February 02, 2026

Australia operates one of the world’s most structured regulatory systems for industrial chemicals, designed to protect human health and the environment while supporting innovation and trade. The Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) governs the manufacture and import of industrial chemicals and replaced the former NICNAS framework.

For global chemical manufacturers, formulators, raw material suppliers, and downstream industrial users, AICIS compliance is mandatory before introducing a chemical into Australia. Failure to comply can result in enforcement action, shipment detention, or financial penalties.

Maven Regulatory Solutions provides expert-led AICIS regulatory strategy, chemical introduction assessment, dossier preparation, and compliance management to help companies enter the Australian market smoothly.

What is AICIS?

The Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) is Australia’s national system for regulating:

  • New industrial chemicals
  • Imported industrial substances
  • Manufactured chemical ingredients
  • Specialty and performance chemicals

AICIS operates under a risk-based, proportionate regulatory model where the regulatory burden depends on the potential risk of the chemical to human health and the environment.

Who Must Comply with AICIS?

You must register under AICIS if you:

  • Manufacture industrial chemicals in Australia
  • Import industrial chemicals or products containing them
  • Introducing chemicals for commercial use
  • Supply raw materials to Australian manufacturers

This includes chemicals used in:

Sector

Examples

Cosmetics & personal care

Preservatives, UV filters

Coatings & paints

Resins, pigments

Polymers & plastics

Monomers, additives

Electronics

Specialty solvents

Adhesives & sealants

Crosslinkers

Industrial formulations

Surfactants, intermediates

AICIS Chemical Introduction Categories

AICIS categorizes chemical introductions into different pathways based on risk profile.

Category

Regulatory Burden

Typical Use Case

Listed Introduction

Already on Australian Inventory

Low compliance burden

Exempted Introduction

Very low risk

No pre-approval

Reported Introduction

Low–medium risk

Notification required

Assessed Introduction

Medium–high risk

Full assessment

Commercial Evaluation

Limited volume trial

Temporary authorization

Exceptional Circumstances

Special cases

Authority review

Correct categorization is a critical compliance step.

Key AICIS Compliance Obligations

Before introducing a chemical:

  1. Business Registration under AICIS
  2. Chemical Identity Assessment (CAS, structure, composition)
  3. Inventory Search (AIIC check)
  4. Risk Determination
  5. Category Assignment
  6. Record Keeping (minimum 5 years)
  7. Annual Declaration Submission

Scientific & Data Requirements

AICIS relies on weight-of-evidence and alternative methods where possible.

Data Type

Purpose

Toxicology data

Human health risk

Ecotoxicology

Environmental impact

Exposure assessment

Use pattern risk

Physio-chemical properties

Hazard profiling

Analogue data

Reduce testing

QSAR modeling

Predictive assessment

2026 Regulatory Trends in Australia Chemical Compliance

  • Increased scrutiny of polymer of low concern (PLC) criteria
  • Greater emphasis on environmental fate data
  • Stronger data quality expectations
  • Digital record-keeping audits
  • Supply chain transparency for imported chemicals

Documentation & Recordkeeping

Companies must maintain:

  • Chemical identity records
  • Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
  • Risk assessment documentation
  • Import/manufacture volumes
  • Exposure scenarios
  • Introduction category justification

AICIS Timelines

Step

Duration

Registration

Immediate upon approval

Exempted

No pre-approval

Reported

20–30 days

Assessed

Several months depending on data

How Maven Regulatory Solutions Supports AICIS Compliance

Maven offers end-of-the-end chemical regulatory services:

  • AIIC inventory search
  • Introduction category determination
  • Hazard & exposure assessment
  • Analogue and read-across strategy
  • QSAR and modeling support
  • Waiver justification
  • Dossier preparation
  • Annual declaration management
  • Regulatory training

FAQs – AICIS Registration

Is AICIS registration mandatory?
Yes, for any company introducing industrial chemicals into Australia.

Does every chemical need assessment?
No, many fall under exempted or reported categories.

Can overseas companies register directly?
Yes, but they must meet AICIS obligations.

What happens if non-compliant?
Penalties, enforcement action, and import restrictions.