Which Notification Category Should I Use?

 

This web page provides brief advice only. For more information on notification categories, please refer to the NICNAS Handbook for Notifiers.

Firstly, ensure that the chemical requires notification to NICNAS. This can be done by following the steps under Does my chemical require Notification?

Certificate

Certificate Notifications are suitable for new chemicals that will be manufactured or imported for an extended period. There are three main certificate categories: standard (STD), limited (LTD) and polymers of low concern (PLC). Self-assessment Notifications are available for non-hazardous chemicals and polymers.

• Polymer of Low Concern
  PLC certificates are granted for polymers that meet low concern criteria for human health and the environment. Further information on the PLC criteria can be found in Appendix 10 of the NICNAS Handbook for Notifiers. For more information, please see Certificate Categories.
   

• Limited
  LTD Notifications are suitable for:

  • Chemicals introduced at a rate of up to one tonne per 12 month period; or
     

  • Synthetic polymers with NAMW greater than 1000 and which do not meet the PLC criteria (no volume restriction); or
     

  • Chemicals restricted to their manufacturing site and manufactured at a rate of not more than 10 tonnes per 12 month period. For more information, please see Certificate Categories.
     

• Standard
  STD Notifications cover all other certificate assessments that do not meet PLC or LTD criteria. For more information, please see Certificate Categories.

Permits

Permit Notifications are for new chemicals that will be manufactured or imported for a short period and in restricted quantities.

• Commercial Evaluation Permits
  CEC permits are for limited volume chemicals to be introduced solely for market evaluation at a rate of up to 4000 kg per year for a maximum of two years. For more information, please see the Commercial Evaluation permit page.
   

• Low Volume Chemical Permits
  LVC permits are for small volume chemicals to be introduced at a rate of up to 100 kg per year for a maximum of three years. For more information, please see the Low Volume Chemical permit page.
   

• Controlled Use (Export Only) Permit
  Also known as EOP, is a category relevant for new chemicals proposed to be imported and/or manufactured for the purposes of export of the entire quantity of the chemical or products containing the new chemical (see Chemical Gazette, May 2006).
  
  For more information, please see the Controlled Use (Export Only) Permit Page
   

• Early Introduction Permit
  EIP permits are granted for some chemicals that are under assessment as a certificate notification. Under certain circumstances, a chemical may be eligible for a special permit allowing it to be introduced into Australia before its assessment is complete. For more information, please see the Early Introduction permit page.