Australia Regulatory News

The Australian Government has launched the National Circular Economy Framework (NCEF), a landmark initiative designed to double the circularity of Australia’s economy by 2035. This ambitious strateg...

The Australian Government has launched the National Circular Economy Framework (NCEF), a landmark initiative designed to double the circularity of Australia’s economy by 2035. This ambitious strategy aims to redefine how resources are used, reused, and regenerated across all industries, promoting environmental sustainability and economic resilience.

A Vision for Circularity

The framework envisions a future where economic growth and environmental protection go hand in hand. It outlines plans to transition from a linear “take, make, dispose” model to a circular economy where waste is minimized, and materials are kept in continuous use. With a current circularity rate of 4.6%, below the global average of 7.2%, Australia’s target to double circularity underlines the Government’s commitment to systemic change.

Key Objectives and Targets

The NCEF has set three overarching targets:

1. Reduce the Material Footprint by 10%: By emphasizing sustainable design and longer-lasting materials, Australia aims to reduce its per capita material consumption, which is currently the highest among G20 nations.

2. Increase Material Productivity by 30%: This will involve optimizing the use of raw materials in production processes, promoting innovation in recycling and manufacturing, and improving supply chain efficiency.

3. Recover 80% of Resources Safely: By increasing resource recovery rates from the current 63% to 80%, the Framework aims to minimize landfill waste and increase the recycling of critical materials.

Addressing Chemicals of Concern

A critical aspect of the Framework is to address chemicals that hinder safe recycling and reuse. The government plans to implement advanced detection technologies and green chemistry to design safer products and ensure confidence in recycled goods. These measures align with the broader vision of creating a toxin-free circular economy.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

According to modelling by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), meeting the targets could:

• Add $26 billion annually to Australia’s GDP by 2035.

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 14%.

• Divert 26 million tonnes of material from landfill each year.

By promoting a circular economy, the framework is expected to increase Australia’s competitiveness in global markets for sustainable goods, reduce dependence on virgin materials, and mitigate environmental challenges.

Sectoral Focus Areas

The NCEF prioritizes four key sectors:

• Industry: Promoting the use of recycled materials in manufacturing and investing in durable, reusable goods.

• Built Environment: Promote the use of sustainable construction materials and refurbish existing structures to reduce waste.

• Food and Agriculture: Reducing food waste and valorizing agricultural residues for biofuels and other products.

• Resources: Improving the recovery of critical minerals from mining tailings and end-of-life products.

Collaborative Implementation

The framework emphasizes collaboration across governments, businesses, investors, researchers, and individuals. Key initiatives include:

• Embedding circular principles in public procurement.

• Investing in advanced recycling technologies and shared infrastructure.

• Educating consumers about sustainable practices and promoting behavior change.

Commitment to Indigenous Knowledge

Recognizing the longstanding stewardship of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the Framework integrates traditional ecological knowledge into its strategies. This approach ensures that the transition to a circular economy also advances equity and inclusion.

A Pathway to Sustainability

The NCEF is Australia’s first comprehensive commitment to a national transition to a circular economy. With its targets, sectoral priorities, and collaborative approach, the framework provides a blueprint for aligning economic progress with environmental stewardship, paving the way for a sustainable future.

On 5 December 2024, Australia updated the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS) Register under the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management (Register) Amendment (2024 Me...

On 5 December 2024, Australia updated the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS) Register under the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management (Register) Amendment (2024 Measures No. 2) Instrument 2024, with changes to take effect from 1 July 2025. These updates introduce new chemicals and amendments to ensure that industrial chemicals are managed in accordance with national environmental safety objectives.

Background on IChEMS

The Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS) provides a consistent, national framework for managing industrial chemicals based on their environmental risks. The system categorizes chemicals into Schedules 1–7, with higher Schedules reflecting stricter controls or bans. IChEMS aligns state, territorial, and federal efforts to reduce environmental harm from hazardous chemicals.

New Substances Added to the IChEMS Register

The Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management (Register) Amendment (2024 Measures No. 2) Instrument 2024 introduces the following substances:

Effective 1 July 2025:

• Lauryl (dodecyl) sulfates (CAS 151-41-7, 151-21-3, and others) – Added to Schedule 3 (controlled use).

• Linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (CAS 27176-87-0, 25155-30-0, and others) – added to Schedule 3 (controlled use).

• Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (CAS 1336-36-3) – Added to Schedule 7 (use banned).

• Hexachlorobenzene (CAS 118-74-1) – Added to Schedule 7 (use banned).

• Polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs) (CAS 61788-33-8) – Added to Schedule 7 (use banned).

Amendments to Existing Substances in Schedule 7

Key updates include:

• 1,2,3,4,5-pentachlorobenzene – Expanded allowable use for research and laboratory purposes.

• Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and related compounds – Adjustments to contamination thresholds and allowable uses for existing firefighting foams.

• Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) – Minor wording update.

• Short chain chlorinated paraffins (C10–13) – Typographical correction.

Compliance Requirements

Industries must:

• Review updated Schedules 3 and 7 for newly listed chemicals and amendments.

• Ensure compliance with minimum environmental management standards.

• Adjust operational practices, particularly for substances that are now banned or restricted.

Strengthening Environmental Protection

By updating the IChEMS Register with substances such as PCBs, hexachlorobenzene and PCTs, Australia continues its commitment to managing chemicals that pose significant risks to ecosystems. These changes support national efforts to reduce pollution and align chemical management practices with global standards.

On December 6, 2024, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) published a mandatory recall of all products containing the active component ‘chlorthal dimethyl’. This re...

On December 6, 2024, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) published a mandatory recall of all products containing the active component ‘chlorthal dimethyl’. This regulation came after the APVMA cancelled the registration of these items on October 9, 2024, due to safety concerns.

The Recall Order

The APVMA has issued an order under Section 101 of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994 requiring firms who supply chlorthal dimethyl products to take immediate action. Companies are obligated to:

• Notify Customers: Within 30 days, notify all consumers who own this active substance of the recall.

• Product Recovery and Destruction: Within 60 days, retrieve any remaining product inventories or acquire proof of destruction in compliance with local hazardous waste legislation.

• Stock Disposal: Within 60 days, either destroy any remaining supplies or safely keep them in quarantine until October 8, 2025, when they must be destroyed.

• Report to APVMA: Provide a thorough report to the APVMA within 10 business days after receiving a written request, describing the steps taken to comply with the recall order.

The APVMA recommends that consumers and companies with chlorthal dimethyl products stop using them immediately and follow the advice supplied by the seller or the APVMA. Improper handling or disposal of these compounds can have serious consequences for human health and the environment.

*Source

The Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) is seeking feedback on proposed updates to the list of chemicals with high hazards for categorisation and categorization guidelines for ...

The Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) is seeking feedback on proposed updates to the list of chemicals with high hazards for categorisation and categorization guidelines for 2025. Key changes include the addition of 116 new chemicals and four AICIS-assessed substances, streamlined guidelines and an annual update schedule. Stakeholders are encouraged to share their input by 5 December 2024.

Key Updates to the High Hazard Chemical List

• New Additions

The AICIS will add 116 new chemicals to the list of chemicals with high hazards for categorisation, reflecting updates from external sources since the last revision. These chemicals exhibit hazard characteristics classified as human health hazard band C or environment hazard band C or D. As a result, their introduction may not qualify as exempted or reported under Steps 4 and 5 of the categorisation process.

While these changes will only affect a small number of importers or manufacturers based on current pre-introduction reports and post-introduction declarations, the AICIS will proactively contact affected companies prior to before implementing these updates.

• Adding AICIS-Assessed Chemicals to the List

Four chemicals that have been directly assessed by AICIS under the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 are also proposed for inclusion. These substances meet the criteria for inclusion based on their human health hazard band C or environment hazard band C or D classifications. The AICIS will reach out to affected stakeholders before these chemicals are officially added.

How Chemicals Are Added to the List

AICIS has streamlined the process for adding chemicals to the list of chemicals with high hazards for categorisation. As outlined in the April 2024 Guidelines update, the executive director has discretionary authority to include chemicals identified as hazardous through assessments conducted under the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 or the Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Act 1989.

Proposed Revisions to the Categorization Guidelines

AICIS is seeking feedback on proposed revisions to the Industrial Chemicals Categorisation Guidelines, including editorial and structural updates. Key revisions include:

• Annual Updates: The AICIS plans to update the Guidelines and list of chemicals with high hazards for categorisation annually, beginning in September 2025, coinciding with the registration year.

