Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS)
The Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 introduced the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS), which oversees the import and manufacture (introduction) of industrial chemicals in Australia.
AICIS replaced the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) on 1 July 2020. It regulates chemicals, including polymers, that are introduced for industrial applications—such as inks, paints, adhesives, solvents, cosmetics and personal care products, cleaning agents, as well as uses in manufacturing, construction, and mining—while promoting their safe use to protect human health and the environment
Deadlines & Requirements
Annual Declaration
Regardless of the introduction category, registrants must submit an annual declaration at the end of each registration year (between 1 August and 30 November).
This declaration provides information on the industrial chemicals imported or manufactured during the preceding registration year and confirms that all introductions were authorised in accordance with Australian law.
Chemical Introductions
Importers and manufacturers (introducers) of industrial chemicals for commercial use are required to register their business under this scheme. Every industrial chemical introduction must be classified into one of the categories: listed introduction, exempted introduction, reported introduction, assessed introduction, or commercial evaluation, prior to being placed on the Australian market.
Listed Introductions
If a substance appears on the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals (the Inventory), it qualifies as a listed introduction and may be placed on the market in accordance with any applicable regulatory obligations. If the substance is not listed, it must be authorised under one of the remaining introduction categories.