The legal framework for the regulation of the introduction (importation and manufacture) of industrial chemicals in Australia is the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 (IC Act). It came into force on 12 March 2019 and establishes the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) and its Executive Director. The IC Act is supported by the Industrial Chemicals (General) Rules and the Industrial Chemicals Categorisation Guidelines, which set out technical and operational details of the AICIS and the requirements introducers need to meet to categorise their chemicals if they are not already listed on the AIIC. The IC Act regulates the importation and manufacture of industrial chemicals in Australia.
GPC has a legal entity in Australia and can help non-Australian companies to meet their compliance requirements as an Australian agent.
Jul-16-2024
The Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) has released its updated Rolling Action Plan (RAP), which lists ongoing and recently completed chemical evaluations. This initiative is essential to protect human health and the environment.
What is the Rolling Action Plan?
The Rolling Action Plan (RAP) is a strategic work plan used to prioritize chemicals for evaluation based on the results of the Evaluation Selection Analysis (ESA) process. It lists proposed, ongoing and recently completed evaluations, but excludes those with a current assessment certificate.
Update Schedule
The RAP is generally updated as evaluations are completed, with notices published on the AICIS website. Updates may also occur as a result of new information, stakeholder requests, or adverse events requiring evaluation.
Key Details Included in the RAP
Subject of the evaluation: Chemical name or group name
Reason for the evaluation
Estimated date of completion of the evaluation
Evaluation focus: Human health, environment or both
Amendments to the evaluation list
Evaluation Process
During the ESA process, chemicals that pose potential risks to human health and/or the environment are identified. Evaluations are prioritized on the basis on these risks, and Evaluation Statements are published for chemicals that do not require further regulation.
Ongoing and Recent Evaluations
The RAP includes lists of ongoing, open for public consultation and recently completed evaluations. A downloadable spreadsheet provides detailed information on chemicals under evaluation.
Chemicals under Evaluation
Chemicals currently under evaluation include:
1H-Benzotriazole and its derivatives: Potential risk to human health
Phenolic benzotriazoles: Potential risk to human health
Tellurium and its compounds: Potential risk to human health
Acrylic acid and its salts: Potential environmental risk
Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl ester (homosalate): Potential health and environmental risk
Recently completed evaluations cover a range of chemicals, including water-soluble zinc salts and acetoin, with results indicating both environmental and human health risks.
Staying Informed
To stay informed on the latest chemical evaluations and RAP updates, stakeholders can subscribe to notifications via email through the AICIS website. For detailed information or to provide input on specific chemicals listed in the RAP, stakeholders are encouraged to contact AICIS directly.
Conclusion
The Rolling Action Plan is a critical component of AICIS' efforts to effectively manage industrial chemical risks. By staying informed and involved, stakeholders can contribute to the continuous improvement of chemical safety and environmental protection.
May-16-2024
In a significant step to improve public health and safety, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has announced the adoption of the new Australian/New Zealand Sunscreen Standard: AS/NZS 2604:2021 on 11 April 2024. This update aims to align sunscreen regulations in both countries, ensuring higher standards of safety and efficacy for consumers.
Key Highlights of the Proposed Sunscreen Standard AS/NZS 2604:2021
The proposed standard introduces several key changes:
1. Improved UV Protection: The new standard emphasizes improved protection against both UVA and UVB radiation. This change is designed to provide better protection against skin cancer and premature ageing caused by sun exposure.
2. Stricter Testing Requirements: Sunscreen products will undergo more rigorous testing to verify their efficacy and safety. This includes mandatory broad spectrum testing to ensure comprehensive UV protection.
3. Updated Labelling Guidelines: The new standard requires clearer and more informative labelling. Consumers will benefit from easy-to-understand information on the level of protection offered, water resistance and proper use instructions.
4. Regulatory Harmonization: By adopting AS/NZS 2604:2021, Australia and New Zealand aim to streamline sunscreen regulations to facilitate smoother cross-border trade and reduce confusion for manufacturers and consumers.
Public Health Benefits
The adoption of this updated standard is expected to bring significant public health benefits. The stricter regulations will ensure that only high quality sunscreen products are available on the market, increasing consumer trust and promoting better skin health. Improved UV protection and clearer labelling will help consumers make more informed choices, ultimately reducing the incidence of skin cancer and other UV-related health problems.
Industry Implications
For manufacturers, the new standard presents both a challenge and an opportunity. While the increased requirements may require adjustments to formulation and testing processes, they also offer a chance to demonstrate a commitment to quality and safety. Compliance with AS/NZS 2604:2021 is likely to become a mark of excellence in the sunscreen industry, distinguishing high quality products in a competitive market.
Transitional Arrangements
The following transitional arrangements will apply:
From 1 July 2024, all new sunscreen products registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) must comply with the 2021 Sunscreen Standard.
Existing aerosols and spray pump packs listed on the ARTG before 1 July 2024 will be given a 1-year transition period to comply with the updated labelling requirements of the 2021 Sunscreen Standard.
All sunscreen products (both aerosols and non-aerosols) already listed in the ARTG before 1 July 2024 will have a 5-year transition period during which they may comply with the testing requirements of either the 2021 Sunscreen Standard or the previous standard (2604:2012).
After the transition period, all existing sunscreen products listed on the ARTG, and all new products released for supply must comply with the 2021 Sunscreen Standard.
Conclusion
The adoption of the new Australian/New Zealand Sunscreen Standard: AS/NZS 2604:2021 is a significant step forward for public health and safety. By setting higher standards for sunscreen efficacy and safety, Australia and New Zealand are leading the way in protecting their populations from the harmful effects of sun exposure.
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