Australia Publishes New IChEMS Scheduling Decisions, Covering PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS

The Australian Government recently announced the new scheduling decisions for nine chemicals under the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS). PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PeCB, HBCDD, SCCPs, etc. are listed in Schedule 7 as they are of the highest concern and pose the greatest risk to the environment. From the specified effective date for each scheduling decision, the Australian Government will impose strict risk management measures, including prohibitions and restrictions, on the import, export, manufacture and use of these chemicals (whether on their own or in mixtures).