Australia Starts PFAS Review

Australia has officially initiated a nationwide evaluation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as part of the 2025 Rolling Action Plan (RAP) released by the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) on 14 October 2025. The assessment targets 522 PFAS listed on the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals (AIIC), aiming to strengthen national oversight and inform future regulatory action.

Regulatory Framework and Objective

The evaluation is being conducted under Section 74 of the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019, which empowers AICIS to review whether PFAS are currently imported or manufactured in Australia, determine their volumes, and identify their industrial or consumer applications.

This initiative aims to:

• Improve transparency of PFAS usage
• Support risk assessment processes
• Guide future regulatory controls and restrictions

Scope: 522 PFAS Under Review

AICIS’ 2025 RAP lists 522 PFAS substances subject to evaluation. The assessment will determine:

• Which PFAS are actively used in Australia
• Quantities imported or manufactured
• Purpose and end-use applications

Industry Reporting Requirements

To collect accurate data, AICIS will issue Section 76 notices to registrants whose registration period covers 1 September 2023 – 31 August 2025.

a. Companies must provide the following for 2023–24 and 2024–25:

Confirmation of whether any of the 522 PFAS were introduced

o For each substance:

i. Chemical name and CAS number
ii. Mode of introduction (import/manufacture)
iii. Total volume introduced
iv. Intended end use
v. Explanation for missing or unavailable data

b. Submission Conditions:

o Responses must be submitted within 40 working days of receiving the notice
o Submissions must be made through the AICIS online portal
o Voluntary reporting of earlier years’ data is encouraged

PFAS Oversight Strengthening

PFAS chemicals are known for their persistence and potential environmental and human health impacts. By collecting comprehensive data, Australia aims to:

• Strengthen national risk management
• Improve regulatory transparency
• Support science-based decision-making
• Reduce long-term PFAS risks

Implications for Industry

Companies handling PFAS should:

• Review PFAS inventories for 2023–24 and 2024–25
• Compile CAS numbers, quantities, and use information
• Prepare timely submissions within the required 40-day window
• Consider evaluating PFAS alternatives to minimise future regulatory exposure

Further Actions

After analysing the submitted data, AICIS may:

• Identify PFAS that require further assessment
• Introduce new restrictions or risk-management measures
• Issue updated guidance for industry compliance

Businesses are advised to closely monitor AICIS announcements for any emerging regulatory actions.

Reference: Australia PFAS