On 13 November 2025, Australia announced its annual update plan for the Industrial Chemicals Categorization Guidelines and opened two related proposals for public consultation. The consultation will remain open until 28 January 2026, and the updated plan is expected to formally take effect in September 2026.
Key updates include:
1. Revisions to the List of Chemicals with High Hazards for Categorisation
This list is a key reference for importers and manufacturers when determining a chemical’s introduction category. It includes substances identified by Australian and international authorities as posing significant risks to human health or the environment.
2. Addition of 249 New Chemicals
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81 chemicals assessed or evaluated by AICIS since the previous update
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215 chemicals sourced from other recognised lists
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2 chemicals included due to both AICIS evaluation and addition to other list sources
All added chemicals meet at least one high-hazard criterion:
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Human Health Hazard Band C, or
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Environmental Hazard Band C or D
As a result, most of these chemicals will no longer qualify for exempted or reported introductions.
3. Updates to 121 Existing Entries
This includes new source list references and revisions to hazard information4. Removal of 2 Chemicals
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1,1,1-Trichloroethane (CAS 71-55-6)
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Fluoro(triphenyl)stannane (CAS 379-52-5)
Although removed from the list, these chemicals remain regulated under other controls, and import restrictions continue to apply.
5. CAS Number Correction
The CAS number for Bis(pentachlorophenyl) carbonate will be corrected to 7497-08-7.
Two Proposals to Amend the Industrial Chemicals Categorisation Guidelines
Proposal 1: Inclusion of Five High-Hazard Salts and Esters
Based on evidence indicating that the salts or esters of certain chemicals may pose developmental toxicity risks, it is proposed that five such substances be added to Schedule 6.5.2 of the Guidelines. Under this proposal, introducers would be required to confirm that any chemical they introduce is not a salt or ester of these listed substances.
AICIS is also seeking feedback on whether salts or esters of additional chemicals with high-hazard characteristics should be considered for inclusion in Schedule 6.
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Chemical name |
CAS registry number |
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1H-Benzotriazole, 6-chloro- |
94-97-3 |
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1H-Benzotriazole |
95-14-7 |
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1H-Benzotriazole, 6-methyl- |
136-85-6 |
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1H-Benzotriazole, 6(or 7)-methyl- |
29385-43-1 |
|
1H-Benzotriazole, 7-methyl- |
29878-31-7 |
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Proposal 2: Single definition for chemical identity holder
Current Dual Definition
Chemical identity holder (for an industrial chemical):
A person who knows the identity of the chemical, including its proper name and CAS number (if assigned).
Chemical identity holder (for a flavour or fragrance blend):
A person who knows the identities of the chemicals within the blend, including their proper names and CAS numbers (if assigned).
Proposed Single Definition
Chemical identity holder:
A person who has submitted the required chemical identity information to the Executive Director, in line with the applicable provisions in Chapter 3 of the IC General Rules.
