Evaluation of LRCC Reforms

The Low Regulatory Concern Chemicals (LRCC) Reforms were introduced by NICNAS in 2004 to encourage the introduction of new and safer chemicals, present options for access to industrial chemicals already assessed, and provide greater access to chemical safety information. A number of these reform initiatives were implemented in 2004-05, and are now being evaluated to determine their effectiveness and their impact on all stakeholders. The specific reform initiatives that will be included in this evaluation are:

 

• Audited self-assessment of polymers of low concern and non-hazardous chemicals;
• Increased exemptions for low volume, trans-shipment, cosmetic and research and development/analytical chemicals;

• Administrative renewals for Low Volume Chemical and Commercial Evaluation permits;

• Mandatory registration for Tier 1 companies;

• Improved access to chemical safety information, including the Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS) online;

• Option for early listing of notified chemicals on the AICS.

 

The first phase of the LRCC evaluation project is now complete. In this first phase the impacts on industry have been evaluated by Campbell Research & Consulting - an independent consultant commissioned by NICNAS - through stakeholder interviews, case studies and an industry wide online survey.  
 

The report (PDF 907 Kb) for the first phase is now available.
 

NICNAS thanks all those who gave feedback during this first phase.  The level of participation was very good, ensuring that the evaluation findings will be useful in considering future improvements to these LRCC initiatives.
 

The second phase of the evaluation is planned during 2009-10. This is intended to concentrate on the impact of the reforms on the community and other stakeholders, such as other government agencies. It will expand on preliminary comments from community representatives included in the first phase and provide a more comprehensive overall evaluation of the LRCC reforms.
 

For more information on this project please contact Dr Sarah Rumble on (02) 8577 8832 or by email at sarah.rumble@nicnas.gov.au.