Step 0: Introductions that are in the listed category

Select a, b, or c:

a. No, it has none of these.

b. Yes, it contains a defined scope of assessment, or conditions of introduction or use or obligations under a Convention.

c. Yes, but it ONLY has a specific information requirement.

If you answered a, the chemical introduction is in the ‘listed’ category. That is, the importation or manufacture of the chemical is categorised as a listed introduction. Next: Your obligations after categorisation for listed introductions.

If you answered b, go to question 3.

If you answered c, go to question 9.

3. Does the chemical record indicate that prior authorisation is required before introducing or exporting, because the chemical is either subject to the Rotterdam Convention or the Minamata Convention on mercury?

If the answer is no, go to question 4. 

If the answer is yes, and there are no other terms of listing (‘conditions of introduction or use’, ‘defined scope of assessment’ or ‘specific information requirements’), then the introduction is in the listed category. But you need to apply for authorisation to introduce or export your chemical:

• Rotterdam Convention: Apply for authorisation to import or export  
• Minamata Convention on Mercury: Apply for authorisation to import or export

If you receive authorisation, you must comply with AICIS obligations for listed introductions (if applicable) as well as any others that apply under the Convention.

If the answer is yes, and there is at least one other term of listing (‘conditions of introduction or use’, ‘defined scope of assessment’ or ‘specific information requirements’), contact us using our online form and select the topic ‘Categorising chemical introductions’. 

4. Does the chemical record show any ‘conditions of introduction or use’? 

If the answer is yes, go to question 5. 

If the answer is no, go to question 6. 

5. Will the chemical be introduced within the boundaries of the conditions of introduction or use?  

Read the conditions of introduction or use on the chemical’s Inventory record and compare this with the way you’re importing/manufacturing and using the chemical. 

Conditions of introduction or use are restrictions we've imposed on the importation or manufacture of a chemical. The conditions are included to manage risks to human health or the environment (if required). For example, conditions on the maximum quantity or volume of chemical that can be imported or manufactured and where the chemical is permitted to be used.

Example
Conditions of introduction or use: the chemical can only be used at a specific site ‘A’.
You plan to use the chemical at other sites.
Outcome: your introduction does not meet the condition. Your answer to this question is ‘no’.

If the answer is yes, go to question 6.

If the answer is no, and there are no other terms of listing (‘defined scope of assessment’ or ‘specific information requirements’), then you must not manufacture or import a chemical in circumstances outside of the conditions. You can apply to vary the conditions of introduction or use. If we approve it, your introduction can be in the listed category. Next: Apply to vary the Inventory terms of listing (fee applies).

If the answer is no and there are other terms of listing (‘defined scope of assessment’ or ‘specific information requirements’), contact us using our online form and select the topic ‘Categorising chemical introductions’.

6. Does the chemical record show a ‘defined scope of assessment’? 

If the answer is yes, go to question 7.

If the answer is no, go to question 8.

7. Is the introduction within the parameters of the defined scope of assessment?

If the answer is yes, go to question 8.

If the answer is no, you have 3 options:

Option 1: Continue with this guide to work out if your introduction can be in the exempted or reported category. If categorised as exempted or reported, you must comply with all associated regulatory obligations. Go to Step 1: Introductions that cannot be exempted or reported.

Option 2: You can apply to change the parameters of the defined scope of assessment for a chemical's listing to match your proposed introduction circumstances. If we approve it, your introduction can be in the listed category. Next: Apply to vary the Inventory terms of listing (fee applies). Note – if the chemical record also shows a ‘specific information requirement’, contact us using our online form and select the topic ‘Categorising chemical introductions’.

Option 3: If the chemical is being introduced to test its commercial potential in Australia, the introducer can apply for a commercial evaluation authorisation – fee, time limit and strict eligibility criteria apply.

8. Does the chemical record show a ‘specific information requirement’?

If the answer is yes, go to question 9.

If the answer is no, the chemical introduction is in the ‘listed’ category. That is, the importation or manufacture of the chemical is categorised as a listed introduction. 

Next: ‘Your obligations after categorisation for listed introductions’.

9. Do you need to submit information to AICIS under the ‘specific information requirement’?

To answer this question, you need to use our guidance to work out if you need to submit information.

A specific information requirement does not automatically mean you need to submit the specific information requirement (SIR) form in the AICIS Business Services portal.

Use our guidance on specific information requirements to work out if you need to submit information based on your chemical’s use and other aspects of your introduction.

If the answer is no, because you determined that the chemical introduction is within the terms of listing, then you do not need to provide information about your chemical introduction. The importation or manufacture of your chemical is categorised as a listed introduction. Next: ‘Your obligations after categorisation for listed introductions’.

If the answer is yes after working through our guide, you must submit the form (located under ‘Information Provision’ in AICIS Business Services) within the specified timeframe. By doing this, you have determined that your chemical introduction will be in accordance with the terms of listing. Therefore, the importation or manufacture of your chemical is categorised as a listed introduction. Next: ‘Your obligations after categorisation for listed introductions’.

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