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On September 1, 2022, the Australian Government published a guide to help introducers (manufacturers and importers) ensure their compliance in the transition from the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme1 (NICNAS) to the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme2 (AICIS).
Background
On July 1, 2020, the AICIS was implemented and replaced the NICNAS as the overarching regulatory framework for the introduction of industrial chemicals into Australia. The transitional period ended on August 31, 2022. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of introducers haven’t been able to meet the categorization and record-keeping requirements under the AICIS in time. Considering the fact that ceasing the introductions of such industrial chemicals to avoid non-compliance after August 31 of 2022 will jeopardize the supply chains, the authority published this guide to address these issues.
Highlights of the guide
For the introductions of chemicals under the NICNAS, if the introducers don’t know the relevant chemical information (e.g., CAS number) and the introductions of these chemicals have been categorized as Listed Introduction3 under the AICIS, they shall submit the following materials to the authority before November 30, 2023:
The written confirmation from the supplier (or whoever holds the chemical information) to confirm that the introduced chemical was previously listed on the inventory under NICNAS; and
The copies of correspondence to show that the introducer has requested a written confirmation for the chemical introduction to meet the record-keeping obligations under the AICIS.
For the introductions of chemicals at low volumes under the NICNAS, it's outlined in the guide that the authority will open public consultation on the relevant rules in the coming weeks. The authority will consult on the proposed changes to the Industrial Chemicals (General) Rules 20194 for the introduction of chemicals at less than or equal to 10 kg in a registration year. As per the guide, the changes are expected to provide a benefit for introducers of chemicals at low volumes (in the shortest possible timeframe).
For the introductions of chemicals under the NICNAS exemptions, the transition period expired on August 31 of 2022 as scheduled and it won’t be extended. Introducers must meet all obligations associated with the introduction category under the AICIS for their introductions to be authorized. For further interpretation, please read the previous ChemLinked article - Australia's Transitional Period for NICNAS Exemptions Expires on August 31, 20225.
Below are the FAQs published on the AICIS website to facilitate your understanding of these provisions. For more details, please click here6.
Source: AICIS website
