
• Ethoxylated alcohols (Group A)
• Ethoxylated alcohols (Group B)
• Medium and long-chain alkyl sulfonates
• 1,3-Propanediamine, N-[3-(C11–14-isoalkyloxy)propyl] derivatives, C13-rich, acetates (Lilaflot 817M)
• Carbonodithioic acid, O-(2-methylbutyl) ester, sodium salt (1:1) and carbonodithioic acid, O-(3-methylbutyl) ester, sodium salt (1:1)

The two groups of ethoxylated alcohols are evaluated separately due to differences in their hazard profiles under the AICIS assessment.

• Ethoxylated alcohols (Group A) are proposed for Schedule 4, based on their classification as Aquatic Chronic 2.
• Ethoxylated alcohols (Group B) are proposed for Schedule 3, with classifications of Aquatic Chronic 3 or no chronic GHS classification.

These distinctions reflect differing levels of anticipated environmental concern and result in different proposed management requirements under IChEMS.

Background on IChEMS

IChEMS is Australia’s national framework for managing the environmental risks of industrial chemicals. The system assigns chemicals to one of seven schedules. Schedule 1 contains chemicals of minimal environmental concern that require only basic stewardship, while Schedule 7 contains chemicals of the highest concern, which may not be used, imported or manufactured without explicit authorisation. Schedules 3, 4 and 5 fall between these two extremes and impose increasing levels of environmental control depending on the assessed risk.

• Schedule 3 applies to chemicals that have the potential to cause harm to the environment.
• Schedule 4 applies to chemicals that may cause harm to the environment and therefore require tighter management measures.
• Schedule 5 applies to chemicals that are likely to cause harm to the environment and may be subject to more stringent conditions, restrictions or prohibitions.

The substances included in this consultation fall within Schedules 3, 4 and 5, reflecting varying levels of environmental concern.

Next Steps

After the consultation period ends, the DCCEEW will review stakeholder input before finalising the schedule assignments. Once adopted, the schedules will determine the environmental management obligations for importers, manufacturers, and industrial users of these chemicals.

The consultation documents, proposed scheduling decisions, chemical profiles and the survey can be found here.

On 14 October 2025, the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) announced a major update to its Rolling Action Plan (RAP), initiating a national evaluation of per- and polyfluo...

On 14 October 2025, the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) announced a major update to its Rolling Action Plan (RAP), initiating a national evaluation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) listed on the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals (AIIC).

Conducted under section 74 of the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019, the evaluation will determine whether these PFAS are currently being imported or manufactured in Australia, and if so, for what purposes and in what quantities. This initiative aims to strengthen oversight of PFAS use and identify substances that may require further regulatory scrutiny.

A full list of the 522 PFAS currently subject to evaluation can be found in the RAP here.

Information Required from Industry

To support the evaluation, the AICIS will issue notices under section 76 of the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 to all registrants whose registration period spans 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2025. These registrants will be legally required to provide data for the 2023–24 and 2024–25 registration years, including:

• Whether they have imported or manufactured any of the 522 listed PFAS in Australia.
• For each such substance, the CAS number and chemical name; how it was introduced (import or manufacture); the total quantity; and its intended end use.
• If certain information cannot be provided, the reason(s) must be given.

Registrants must submit the required information within 40 working days of receiving the notice, using the unique online form provided by AICIS. They are also encouraged to voluntarily report data from earlier years to assist the evaluation.

Strengthening PFAS Oversight

This initiative is part of the AICIS’s broader strategy to enhance the transparency of, and management of PFAS, a group of highly persistent chemicals that are linked to long-term environmental and health risks. The information collected will help inform future risk management and regulatory actions within Australia.

The Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) has announced that all organisations which imported or manufactured industrial chemicals for commercial purposes between 1 September ...

The Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) has announced that all organisations which imported or manufactured industrial chemicals for commercial purposes between 1 September 2024 and 31 August 2025 are required to submit their annual declaration by 30 November 2025.

Who needs to declare

Any “introducer” under the AICIS—meaning anyone who manufactures or imports industrial chemicals—is obligated to make an annual declaration if they carried out introductions during that period. The declaration affirms that all chemical introductions comply with the requirements under the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019.

