Answers to your questions about 2022-23 annual declarations

If you introduce industrial chemicals into Australia, you need to understand your obligations regarding annual declaration. We explain some common misconceptions below and answer your most frequently asked questions.

Is registration the same as an annual declaration?    

No. An annual declaration is a separate requirement and not the same as registration. 

Is an annual declaration mandatory?     

Yes. All introducers must complete and submit their annual declaration every year by 30 November. The declaration you make relates to the industrial chemicals you introduced in the previous registration year. 

Is this a new requirement?     

No. It is a requirement under the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 and has been in place since AICIS started on 1 July 2020.

How do I know what introduction categories I should select in the declaration form?     

Everyone must know their introduction category before importing or manufacturing an industrial chemical. To work this out, follow our online categorisation guide which steps you through the process.

Knowing your introduction category before you introduce is essential for ensuring compliance with the laws we administer and enables you to submit your annual declaration on time. 

When completing the annual declaration, simply select whichever categories apply to your introduction(s) for the registration year.

What are the introduction categories?     

There are 6 introduction categories: listed, exempted, reported and assessed, commercial evaluation authorisations and an exceptional circumstance introduction   (genuinely exceptional and which must have Ministerial approval).

Each category of introduction has specific reporting and record-keeping obligations – see this information. 

What if I don’t know what categories I am introducing?     

As mentioned above, follow our online categorisation guide to work out your introduction category. 

You must categorise before you submit your annual declaration – it’s important the information you give us is correct.

And in future, categorise before you introduce.

What if I don’t know the CAS number of the chemical I am introducing?  

Talk to your supplier about obtaining the CAS number for the chemical. Having a CAS number makes it easier to search our Inventory, which is your first step in the categorisation process.

I only imported finished goods.    

If your goods have any chemicals that have an industrial use – you need to categorise each chemical. We have a getting started page that has all the information you need if you are new to AICIS.