• Clarified Information: Simplified descriptions in Appendix 8.1 will remove unnecessary text and ensure clear identification of listed chemicals.

• Text and Formatting Enhancements: Formatting changes will improve document accessibility and remove outdated references, including redundant footnotes.

Additional Highlights

• Text Corrections: Updates to source descriptions in Appendix 8.1 will clarify the basis for inclusion of chemicals without changing their categorisation status.

• Removed References: Sources removed in previous updates, such as the "Government of Canada Toxic Substances List," will no longer appear in the downloadable spreadsheet, streamlining the list.

• Editorial Adjustments: Non-substantive changes, such as naming conventions and link updates, are intended to improve the user experience without altering the content.

Opportunities for Stakeholder Feedback

The AICIS welcomes stakeholder perspectives on the following:

• Annual update schedule and fixed consultation timelines.

• Inclusion of AICIS-Assessed Chemicals on list of chemicals with high hazards for categorisation.

• Whether additional salts or esters of high hazard chemicals should be included in the guidelines.

The consultation will close on 5 December 2024. Feedback can be submitted through the AICIS consultation page here.

On 24 September 2024, the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) introduced Version 3 of the Industrial Chemicals Categorisation Guidelines. This major update introduces specific ...

On 24 September 2024, the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) introduced Version 3 of the Industrial Chemicals Categorisation Guidelines. This major update introduces specific revisions to guide chemical importers and manufacturers in Australia, ensuring compliance with current hazard assessment standards and aligning with recent regulatory changes.

Resources and Support for Chemical Introducers

The AICIS has refined its guidance resources, particularly in steps 4.4 (Human Health Hazard Characteristics) and 5.4 (Environmental Hazard Characteristics) of the Categorisation Guidelines, reflecting updates first outlined in March and August 2024. These adaptations clarify test methods, predictive tools and hazard identification criteria, particularly for bioaccumulation and organ toxicity assessments. The updated resources aim to streamline the categorisation process for companies and ensure compliance with current regulatory expectations.

List of Chemicals with High Hazard: Comprehensive Update

The revised AICIS Guidelines includes a significantly expanded list of high-hazard chemicals, adding nearly 600 unique entries for introducers to refer to when categorising chemicals as exempted, reported, or assessed. This list consolidates chemicals recognised as highly hazardous by trusted national and international bodies (e.g. European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), Chemical Substances Control Law of Japan (CSCL)). In addition, the European Commission’s Endocrine Disruptor List (List I) has been added as a source. It is expected that the list will be updated annually. The current version of the list is available here.

Detailed Focus on Hazard Characteristics

To streamline the safety and hazard identification processes, the AICIS has updated its guidance on key hazard characteristics:

• Organ Toxicity (Repeated Exposure): Revised requirements provide companies with clearer pathways to demonstrate the absence of target organ toxicity. This change appears under the category "Human Health Hazard Band B".

• Bioaccumulation Potential: The updated guidance requires more rigorous evidence for chemicals to demonstrate the absence of bioaccumulation, especially in environmental contexts, as detailed under "Environment Hazard Band A".

These refinements will help standardize the data required to establish safer chemical profiles, thereby reducing risks to both human health and the environment.

Vaping Chemicals Reclassified as Therapeutic Goods

From 1 July 2024, the AICIS no longer classifies chemicals used in vaping goods as “industrial chemicals.” Due to recent legislation, these chemicals are now regulated as therapeutic goods under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. As a result, the AICIS removed references to personal vaporisers from Version 3 of the Guidelines, and importers or manufacturers of vaping-related chemicals must now comply with Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulations. The AICIS will only regulate these chemicals if they have other industrial uses beyond vaping.

Version 3  of the Industrial Chemicals Categorisation Guidelines can be found here.

The Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) is reminding businesses to submit their Post-Introduction Declarations (PIDs) for the 2023-2024 period by 30 November 2024. This applies...

The Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) is reminding businesses to submit their Post-Introduction Declarations (PIDs) for the 2023-2024 period by 30 November 2024. This applies to those who have first introduced an exempted category chemical between 1 September 2023 and 31 August 2024.

