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decaBDE and PFOA-related compounds – authorisation required from 21 July 2023
From 21 July 2023, Australian importers and exporters of these chemicals must receive annual authorisation from AICIS:
- decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE)
- perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its salts
- PFOA-related compounds
This new rule does not apply if these chemicals are introduced only for research or analysis at volumes of 100 kg or less in an AICIS registration year.
See the chemicals that require authorisation and exceptions
This new requirement fulfils Australia’s obligation as a party to the Rotterdam Convention, which is a multilateral treaty on the trade of hazardous chemicals. We previously gave notice about these changes on 20 June 2023.
How to apply for import or export authorisation
You need to submit the relevant form and pay a fee. Affected introducers of these chemicals can submit an application now. This also applies to anyone who wishes to introduce these chemicals from 21 July 2023.
Apply for annual export authorisation - Rotterdam Convention
Apply for annual import authorisation - Rotterdam Convention
Chemicals that require annual import or export authorisation from AICIS
1. Decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE)
| Common name | decaBDE |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 1163-19-5 |
| CAS name | Benzene, 1,1'-oxybis[2,3,4,5,6-pentabromo-] |
| IUPAC name | 2,3,4,5,6-Pentabromo-1-(2,3,4,5,6-pentabromophenoxy)benzene |
| EC number | 214-604-9; EC name: Bis(pentabromophenyl) ether |
| Molecular formula | C12Br10O |
| Synonyms |
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2. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts and PFOA-related compounds
- perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, CAS number 335-67-1) and its salts
- any related substance (including its salts and polymers) having a linear or branched perfluoroheptyl group with the formula C7F15- directly attached to another carbon atom as one of the structural elements
- any related substance (including its salts and polymers) having a linear or branched perfluorooctyl group with the formula C8F17- as one of the structural elements
Exceptions - chemicals that don’t require annual import or export authorisation from AICIS
- Introductions of decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts or PFOA-related compounds solely for the purpose of research or analysis at volumes of 100 kg or less in an AICIS registration year (30 August to 1 September).
- The following fluorinated chemicals:
- C8F17-X, where X = F, Cl, Br
- C8F17-C(=O)OH,
- C8F17-C(=O)O-X′ (where X′ = any group, including salts) or
- C8F17-CF2-X′ (where X′ = any group, including salts)
If you wish to introduce any of these chemicals, use our Guide to categorising your chemical importation or manufacture to work out the introduction's category.
Legislation
Industrial Chemicals (General) Amendment (Rotterdam Convention) Rules 2023
Questions?
Call us or use our contact us form.
Call for information: current and previous importers and exporters
We need to collect information from current and previous importers and exporters of decaBDE or PFOA, its salts or PFOA-related compounds who introduced at any time after 30 June 2022. Your information will not be disclosed outside of AICIS. This information request is made under Part 9 of the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019.
Tell us about your import or export by 15 September 2023
Published date