Australia adds three organic pollutants control requirements

On December 2, 2024, the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEW) issued "Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management (Register) Amendment (2024 Measures No.2) Instrument 2024" (hereinafter referred to as the "IChEMS Amendment").
The IChEMS Amendment increased three organic pollutants, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorobenzene(HCB), and polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs), in Schedule 7 of the "Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management (Register) Instrument 2022" (hereinafter referred to as the "IChEMS Register"), titled "Relevant industrial chemicals that are likely to cause serious or irreversible harm to the environment with no essential uses," and imposes requirements to prohibit the import, export, manufacture and use of these three chemicals. At the same time, exemptions are mentioned for cases such as unintentional trace contamination (UTC), research or laboratory purposes and hazardous waste permit authorization. The newly added control requirements will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Summary of key control points of PCBs, HCB and PCTs in Schedule 7:

In addition, the IChEMS Amendment also increased lauryl (dodecyl) sulfates and linear alkylbenzene sulfonates in Schedule 3 of the IChEMS Register, titled "Relevant industrial chemicals that have the potential to cause harm to the environment". These two chemicals (whether on their own or in mixtures) must be managed according to the IChEMS Minimum Standards. The above control requirements will also come into effect on July 1, 2025.

CTT proposal:

Australia added three organic pollutants, polychlorinated biphenyls, hexachlorobenzene, and polychlorinated terphenyls, in Schedule 7 of the IChEMS register means that the import, export, manufacture and use of these chemicals are severely restricted. Relevant companies should review their product ingredients and promptly seek alternatives to ensure compliance. CTT can provide enterprises with one-stop comprehensive solutions for consulting, testing and training. For more detailed information, please contact us.

Link: https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2024L01577/asmade/text