Update of the High Volume Industrial Chemicals List

The first Australian High Volume Industrial Chemicals List (HVICL) was completed and published by NICNAS in July 2002. The list contains information about the volume of the chemicals manufactured or imported at high volumes in Australia, which industries introduce the chemicals, and general uses of the chemicals. The list, available on the High Volume Industrial Chemicals main page, has proved to be a useful source of information, for both NICNAS and the community.

The Australian HVICL is due to be updated in 2006. The updated list will enable NICNAS to continue its support of the international assessment of chemicals of particular importance to the Australian industry, the community and the environment. The Australian HVICL is a means of addressing the increasing public demand for easily accessible information on chemicals. Further, the HVICL provides vital chemical statistics for NICNAS in ascertaining priority chemicals for review and/or ongoing regulatory action.

NICNAS is calling for information, in accordance with sections 48 and 65 of the Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Act 1989(the Act), on discrete chemicals manufactured and imported in a quantity greater than 20 tonnes/company/year. The threshold for reporting of chemicals in mixtures/products will be 100 tonnes/year/company. The reporting period is 2 months from the date of this Gazette notice. Therefore, all submissions must be postmarked no later than 2 July 2006.

Information must be submitted on the HVIC Response Form and HVIC Chemical Reporting Form, copies of which can be downloaded from the website at: http://www.nicnas.gov.au/Forms/High_Volume_Industrial_Chemicals.asp. Respondents must submit a single copy of the HVIC Chemical Reporting Form for each reportable chemical.

Guidance documents have been prepared to help companies determine the need to supply information in accordance with the Call for Information and to assist in the reporting of chemicals imported in mixtures. This information can be obtained from the NICNAS website, http://www.nicnas.gov.au/Forms/High_Volume_Industrial_Chemicals.asp.

The updated Australian HVICL will be compiled and published as soon as possible after reporting. It will consist of a list of chemicals, with aggregate quantities reported in bands (eg. 1,000-9,999 tonnes) and general information on the chemical’s use. Individual companies will not be named. The provisions under the Act for requesting confidentiality for commercial information will apply.

Completed forms should be sent by email to:

hvic@nicnas.gov.au

Or by post to:

HVICL Project Officer
Compliance & Reporting
NICNAS
GPO Box 58
SYDNEY NSW 2001

If you would like further information, please contact:

Cameron Dalgleish
Tel: (02) 8577 8831
Email: cameron.dalgleish@nicnas.gov.au,

or Lewis Norman
Tel: (02) 8577 8854
lewis.norman@nicnas.gov.au