Australia Opens IChEMS Review

The Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has launched a public consultation on proposed scheduling decisions for ten classes of industrial chemicals under the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS).

The review aims to strengthen environmental protection from harmful chemical releases across Australia.

The consultation period is open until 5pm, Monday 8 December 2025, and submissions must be submitted using the survey form available on the DCCEEW consultation webpage.

Purpose of the Proposed Scheduling Decisions

The proposed changes focus on industrial uses of chemicals and evaluate their potential impacts on the environment.

The scope does not include human health, agricultural uses, veterinary applications, or medical uses.

These decisions support the broader objective of the IChEMS framework—to deliver nationally consistent environmental risk management for industrial chemicals.

Proposed IChEMS Standards for 10 Classes of Industrial Chemicals

The Minister for the Environment and Water seek submissions on the following chemical substances and chemical groups:

1. Carbonodithioic Acid Derivatives

• Carbonodithioic acid, O-(2-methylbutyl) ester, sodium salt (1:1)
• Carbonodithioic acid, O-(3-methylbutyl) ester, sodium salt (1:1)

2. 1,3-Propanediamine Derivatives (Lilaflot 817M)

• 1,3-Propanediamine, N-[3-(C11-14-isoalkyloxy) propyl] derivatives, C13-rich, acetates

3. Medium and Long Chain Alkyl Sulfonates
4. Ethoxylated Alcohols (Group A)
5. Ethoxylated Alcohols (Group B)
6. Parabens
7. Short Chain Alkyl- and Aryl-Phthalates
8. Lead (2+) Salts of Long-Chain Carboxylic Acids
9. Lead (2+) Salts of Medium-Chain Carboxylic Acids
10. Phthalates (Three Substances)

• Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
• Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
• Diisooctyl phthalate (DIOP)

Next Steps for Stakeholders

Industry stakeholders, environmental groups, chemical manufacturers, importers, and the public are encouraged to review the proposed decisions and provide feedback.

All submissions must be lodged through the official consultation survey before the deadline.

Reference: Australia ICHEM