Who Needs to Submit?

A PID is required for those who have introduced chemicals from the following exempted categories:

• Polymers of low concern

• Low-concern biological polymers

• Chemicals classified as very low risk to human health and the environment

A separate PID must be submitted for each chemical introduced for the first time during the period.

How to Submit

To submit a PID, businesses must:

1. Log in to AICIS Business Services.

2. Access the PID Dashboard and select the type of introduction.

3. Submit the form by the 30 November 2024 deadline.

For more details, visit the Exempted Introduction Declaration page on the AICIS website's here.

The Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is seeking feedback on the proposed standards for the management of industrial chemicals under the Industrial Chemi...

The Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is seeking feedback on the proposed standards for the management of industrial chemicals under the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS). This consultation covers chemicals identified as being of high or low concern, as well as updates to existing standards.

IChEMS aims to harmonize the management of industrial chemicals across Australia to ensure environmental protection through responsible use, storage and disposal. The standards focus on classifying chemicals based on their environmental impact and helping businesses make informed, safer choices.

Chemicals Subject to Public Consultation

The chemicals subject to public consultation are:

• Hexachlorobenzene (HCB)

• Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

• Polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs)

• Lauryl (dodecyl) sulfates

• Linear alkylbenzene sulfonates

In addition, the consultation also covers updates to the standards for the following substances:

• Pentachlorobenzene (PeCB)

• Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and related substances

• Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and related substances

• Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs)

The IChEMS standards apply only to industrial use of chemicals and do not cover medical, veterinary or agricultural uses, which are regulated under separate frameworks.

New Proposed Decisions

Proposed Decision for Hexachlorobenzene: Under the proposed standards, hexachlorobenzene (HCB) (CAS number: 118-74-1) will be placed under Schedule 7 of chemicals likely to cause serious environmental harm. The HCB standard aligns with the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and will enter into force on 1 July 2025. Key measures include:

• Prohibition of Manufacture: The manufacture of HCB will be prohibited except for research purposes or unintentional trace contamination (≤ 5 mg/kg).

• Import and Export Restrictions: Import and export of HCB is prohibited except for research or environmentally sound disposal under a hazardous waste permit.

• Use Restrictions: Industrial use of HCB is prohibited except for trace contamination, research or disposal purposes.

• Waste Management: Waste containing HCB must be treated to destroy or irreversibly transform the chemical and concentrations above 50 mg/kg must be managed in accordance with Basel Convention guidelines.

Proposed Decision for Polychlorinated Biphenyls: Under the proposed standards, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (CAS number: 1336-36-3) will be classified under Schedule 7 for chemicals likely to cause serious environmental harm. The measures are based on the Stockholm Convention, the Australian PCB Management Plan and international standards. Key elements of the proposed decision include:

• Effective Date: The standards for PCBs will come into force on 1 July 2025, giving entities time to comply.

• Manufacture Prohibition: The manufacture of PCBs will be prohibited, except for research purposes or when present as unintentional trace contamination (≤ 2 mg/kg). Australia has never manufactured PCBs commercially, so this standard is consistent with current regulations.

• Import and Export Restrictions: The import and export of PCBs will be prohibited except for research or environmentally sound disposal, in line with the requirements of the Stockholm and Basel Conventions.

• Restrictions on Use: Industrial use of PCBs is prohibited except for articles already in use before 1 July 2025, or if the contamination level is ≤ 2 mg/kg. Articles containing PCBs in concentrations above 50 mg/kg must be disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.

• Waste Management: Waste with PCB concentrations ≥ 50 mg/kg must be treated to destroy or irreversibly transform the chemical or disposed of in accordance with the Basel Convention. Waste with concentrations below 50 mg/kg must still be managed according to environmentally sound practices.

Key Definitions and Standards for HCB and PCBs

• Unintentional Trace Contamination (UTC): HCB and PCBs may be present as unintentional contaminants in products, with limits set at ≤ 5 mg/kg for HCB and ≤ 2 mg/kg for PCBs.

• Environmentally Responsible Waste Management: Waste containing HCB or PCBs must be managed in accordance with national and international regulations, with emphasis on preventing contamination and ensuring safe disposal.

