On April 4, 2025, the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water (DCCEEW) opened public comment on a proposal to amend the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS) to include six chemical categories. Public comments are due on May 9, 2025. In accordance with Sections 11 and 17 of the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management (Register) Act 2021, the Minister is conducting this proposal and consultation process. The Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management (Register) Instrument 2022’s Schedule 6 would be amended to include mercury compounds and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE). In Australia, compounds under Schedule 6 must be essential-use chemicals.

In accordance with the requirements listed in Column 6 of the schedule, DBDPE and mercury compounds will not be allowed to be manufactured, used, imported, or exported inside Australia unless they are absolutely necessary.

Below is an excerpt from the proposed conditions for DBDPE and mercury compounds under Column 6 (Risk management measures including prohibitions and restrictions).

DBDPE

Mercury and mercury compounds

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