,
2 min read
AICIS Registration
Chemical manufacturers and importers in Australia must comply with the Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS). The first step is completing your AICIS registration. As the government states, “You must register before you start introducing industrial chemicals.”
Registration is per company (not per product) and must be renewed annually. Registration ensures the regulators know who is introducing chemicals and can enforce the law.
Categorizing Chemical Introductions under AICIS
Once registered every chemical you import or make must be placed into one of the five AICIS introduction categories: Listed introduction, Exempted introduction, Reported introduction, Assessed introduction, Commercial evaluation (Most everyday chemicals fall into the first four)
AICIS Introduction Categories
- Listed Introductions
Chemicals already included in the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals (AIIC) and used within the terms of that listing. - Exempted Introductions
Chemicals that meet very strict criteria and are considered “very low risk” to human health and the environment. - Reported Introductions
Chemicals classified as “low risk” that require a simple notification before introduction. - Assessed Introductions
Chemicals not meeting exempted or reported criteria. Their . - Commercial Evaluation
A special category for chemicals introduced only for testing and evaluation in the Australian market.
Why Correct AICIS Categorization Matters
Accurate categorization under AICIS is crucial because compliance requirements vary by risk level. For Example:
- Exempted introductions → minimal paperwork
- Reported introductions → simple notification
- Assessed introductions → detailed safety data and pre-introduction applications
By categorizing correctly, businesses avoid delays, penalties, and ensure safe chemical introduction in Australia.
Using the AICIS Categorisation Guide
The AICIS Categorisation Guide helps companies determine the right introduction category. It provides step-by-step guidance based on factors like volume, use, and risk. For instance, commercial soaps, research chemicals, or products simply transiting through Australia may qualify for exempted or special categories.
Following the guide ensures compliance and reduces the risk of misclassification.
Annual Reporting and Record-Keeping
Meeting ongoing obligations is the next step. At the end of each AICIS registration year (1 Sept–31 Aug), all registrants must file an AICIS annual declaration by 30 November. This is a mandatory online report confirming that all chemical introductions during the year were authorized under the law. In practice, the AICIS annual declaration asks you to list which introduction categories applied to your chemicals (listed, exempted, reported, etc.). This lets AICIS track total introduction volumes and ensure no unpermitted chemicals slipped through. Failure to submit the declaration on time can lead to penalties.
In addition to the declaration, AICIS requires companies to maintain detailed records for every chemical introduced. The record-keeping rules vary by category, but generally you must keep documents like safety data, test results, and import/manufacture logs. For example, there are specific checklists of required records for inventory-listed, exempted, reported and assessed chemicals. Keeping accurate records is essential for audits and verifications – if regulators audit your business, you must prove that your introductions were properly categorized and authorized.
Key Steps for AICIS Compliance:
- Register your business with AICIS before introducing any industrial chemicals
- Categorize each chemical introduction correctly (listed, exempted, reported, assessed, etc.)
- Submit an annual declaration by 30 November confirming all introductions were authorized
- Maintain records for all chemicals as required (safety data, quantities, uses, etc.)
- Stay informed: AICIS may update rules or categories, so subscribe to updates and review guidance regularly.
Meeting AICIS requirements is critical to doing business legally and safely in Australia’s chemical market. By following these steps—registering, categorizing products, reporting volumes, and keeping records—you ensure compliance and avoid penalties. Struggling with AICIS registration? Freyr provides expert support in chemical compliance, product classification, and audits, ensuring Australian companies stay compliant, avoid risks, and streamline operations effectively.
