▪︎ CLP, GHS, SDS
Australia finalizes changes to the guidelines for the categorization of industrial chemicals
The Australian regulatory authority AICIS has completed extensive changes to its Industrial Chemicals Categorization Guidelines. The amendments followed a public consultation and are intended to clarify the risk assessment of new chemicals and standardize regulatory processes.
Expanded entries and a more precise data basis
The revision of the guidelines includes 293 new entries, 122 updates, the correction of one CAS number, and the removal of two substances. The purpose of the guidelines is to support companies in correctly categorizing chemicals that are not listed in the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals (AIIC). They also provide detailed instructions on calculating two factors essential for risk assessment: the Environment Categorisation Volume (ECV) and the Human Health Categorisation Volume (HHCV).
The planned addition of five 1H-benzotriazole chemicals to Section 6.5.2 of the guidelines has also been confirmed. These substances showed several GHS-relevant hazards during detailed evaluations, including developmental toxicity. As a result, salts of these compounds will need to be assessed separately in the future – though their esters will not, after an earlier reference to them was identified as incorrect.
Consultation feedback and regulatory clarifications
The consultation process also led to a revision of the definition of the “chemical identity holder.” A single, clearly defined wording now applies: it is the person who has knowledge of the chemical identity of a substance. This clarification is particularly relevant for reporting obligations under the Industrial Chemicals (General) Rules 2019.
Another discussion point concerned the inclusion of substances with high hazard potential, including viruses. AICIS clarified that viruses can be considered UVCB substances and thus fall under the definition of industrial chemicals when an industrial use exists. Their inclusion ensures that such substances are categorised correctly – an increasingly important aspect given that UVCBs account for 20-40 % of registered chemicals in EU and US.
The updated requirements will enter into force in September. We will review your product portfolio and identify any specific actions needed. You are welcome to contact us at sales@kft.de or use our contact form.
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