Australia Updates AICIS Guide

The Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) has released the updated Industrial Chemicals Categorisation Guidelines, effective 1 September 2025. These revised guidelines help chemical introducers assess and categorise their substances in line with the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 and IC General Rules 2019.

🔍 Purpose of the Guidelines

The updated document provides:

• A framework for identifying human health and environmental risk bands
• Clarified definitions for regulatory terms
• Detailed compliance instructions, including record-keeping requirements

📘 Structure and Coverage

Parts 2–5

• Definitions covering:

o Chemical identity
o Polymers
o Migration to food
o Toxicokinetics
o Photostability
o End-use exposure

Part 6

• Hazard characteristics for human health and environment
• Instructions for demonstrating absence of hazards

Part 7

• Terms listed in Schedule 2 of the IC General Rules Appendices

• Expanded lists of:

o High-hazard chemicals
o In silico prediction tools
o Read-across information
o Acceptable test guidelines

⚠️ Key Updates Introduced

✅ High-Hazard Chemical List

• 118 new chemicals added
• 2 chemicals removed based on updated international data

✅ Hazard Demonstration Methods

• More detailed guidance for showing absence of hazards like:

o Skin corrosion
o Skin sensitisation

✅ Environmental Categorisation Volume (ECV)

• Two new calculation methods introduced
• Release reduction factor now considered for multiple end-use cases

🧪 Updated Hazard Bands

Human Health Hazard Bands:

• Band C: Carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, endocrine and genetic toxicity
• Band B: Respiratory sensitisation, corrosive effects, skin corrosion, eye damage, acute toxicity
• Band A: Aspiration hazards, polymers causing lung overload, mild toxicity

Environmental Hazard Bands:

• Band D: Ozone-depleting substances, synthetic GHGs, persistent & toxic chemicals
• Other bands consider:

o Aquatic toxicity
o Bioaccumulation
o Biodegradability

🛠️ New Compliance Tools and Guidance

• Updated online guide to assist in risk categorisation
• Practical examples for calculating ECV and hazard levels
• Emphasis on documentation and record-keeping for audit readiness
• Support for in silico and read-across methods using listed appendices

✅ Action Points for Chemical Introducers

• Reassess chemical introductions using the new high-hazard list
• Apply updated hazard band methods for risk determination
• Keep records of ECV calculations and hazard evaluations
• Refer to the appendices for predictive tools and compliance techniques

Reference: Industrial Chemicals Categorisation Guidelines – 01 Sept 2025 (PDF)