,On March 23, 2026, Australia notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) under the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreement of proposed scheduling decisions under the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS), developed by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. The proposal covers perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHPS) and related substances, perfluorononanesulfonic acid (PFNS), perfluorodecanesulfonic acid (PFDS) and related substances, as well as 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol. The proposed standards seek to assign these substances to Schedule 7 of the IChEMS Register, which would prohibit their import, manufacture, use, and export in Australia, subject to limited exemptions such as trace contamination, research purposes, environmentally sound disposal, and specific low-level presence in fuels. The framework aims to ensure a nationally consistent and streamlined approach to managing environmental risks posed by industrial chemicals. The measure is designed to enhance environmental protection and provide clear regulatory requirements for industry stakeholders. The proposed adoption date is June 30, 2026, with entry into force scheduled for January 1, 2027 for PFHpS, PFNS, and PFDS substances, and July 1, 2027 for 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol. Stakeholders are invited to submit comments by April 24, 2026.
Consumer News Region