Applying for a Certificate

 

Certificate notifications are required for all new chemicals that will be manufactured and/or imported for an extended period.

 

There are certain information requirements for assessment and notifications. Applications must contain the relevant mandatory forms for each category of certificate.

Other specific-purpose forms are available - they should be submitted with the relevant fees:

• Variation of scheduled data requirements (Form 2);

• Confidential information to remain exempt from the full public report (Form 3); and

• Third party information to remain confidential from the applicant (Form 5).

Fees may be reduced by using self-assessment, electronic template submission or by providing overseas reports. Joint applications from importers or manufacturers of the same chemical are accepted - only one fee will be charged.

A certificate will be granted to the notifier (the party who has notified NICNAS by applying for an assessment certificate) when a successful assessment has been completed. Certificate assessments operate under statutory timeframes. An Early Introduction Permit (EIP) may be granted in certain cases.

 

Once a certificate has been granted the holder:

• May introduce the new industrial chemical;

• Must comply with conditions attached to the assessment, and  must submit a secondary notification if there are changed circumstances regarding the chemical;

• May permit an extension allowing additional companies to import the chemical.

NICNAS will publish:

• A full public report on the website, and

• A summary report in the Chemical Gazette.

Normally the chemical will not be listed on AICS until 5 years have passed, but the certificate holder(s) can apply for early listing of the chemical on the non-confidential section of AICS at any time during the 5-year period, or alternatively apply for confidential listing on AICS when the 5-year period is reached.

More information

• Information requirements for assessment;

• Mandatory forms; and

• Categories of certificate.