On 22 May 2026, Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) updated its guidance on categorising chemical importation and manufacture under Australia’s industrial chemicals regulatory framework. The online Categorisation Guide assists introducers- businesses or individuals that manufacture or import industrial chemicals in Australia- in determining the appropriate regulatory category for each chemical introduction in accordance with the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 and associated regulations. The guide outlines a step-by-step process for classifying chemical introductions into categories such as listed, exempted, reported, assessed, or commercial evaluation. Categorisation is based on factors including the chemical’s identity, intended use, concentration, exposure potential, and risks to human health and the environment. The guidance also explains circumstances where introductions are ineligible for lower-risk categories and therefore require additional assessment. To support compliance, AICIS provides interactive decision tools and detailed instructions for evaluating human health and environmental risks. The guide includes information on acceptable testing methods, the use of in silico prediction tools, and procedures for calculating environmental categorisation volumes. It also explains the obligations that apply after categorisation, including record-keeping and reporting requirements. The updated guidance is intended to help introducers understand and meet their legal responsibilities while ensuring that industrial chemicals entering the Australian market are managed in a manner that protects human health and the environment.
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