The Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has issued the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management (Register) Amendment (2025 Measures No. 1) under the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management (Register) Act 2021, marking a decisive move to restrict harmful industrial substances. The amendment introduces bans on decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) and mercury and its compounds, along with new controls on aryl sulfonate hydrotropes, to mitigate environmental and public health risks.

Full Ban on DBDPE (Effective Jan 1, 2027)

The regulation prohibits the manufacture, import, export, and use of DBDPE, including mixtures and articles containing it.

Key exemptions (until July 1, 2037 unless otherwise noted):

· Aerospace, automotive, marine, rail, and other transport applications

· Defence (exempt until July 1, 2033)

· Electrical & electronic equipment, building materials, machinery, and spare parts (some exempt until 2052)

· Trace contamination allowed: ≤10 mg/kg (mixtures), ≤500 mg/kg (articles)

Total Ban on Mercury & Compounds (Effective July 1, 2026)

The production, import, export, and use of mercury is banned, with essential-use exemptions covering:

· Civil protection/military-critical devices

· Select lamps, switches, relays, and measuring devices

· Phase-outs by June 1, 2030 for some lighting applications

Regulatory Compliance and Waste Management

· All entities must comply with IChEMS minimum management standards

· Mandatory reporting of chemical use and quantities

· Environmentally sound disposal required — no dilution or recovery of banned chemicals allowed

· Declarations needed for existing stock of restricted substances

New Controls on Aryl Sulfonate Hydrotropes (Effective Jan 1, 2026)

Applies to 26 specific CAS numbers used in coatings, personal care, plastics, and automotive products. These must also follow IChEMS standards.

Future Review

Essential-use exemptions for DBDPE will undergo review five years post-ban to assess phase-out feasibility and need for continued use.

Key Takeaway

This amendment represents a critical advancement in Australia’s chemical regulatory landscape, signaling stronger national commitment to managing Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic (PBT) substances. Companies are advised to monitor effective dates, prepare substitution strategies, and ensure regulatory compliance.

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