Australia Opens Consultation on IChEMS Proposed Standards for Industrial Chemicals

The proposed measures fall under the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS), a national framework governing the import, manufacture, use and disposal of industrial chemicals. The consultation targets substances including PFAS groups, antioxidants and flame retardants, many of which are associated with persistence, bioaccumulation or environmental toxicity.

Scope of IChEMS Proposed Standards

The current consultation covers 14 chemical groups, including perfluoroalkyl substances such as PFHpS, PFNS and PFBS, alongside widely used substances like butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), tetrabromobisphenol A and limonene.

A proposed variation also applies to UV-328, while additional Chemical Abstracts Service numbers may be added to the existing PFOS standard.

These chemicals are used across sectors including electronics, plastics, textiles, food packaging and industrial processing. However, if mismanaged, they can contribute to long-term environmental contamination, particularly in water systems.

Regulatory Intent and Environmental Risk Reduction

The IChEMS framework is designed to deliver nationally consistent environmental protections and reduce pollution risks from industrial chemicals. It focuses specifically on environmental exposure pathways rather than direct human health regulation, which is managed under separate schemes.

By harmonising standards across states and territories, regulators aim to simplify compliance for businesses while encouraging substitution towards less hazardous chemicals.

Implications for Industry and Supply Chains

The IChEMS proposed standards will have implications beyond manufacturers. Importers, exporters, waste service providers and downstream users will all need to assess their exposure to listed substances and potential compliance obligations.

Stakeholders responding to the consultation are asked to evaluate feasibility, availability of substitutes and potential economic impacts. Survey questions highlight concerns such as operational burden, environmental risk mitigation and sector-specific uses, including defence and public safety applications.

With final standards expected to be listed by mid-2026, businesses should begin mapping affected chemicals within their portfolios and reviewing supply chain dependencies.

Call to Action for Stakeholders

Companies and industry bodies should consider submitting evidence-based feedback before the deadline. Early engagement can help shape practical regulatory outcomes and ensure sector-specific challenges are recognised.

Summary

Australia's consultation on IChEMS proposed standards marks a significant step towards harmonised environmental regulation of industrial chemicals. Covering 14 substances and a key variation, the initiative will influence compliance obligations across supply chains, with final standards expected in 2026.