A new industrial chemical is generally defined as an industrial chemical not listed on the national inventory (Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals – AICS). The assessment process for these chemicals may vary depending on the properties of the specific chemical and its proposed use.

Industrial chemicals being notified and assessed for the purpose of obtaining an assessment certificate may utilise streamlined processes if they are:

· a low hazard polymer (PLC)

· to be introduced in restricted volumes (LTD)

· a chemical of low regulatory concern (SANHC, SANHP, SAPLC)

and in certain situations, industrial chemicals may be introduced conditionally, including:

· being introduced for commercial evaluation purposes (CEC, CER), or

· for introduction in low quantities (LVC)

· subject to highly controlled use (EOP).

All types of assessments undertaken by NICNAS (given in Figure 4) are fully described at Appendix 04. New chemicals assessment activity statistics are provided at Appendix 05. For information concerning Cosmetic Interim Permits, see Reform.

Figure 4: NICNAS assessment types – meaning of abbreviations used

Permits

CEC Commercial Evaluation Category permit

CER Commercial Evaluation category permit Renewal

EIP Early Introduction Permit

EOP Export Only Permit

EXT Extension of Assessment Certificate

LVC Low volume chemical

Assessment certificates

LTD Limited notification

PLC Polymer of Low Concern

SANHC Self-Assessment Non-Hazardous Chemical

SANHP Self-Assessment Non-Hazardous Polymer

SAPLC Self-Assessment for Polymer of Low Concern

STD Standard notification