Annual authorisation needed for import/export of decaBDE and PFOA-related compounds in Australia

From 21 July 2023 the rules for importation and exportation of decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts, and PFOA-related compounds in Australia will be amended. This was announced by the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) on 14 July 2023.

Australian importers and exporters of the above-mentioned chemicals must now receive annual authorisation from the AICIS before import/export. The new rule does, however, not apply if the chemicals are introduced only for research or analysis at volumes of 100 kg or less in an AICIS registration year (30 August to 1 September). A full list of the compounds that require authorisation and some exceptions as well as all information on how to apply for authorisation can be found here.

The changes will be made because these chemicals were added to Annex II of the Rotterdam Convention in October 2022. More information can be found here.

The AICIS’ Call for Information about the above-mentioned chemicals is still open. In the Call the AICIS is asking current and previous importers and exporters of the above-mentioned chemicals to submit information about their import or manufacture. Information can be submitted here until 15 September 2023.