• Information and Awareness: Manufacturers and importers must provide information on the environmental risks posed by these chemicals throughout the supply chain to help ensure safe practices at all stages.

Proposed Decision for Polychlorinated Terphenyls (PCTs): Polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs) (CAS number: 61788-33-8) are to be classified under Schedule 7, as they are identified as chemicals likely to cause serious environmental damage and have no essential industrial uses. The measures are based on control strategies for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) due to their comparable risk profiles, with reference to the Stockholm Convention, the Basel Convention and other international guidelines. Key elements of the proposed decision for PCTs  include:

• Effective Date: The standards for PCTs will come into force on 1 July 2025, giving businesses time to comply.

• Manufacturing Prohibition: The manufacture of PCTs will be prohibited, except for research purposes or when present as unintentional trace contamination (≤ 2 mg/kg). PCTs are not manufactured commercially in Australia.

• Import and Export Restrictions: The import and export of PCTs will be prohibited except for research, environmentally sound disposal, or trace contamination (≤ 2 mg/kg).

• Restrictions on Use: The use of PCTs, including in products or articles, will be prohibited except for research or disposal purposes or if the article was already in use before 1 July 2025.

• Waste Management: Waste containing PCTs in concentrations ≥ 50 mg/kg must be treated to destroy or irreversibly transform the chemical. Waste with lower concentrations must be managed in accordance with Basel Convention guidelines.

These standards align with both national and international protocols for the management of hazardous chemicals and persistent organic pollutants.

Key Definitions and Standards for PCTs

• Unintentional Trace Contamination (UTC): PCTs may be present as unintentional contaminants in products, with limits set at ≤ 2 mg/kg.

• Environmentally Responsible Waste Management: Waste containing PCTs must be managed in accordance with local and international regulations to ensure environmentally safe disposal.

• Information and Awareness: Manufacturers and reformulators must provide relevant environmental risk information throughout the supply chain to ensure safe handling and use of PCTs.

Proposed Decision for Lauryl (Dodecyl) Sulfates: Lauryl (dodecyl) sulfates (CAS numbers: 151-41-7, 151-21-3, 2235-54-3, 3097-08-3, 4706-78-9), including sodium lauryl sulfate and its derivatives, are classified in Schedule 3 for chemicals with the potential to cause environmental damage. The measures are based on the Australian Industrial Chemical Introduction Scheme (AICIS) Evaluation Statement and focus on managing the use of these chemicals in various industrial products. Key elements of the proposed decision for lauryl (dodecyl) sulfates  include:

• Effective Date: The standards for lauryl (dodecyl) sulfates will enter into force on 1 July 2025, allowing sufficient time for businesses to adapt.

• Chemical Management: The chemicals must be managed in compliance with the IChEMS Minimum Standards, which outline best practices for safe handling, storage and environmental risk reduction.

• End Uses: These chemicals are commonly used in personal care, cleaning, paints, plastics, automotive care and laundry products. Given their wide use as surfactants, the proposed standards aim to reduce potential environmental damage through responsible use and disposal.

Proposed Decision for Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonates: Linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LASs), including salts of alkylbenzene sulfonic acid with linear alkyl chains between 10 and 16 carbon atoms, are to be included in Schedule 3 for chemicals that have the potential to cause environmental harm. The measures are based on the Australian Industrial Chemical Introduction Scheme (AICIS) Evaluation Statement. Key elements of the proposed decision for linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (CAS numbers: 27176-87-0; 121-65-3; and others) include:

• Effective Date: The standards will come into force on 1 July 2025, allowing sufficient time for industry to comply.

• Chemical Management: Linear alkylbenzene sulfonates must be managed in accordance with the IChEMS Minimum Standards to ensure safe handling, storage, and disposal.

• End Uses: LASs are widely used in products such as laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, cleaning agents, automotive care products, and plastic and polymer care products. These chemicals act as surfactants in various domestic and industrial applications.

IChEMS Minimum Standards Agreed by Commonwealth, State, and Territory regulators, the standards provide guidance on the safe management of chemicals to ensure environmental risks are minimized throughout the supply chain.

Have Your Say

To provide feedback, please review the proposed standards and associated documents. Contributions can be made via the survey here. The deadline for responses is 25 October 2024.