AICIS Consultation: Key Updates to the List of Chemicals with High Hazards for Categorisation for 2025

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.