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Have your say: changes to categorisation, reporting and record keeping

We invite public comments on a suite of regulatory proposals relating to categorisation, reporting and record-keeping obligations. Consultation closes on 9 November 2023.

Update: Since publishing this article, the consultation closed on 9 November 2023 as scheduled. You can access an archived version of the content on our consultations page.

We’ve explored possible solutions to address stakeholder advice that certain requirements of the General Rules are challenging to comply with. AICIS has also identified aspects of the General Rules that we think should be strengthened to ensure protection of human health and the environment or clarify the intent of certain requirements.

These proposals were developed using an evidence- and risk-based approach to regulation that is appropriate to each circumstance. Some key proposals in this consultation:

  • Replacing written undertakings with records that will make compliance easier.
  • Greater acceptance of International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) names for reporting and record keeping.
  • Changes to the categorisation criteria to benefit:
    • soap makers
    • introducers of chemicals in flavour and fragrance blends
    • introducers of hazardous chemicals where introduction and use are controlled.
  • Strengthening criteria and/or reporting requirements for health and environmental protection, for example, to prevent persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from being categorised as exempted or reported Introductions.

None of the proposals involve changes to the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019. Proposals that would benefit introducers are based on mechanisms that may lower regulatory burden while maintaining regulatory intent.

Public comment period closes 9 November 2023

How to read the proposals and have your say

This consultation is grouped into themes, with each providing details of the proposed changes to the Industrial Chemicals (General) Rules 2019 and the Industrial Chemicals Categorisation Guidelines, the reasons for the change and how the changes will work in practice. You can view these either offline or online and comment on all, or any, of the proposals.

View offline version

Download and read these 2 documents, then submit your comments using our online form:

View online version

Click on the links below

Webinars

Update 27 October 2023

Watch our videos on the proposed changes.

Proposals to help introducers meet their obligations

Topics include:

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Read details and have your say

Listed introductions: more practicable record-keeping requirements

Exempted and reported introductions: more practicable requirements

Soap makers: reducing regulatory obligations

Flavour or fragrance blend chemicals: expanding the eligibility criteria

Other categorisation options and refinements

Covers:

  • Controlled introduction and use of chemicals: eligibility criteria for low risk to human health 
  • List of chemicals with high hazard for categorisation: refining the requirements
  • Options on how to show the absence of hazards in categorisation

Proposals that strengthen the categorisation criteria and reporting requirements to protect Australians and the environment

Topics:

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Read details and have your say

Fluorinated chemicals: categorisation changes for health and environmental protection

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs): categorisation changes for health and environmental protection

Chemicals containing hazardous elements added to human health hazard band C

Exempted introductions: annual declaration change to improve AICIS monitoring

Minor proposals to clarify information and requirements

Topics:

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Read the proposed changes to clarify information and requirements in the Industrial Chemicals Categorisation Guidelines.

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