The Australian Government has issued an open invitation to the community to provide valuable input on a comprehensive set of proposed changes to the categorization of chemical introductions. These changes include the strengthening of reporting and record-keeping obligations under the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS). Furthermore, the AICIS has carefully identified specific facets within the General Rules that require strengthening to ensure the safeguarding of human health and the environment, as well as to clarify of certain requirements. 

Within this consultation, the AICIS is highlighting several key proposals, including: 

1. Transitioning from written undertakings to a streamlined system of record-keeping and thereby simplifying compliance procedures. 

2. Enhancing the recognition and use of the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) names for both reporting and record-keeping purposes. 

3. Revise the categorization criteria to provide tangible advantages to various stakeholders, including soap manufacturers, chemical introducers involved in flavoring and fragrance blends, and those working with controlled hazardous chemicals. 

4. Extending the criteria and/or reporting requirements to strengthen measures to protect of both health and the environment. This includes measures aimed at preventing the inadvertent categorization of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) as exempted or unreported introductions. 

Manufacturers and importers have until November 9, 2023 to submit their views and comments on these proposals.