Australia Updates IChEMS Register with New Substances and Amendments

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.