On 28 July 2026, the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) issued a notice inviting public comment on the targeted information requirements for assessment certificate applications involving a specified class of introduction, with the consultation closing at 11:59 pm AEST on 8 September 2026. From 1 July 2027, AICIS proposes to require relevant companies to submit hazard, exposure and other targeted information via IUCLID at the assessment certificate application stage. This will substantially bring forward the point by which companies must complete their compliance data.
What Is a "Specified Class of Introduction"?
A "specified class of introduction" refers to categories of industrial chemical introductions that may involve higher hazards or greater exposure to people and the environment, and that are separately regulated under the AICIS framework. Because such introductions pose relatively higher risks to human health and the environment, when applying for an assessment certificate for these chemicals, companies must provide additional targeted information beyond the standard requirements, or request a waiver for certain information.
This consultation covers 12 specified classes of introduction; companies may submit comments on each class of interest, specifically:
- Highly branched organic chemicals
- Chemicals for end use as biocidal actives
- Chemicals that involve a designated kind of release to the environment
- Biochemicals
- Genetically modified products
- Chemicals at the nanoscale
- Polyhalogenated organic chemicals
- UV filters
- Chemicals for end use in articles with food contact
- Chemicals for end use in tattoo inks
- Chemicals for end use in articles that are children's toys or children's care products
- Chemicals that are a gas and are persistent
Key Points of the Proposed Change
The key to this change is moving the targeted information — previously requested during the assessment — to being required upfront at the application stage.
Previously, although these targeted information requirements already supported AICIS's assessments, AICIS typically requested them from companies during the assessment process. This change will alter that workflow: from 1 July 2027, any company applying for an assessment certificate for a specified class of introduction must submit the relevant targeted information via IUCLID together with its application.
AICIS states two objectives: first, to enable companies to understand the scope of information they may need to submit before applying, so they can prepare in advance; and second, to help AICIS complete assessments more efficiently and consistently. For the regulator, bringing the data submission point forward helps improve assessment efficiency; for companies, the information requirements become more transparent and predictable.
Focus of the Consultation
AICIS is particularly seeking public input on the following aspects:
- Clarity: whether the information requirements are clear and easy to understand;
- Reasonableness: whether they are reasonable and practicable for applicants to provide;
- Completeness: whether any important information is missing.
AICIS especially encourages feedback from parties who have previously applied, are planning to apply, or may in the future apply for an assessment certificate involving a specified class of introduction.
ChemRadar Insights
In light of this consultation and the upcoming regulatory change, affected companies are advised to note the following:
- Check product scope early: Review the 12 specified classes above to determine whether the industrial chemicals your company intends to introduce into Australia fall within any of them, and identify the corresponding class together with the targeted information to prepare in advance.
- Note the 1 July 2027 milestone: From that date, the relevant hazard and exposure data must be submitted via IUCLID at the application stage; companies should plan ahead for data generation, dossier preparation, and any possible waiver applications to avoid their applications being held up or delayed.
- Use the feedback window: Before the 8 September 2026 deadline, companies with practical concerns or constructive suggestions may submit comments by class through AICIS's official consultation feedback page (https://www.industrialchemicals.gov.au/consultations/information-requirements-for-certificate-applications-for-specified-classes-of-introductions), to help ensure the rules better reflect industry reality