What the declaration involves

Introducers will need to specify which of the six introduction categories applies to each chemical they manufactured or imported:

• Listed introductions – chemicals that are on the Inventory and introduced according to their terms of listing
• Exempted introductions – very low-risk chemicals or other narrowly defined categories (like polymers of low concern, research & development chemicals, etc.)
• Reported introductions – low risk chemicals where a pre-introduction report was submitted
• Assessed introductions – those covered by an assessment certificate during the year
• Commercial evaluation introductions – where a commercial evaluation authorisation was in force
• Exceptional circumstance introductions – where an authorisation under exceptional circumstances was granted by the Minister

Some exempted introduction types will also require a post-introduction declaration.

Resources and guidance

AICIS has released a new video to guide introducers through the declaration process, which can be accessed here. There is also a categorisation guide to help determine which introduction category applies.

Why this matters

Submissions of annual declarations are essential for AICIS to ensure that industrial chemical introductions remain compliant with Australia’s regulatory framework, intended to protect health, safety, and the environment. Introducers declaring under the correct categories help maintain transparency and regulatory oversight.

Australia’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is moving forward with reforming packaging regulations after reviewing extensive feedback from the public and ind...

Australia’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is moving forward with reforming packaging regulations after reviewing extensive feedback from the public and industry. A recent consultation summary revealed strong support for a nationally coordinated regulatory approach to packaging and momentum is now building towards the next phase of policy development. 

The consultation received 426 responses, including widespread public support for stronger national regulation. Over 80% favoured Commonwealth oversight, and 65% supported Option 3 - an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme with mandatory requirements.  

Respondents emphasized the need for close industry consultation during the design of the scheme, reinvestment of EPR funds into the supply chain, and national consistency in recycling efforts. There was also strong backing for bans on problematic packaging materials, mandatory recycled content thresholds, eco-modulated fees, and recyclability labelling. The reform aims to reduce environmental impact and support a circular economy, with further policy development and stakeholder engagement planned. 

Sustainable Shift 

The vast majority (95%) of survey respondents supported the proposed goal of the packaging reform to reduce environmental impacts and promote a circular economy in Australia. Many called for stronger measures to avoid, reduce, and reuse packaging waste, especially plastic packaging. There was clear backing for targeting problematic materials first and banning harmful packaging materials such as carbon black, oxo-degradables, and PFAS.  

Respondents favoured eco-modulated financial incentives to encourage sustainable packaging design, along with mandatory national thresholds for recycled content. There was also strong support for compulsory recyclability labelling and for nationally consistent approaches across recycling systems. Some participants recommended expanding the scope of the reform to include broader environmental outcomes, such as reducing emissions. 

Further steps 

Following extensive public consultation, the Australian government is now moving into the next phase of packaging regulatory reform. Authorities will conduct further analysis of stakeholder feedback to guide the development of a new regulatory framework. Targeted consultations will continue to refine specific elements of the reform, and consideration will be given to the preferred model for a reformed packaging regulation system. 

Australia’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has proposed new environmental standards for industrial chemicals under the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Ma...

Australia’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has proposed new environmental standards for industrial chemicals under the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS). These proposals aim to regulate chemicals that pose significant or irreversible harm to the environment. If adopted, these measures will impact the manufacturing, import, export, use, and disposal of several industrial chemicals starting from 2026 and 2027.

This summary provides a detailed overview of the proposed standards for the following chemicals: decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), mercury and mercury compounds, 1,2-dibromoethane, methylcyclopentadienyl manganese Tricarbonyl (MMT), 1,2-dichloroethane, and aryl sulfonate hydrotropes.

Decabromodiphenyl Ethane (DBDPE): Strict Management Measures Proposed

Chemical Identity:

• Name: Benzene, 1,1'-(1,2-ethanediyl)bis[2,3,4,5,6-pentabromo-]

• Common name: Decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE)

• CAS Numbers: 84852-53-9, 1092834-40-6

• Proposed effective date: 1 January 2027

Proposed Regulations:

• Use Prohibitions: Ban on manufacturing, import, and usage unless specifically exempted for essential applications.

• Essential Use Exemptions: Allowed for critical sectors such as aerospace, automotive, defence, electronic equipment, and building industries, with a phase-out planned by 1 July 2033.

• Trace Contamination Allowance: Permitted up to 10 mg/kg in substances or mixtures and 500 mg/kg in articles.

• Waste Management: Disposal must either destroy or irreversibly transform the chemical to prevent environmental release.

Background:
DBDPE is used as a flame retardant but is persistent and toxic to the environment. Australia’s proposed actions align with international efforts to phase out such substances.

