The Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) has recently released the draft evaluation statement Introduction and Use of PFAS in Australia, and opened it for public comments, with a deadline of December 2, 2026. The draft reviews the introduction and use in Australia of the 522 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) listed on the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals (AIIC, hereinafter “the Inventory”).
Background of the Evaluation
The evaluation was initiated by the AICIS Executive Director under the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019. On October 14, 2025, AICIS published a notice calling on relevant registered businesses to submit information on the introduction and use of the PFAS concerned. The evaluation aims to identify which of the 522 PFAS have actually been introduced into the Australian market and for what uses.
Main Contents of the Draft and Submission of Comments
The draft identifies the substances among the 522 PFAS that have already been introduced into Australia and their uses. Interested parties may submit comments on the draft; health hazard or exposure information on the relevant substances, if available, may also be provided. AICIS will refine the subsequent evaluation in light of the comments received.
ChemRadar Insights
The wide scope of PFAS and the tightening regulation of these substances is a global trend. For enterprises exporting industrial chemicals, PFAS-containing formulations, or articles to Australia, it is advisable to check with AIIC whether their products fall within the scope of this evaluation; those holding introduction, hazard, or exposure data on the relevant substances may submit comments via the AICIS website before December 2, 2026, to reduce the uncertainty that subsequent regulatory measures may bring to their business.
The latest AIIC information is available for free query via the following links:
https://www.chemradar.com/en/tools/cis/inv/649a350c7ba20a1a4f5fd7ba?utm_medium=gcis&utm_campaign=cis
