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Decision tool – Work out if your introduction is categorised as exempted

This decision tool is related to step 2 of the process to categorise your chemical introduction.

Optional: If you’d like to save or print your completed decision tool for your own records, enter your chemical’s name or CAS number before Question 1. To save as a PDF, select the print option in your browser and choose ‘Save as PDF’ or ‘Microsoft Print to PDF’. For Safari users, click 'File' and 'Export to PDF'.

Who should use this?

This decision tool will help you determine if your introduction is in the exempted category. There are 2‐8 questions depending on your circumstances. This tool refers to the Industrial Chemicals Categorisation Guidelines and Industrial Chemicals General Rules which you can find on our Industrial chemicals laws in Australia page.

See the full list of decision tools to help you categorise your introduction

Help us improve these tools by giving us your feedback.

What you need to know

Information about the following:

  • does your introduction meet the criteria for an introduction of soap manufactured in Australia
  • does your introduction meet the criteria for an introduction that is imported then exported
  • does your introduction meet the criteria for low volume research and development
  • does your introduction meet the criteria for a polymer comparable to a listed polymer
  • does your introduction meet the criteria for a chemical comparable to a listed chemical
  • does your introduction meet the criteria for a polymer of low concern (PLC)
  • does your introduction meet the criteria for meets the criteria for introduction of a low concern biological polymer
  • does your chemical meet the criteria for a chemical resulting from non‐functionalised surface treatment of listed chemicals

What is your chemical's name or CAS number? (optional)

Note: enter this information if you'd like to save a copy for your own records by using the print function in your browser. A completed decision tool is not sufficient to meet your record-keeping obligations. 

Enter the CAS number or chemical name

Question 1

Do you want to consider if your introduction might be considered as exempted?

Note: If you think it's unlikely your introduction qualifies, choose 'No'.

Question 2

Do you want to consider if your introduction might automatically be considered as reported?

Note: If you think it's unlikely your introduction qualifies, choose 'No'.

Go to Decision tool – Work out if your introduction is medium to high risk for human health.

Question 2

Does your introduction meet the criteria for either:

  • an introduction that's imported then exported (refer to Subsection 26(2) of the General Rules), or
  • an introduction of soap manufactured in Australia (refer to Subsection 26(9) of the General Rules)?

Question 3

Will your chemical only be used in research and development and if so, does your introduction meet the research and development exempted criteria (refer to our guidance on categorisation of chemicals introduced for research and development)?

Question 4

Does your introduction meet the criteria for an introduction that's a polymer comparable to a listed polymer (refer to Subsection 26(4) of the General Rules)?

Question 5

Does your introduction meet the criteria for an introduction that's a chemical comparable to a listed chemical (refer to Subsection 26(5) of the General Rules)?

Question 6

Is your introduction for a polymer one that:

  • meets the criteria for an introduction of a polymer of low concern (PLC) (refer to Schedule 2 of the General Rules)

    and

  • isn't a high molecular polymer with lung overloading potential (refer to Part 3.1 of the Categorisation Guidelines)

Question 7

Does your introduction meet the criteria for an introduction of a low concern biological polymer (refer to Subsection 26(7) of the General Rules)?

Question 8

Does your introduction meet the criteria for a chemical resulting from non‐functionalised surface treatment of listed chemicals (refer to Subsection 26(8) of the General Rules)?

Your introduction is in the exempted category.

Go to Decision tool – Work out if your introduction is categorised as reported.

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