Mercury and Mercury Compounds: Tightened Controls in Line with Minamata Convention

Chemical Identity:

• Name: Mercury and mercury compounds

• CAS Number: 7439-97-6 and related compounds

• Proposed effective date: 1 July 2026

Proposed Regulations:

• Ban on Manufacture, Import, and Use: Mercury and its compounds will be strictly prohibited except for a few essential uses.

• Permitted Essential Uses: Military, civil protection, certain measuring devices, cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs), and situations where no mercury-free alternatives exist.

• Waste Management: Mercury waste containing more than 15 mg/kg must be treated according to the Basel Convention guidelines.

• Stockpile Notification: Entities holding mercury stockpiles must report and manage them responsibly.

Background:
Australia’s regulatory action aligns with commitments under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, aiming to minimize mercury releases and protect public and environmental health.

1,2-Dibromoethane: New Handling Requirements to Minimize Environmental Risks

Chemical Identity:

• Name: Ethane, 1,2-dibromo-

• CAS Number: 106-93-4

• Proposed effective date: 1 January 2026

Key Measures:

• Primary Use: As a fuel additive in leaded aviation gasoline (AvGas), with some use as a solvent and chemical intermediate.

• Environmental Management: Must be handled according to IChEMS Minimum Standards, including risk management plans and environmentally safe storage practices.

Background:
Despite its usefulness in aviation, 1,2-dibromoethane is persistent and toxic, posing environmental and human health risks.

Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl (MMT): Fuel Additive under Scrutiny

Chemical Identity:

• Name: Manganese, tricarbonyl[(1,2,3,4,5-η)-1-methyl-2,4-cyclopentadien-1-yl]-

• Common Names: MMT, Methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl

• CAS Number: 12108-13-3

• Proposed effective date: 1 January 2026

Key Measures:

• Use Restriction: Limited to use as a fuel additive for anti-valve seat recession and as an octane booster.

• Management Compliance: Companies must comply with IChEMS Minimum Standards covering handling, storage, incident management, and waste disposal.

Background:
MMT is widely used to enhance fuel performance but poses risks due to the release of manganese into the environment.

1,2-Dichloroethane: New Environmental Controls Proposed

Chemical Identity:

• Name: Ethane, 1,2-dichloro-

• CAS Number: 107-06-2

• Proposed effective date: 1 January 2026

Key Measures:

• Primary Use: As a feedstock for manufacturing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and as an industrial solvent.

• Mandatory Compliance: Management through robust risk plans and environmentally safe disposal practices as per IChEMS standards.

Background:
1,2-Dichloroethane is a high-production-volume chemical with significant environmental risks, especially through its volatilization and potential to contaminate groundwater.

Aryl Sulfonate Hydrotropes: Low-Risk Chemicals, Still Under Monitoring

Chemical Identity:

• Chemical Group: Aryl sulfonate hydrotropes

• CAS Numbers: Includes a wide range such as 98-11-3, 515-42-4, and others

• Proposed effective date: 1 January 2026

Key Measures:

• Application Areas: Extensively used in domestic products including paints, personal care items, detergents, and textiles.

• Environmental Risk Level: Classified as unlikely to cause environmental harm, but still subject to IChEMS compliance for information sharing, safe handling, and responsible waste management.

Background:
These chemicals are important emulsifiers and stabilizers used across many industries, but due diligence is still necessary to prevent environmental harm from improper disposal.

What Are the IChEMS Minimum Standards?

All chemicals addressed by the proposed decisions must comply with the IChEMS Minimum Standards, which include:

• Information and Awareness: Inform the supply chain about environmental risks.

• Risk Management Planning: Identify, evaluate, and control environmental risks.

• Harm Minimization Controls: Prioritize elimination or reduction of chemical hazards.

• Environmentally Safe Storage: Ensure secure and compliant chemical storage.

• Effective Incident Response: Prepare for and manage chemical spills and accidents.

• Environmentally Responsible Waste Management: Apply the waste hierarchy principles, ensuring proper recycling, treatment, or disposal.

Conclusion

Australia is taking significant steps to tighten the management of industrial chemicals through the IChEMS framework. By aligning domestic regulations with international conventions such as the Minamata Convention and the Basel Convention, the country aims to enhance environmental safety and sustainability. Manufacturers, importers, distributors, and of the affected chemicals should  start preparations now to ensure full compliance when the new standards enter into force.

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 rul...

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.