Amendments Proposed to Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme General Rules

Several targeted amendments are currently being proposed in Australia to the Industrial Chemicals (General Rules) 2019. These rules establish the framework for regulating the manufacture and import of industrial chemicals under the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS). Here we review the focus of the proposed amendments.

Proposed Amendments

The proposed amendments are centered on several key areas. These include: industrial chemicals at the nanoscale, declarations about data ownership, annual declarations, record keeping, movement of industrial chemicals in/out of Australia, and transitional provisions

  • Schedule 1, Clauses 11 and 12
    • Amendments focus on nanoscale criteria for determining an introduction’s risks to human health.
  • Schedule 1, Clauses 13 and 14
    • Amendments focus on nanoscale criteria for determining an introduction’s risks to the environment.
  • Schedule 1, Clauses 15 and 16
    • Amendments focus on nanoscale criteria record keeping requirements for introductions related to research and development.
  • Schedule 1, Clause 20
    • Amendments focus on reporting requirements (pre-introduction) for introductions related to research and development.
  • Schedule 1, Clause 21
    • Amendments focus on reporting requirements (pre-introduction) for low-risk introductions.
  • Schedule 1, Clause 22
    • Amendments focus on data permissions for low risk exempted introductions.
  • Schedule 1, Clause 23
    • Amendments focus on data permissions for the use of international assessment reports.
  • Schedule 1, Clauses 24 and 25
    • Amendments focus on data permissions for the use of international assessment reports for human health-focused introductions.
  • Schedule 1, Clauses 26 and 27
    • Amendments focus on data permissions for the use of international assessment reports for environment-focused introductions.
  • Schedule 1, Clause 28
    • Amendments focus on data permissions for low risk reported introductions.
  • Schedule 1, Clause 29
    • Amendments focus on types of exempted introductions as they relate to those initiating them.
  • Schedule 1, Clause 30
    • Amendments focus on improvements in record keeping for listed introductions.
  • Schedule 1, Clauses 31 and 32
    • Amendments focus on record keeping for low risk exempted introductions.
  • Schedule 1, Clauses 33 and 34
    • Amendments focus on record keeping requirements for reported human health-focused introductions.
  • Schedule 1, Clauses 35 and 36
    • Amendments focus on record keeping requirements for reported environment-focused introductions.
  • Schedule 1, Clauses 37 and 38
    • Amendments focus on record keeping requirements for low risk reported introductions.
  • Schedule 1, Clause 39
    • Amendments focus on record keeping requirements for exempted introductions related to a particular type of environmental release.
  • Schedule 1, Clause 40
    • Amendments focus on record keeping requirements for health-related reported introductions related to a particular type of environmental release.
  • Schedule 1, Clause 41
    • Amendments focus on record keeping requirements for low risk reported introductions.
  • Schedule 1, Clauses 42 and 43
    • Amendments focus on record keeping requirements for reported human health- and environment-focused introductions.
  • Schedule 1, Clauses 44 and 45
    • Amendments focus on record keeping requirements for reported environment-focused introductions.
  • Schedule 1, Clause 46
    • Amendment focuses on modifying circumstances in which certain chemical introductions are not reported or exempted.
  • Schedule 1, Clause 47
    • Amendment focuses on modifying record keeping requirements for introductions under the Rules, Chapter 6.
  • Schedule 1, Clauses 48 and 49
    • Amendments focus on modifying introductions under the Rules, Section 71.
  • Schedule 1, Clauses 50 and 51
    • Amendments focus on modifying introductions of tetraethyl lead under the Rules, Section 72.
  • Schedule 1, Clauses 52 and 53
    • Amendments focus on modifying chemical exports under the Rules, Section 73.
  • Schedule 1, Clause 54
    • Amendment focuses on modifying applications for chemical approval under the Rules, Section 74.
  • Schedule 1, Clause 55
    • Amendment focuses on new matters to which the Executive Director must have regard.
  • Schedule 1, Clause 56
    • Amendment focuses on adding a subsection to section 75.
  • Schedule 1, Clause 57
    • Amendment fixes an error in the European Commission Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety's name.
  • Schedule 1, Clauses 58 and 59
    • Amendment fixes an error in a table of industrial chemicals.
  • Schedule 1, Clause 60
    • Amendment clarifies situations in which a generalized end use or AICIS Approved Chemical Name should be used.

Accessing More Information

AICIS continues to have a significant impact on any professional involved with industrial chemicals in Australia. More information regarding AICIS and the related proposed amendments may be found on the Australian Government website as it becomes available. Additionally, you can visit the ToxPlanet website and blog regularly for information on new developments. Also, be sure to contact us and register for a Free Trial. Our powerful decision support solutions allow you to access vital information quickly and easily on an abundance of chemical substances. Experience the ToxPlanet difference and see how we can help address your chemical hazard information needs.