Reforms

Review of Existing Chemicals Program

Following the publication of the Final Report and Recommendations from the Review of the Existing Chemicals Program in December 2006, the Strategy for Implementing the Recommendations was approved by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing in August 2007, after consultation with stakeholders.  An Implementation Steering Group comprising the community, industry and governments has been convened to guide NICNAS in implementing the recommendations.  The Reform to the Existing Chemicals Program will enhance its efficiency and effectiveness, and its responsiveness to the chemical concerns of stakeholders.

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Disinfectants

In June 2006 the previous Australian Government agreed to a review of the regulation of disinfectant products, as recommended by the Australia Government Regulation Taskforce - Reducing Regulatory Burden on Business (the Banks report). In response to this recommendation NICNAS engaged a consultant to review the current Australian regulatory framework. NICNAS is working with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on these reforms.

Cosmetics Reform
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Nanotechnology Reform
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Low regulatory concern chemicals (LRCC) Reform Initiative

NICNAS has recently introduced a number of reform initiatives to encourage the introduction of new and safer chemicals based on the criteria set out in the 'Low Regulatory Concern Chemicals (LRCC) Final Report and Recommendations on the outstanding reforms' (published in the November 2007 issue of the Chemical Gazette).

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Recognition of Canada as an Approved Foreign Scheme

The Canadian New Substances Regulations of CEPA were announced as an approved foreign scheme under the NICNAS legislation in the November 2007 issue of the Chemical Gazette. At this stage recognition applies to Standard and Limited Notifications only, with Polymers of Low Concern to be considered later in 2008. The transitional arrangements still apply for chemicals assessed by countries other than Canada and for which an acceptable assessment report can be obtained.

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