On July 25, 2025, the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) announced a significant update under Section 85 of the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019, aimed at streamlining the compliance process for enterprises managing chemicals. This update involves modifications to the Specific Information Requirements (SIR) for 2,297 chemicals listed in the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals.
About Specific Information Requirements (SIR)
SIRs are obligations set for importers or manufacturers of industrial chemicals, requiring them to submit information about the introduction of chemicals under specific circumstances. This mechanism is designed to identify potential risks associated with the introduction of chemicals. Currently, about 4,000 inventory chemicals are subject to SIRs, most of which stem from the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) implemented before July 1, 2020. Whether an enterprise needs to submit information depends on the details of the SIR and the specific circumstances of the chemical introduction.
Simplifying Compliance
AICIS stated that the primary goal of this update is to make it easier for enterprises to understand and comply with SIR requirements. By adding more detail to the terms, enterprises can more clearly understand what information they need to submit to the agency.
No New Obligations
AICIS emphasized that these changes do not create new regulatory impacts. The core obligation for enterprises remains to provide information when required.
Policy Background
These inventory listing changes were made within the current AICIS policy framework and followed previous public consultation processes. On May 29, 2025, the Australian government announced a series of measures to simplify SIR compliance, including this inventory update, revised extended guidelines, and upgraded online forms.
The refinement of the SIR terms marks a more efficient regulation of industrial chemicals in Australia. By clarifying the compliance, AICIS reduces administrative burdens on enterprises while ensuring the quality of risk assessments. Effective immediately, enterprises are required to use the new forms to submit information strictly. Any drafts of old forms created before July 24 but not submitted must be submitted or canceled by that date.
Further Information
