Australia Proposes New IChEMS Environmental Standards for Industrial Chemicals (2025–2026)

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.