Australia Adopts Rules for Chemical Introductions at Low Volumes (Updated on Nov 25, 2022)

Updates: On November 25, 2022, the Industrial Chemicals (General) Amendment (Introductions of 10 kg or Less) Rules 2022 was adopted and came into force immediately (see official circular), based on the public consultation on the proposed changes for introductions of 10 kg or less that closed in October 2022. Compared with the Draft, there are no significant changes in the official version. It should be noted that, if the introduced chemicals possess carcinogenicity, germ cell mutagenicity, or reproductive toxicity, they are not eligible to the Rules. To help stakeholders ensure their compliance, the authority also updated the corresponding guide for the categorization of chemical introduction (importation and manufacture), i.e., adding '3.1 - Introductions of 10 kg or less in an AICIS registration year (Sep.1 ~ Aug. 31)' to 'Step 3 - Introductions that are categorised as reported'. If the introduction meets the creteria for 3.1, it should be categorized as Reported Introduction. See the flowchart below.