AICIS Publishes Feedback and Information Requirements for Assessment Certificates of Designated Fluorinated Chemicals

"On October 1, 2025, the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) published the finalized information requirements for applicants seeking assessment certificates for designated fluorinated chemicals. Following a consultation period from February to April 2025, AICIS received eight submissions and reviewed feedback on the clarity of the required information. The agency confirmed that the proposed information requirements will be implemented without change and outlined the additional data applicants must provide alongside standard certificate information. Key requirements include identification and concentration of fluorinated impurities, including PFHxS, PFOA, and PFOS above threshold levels, acute inhalation toxicity (OECD TG 403), reproductive/developmental toxicity (OECD TG 422 or 433), bioaccumulation studies (OECD TG 305, 315, 317), and long-term ecotoxicity data for fish, aquatic invertebrates, and algae. Certain data may not be required depending on expected exposure routes or chemical properties, such as molecular weight ≥1,000 g/mol for bioaccumulation or no expected release to soil for terrestrial toxicity tests. The guidance also covers fluorinated degradation products, requiring test results or scientific justification for the identity, rate of formation, and persistence of degradants. Where the chemical is expected to degrade into previously assessed PFAS chemicals, default assumptions or prior assessments may be used."