Two More Chemicals Ineligible For Reported (introductions of 10 kg or less) Category
On 8 February 2023, the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) removed two chemicals from its inventory: Benzene, hexachloro- (HCB), CAS no. 118-74-1, and Benzene, 1,2,3,4,5-pentachloro- (PeCB), CAS no. 608-93-5.
As a result, low volume introductions of these chemicals, up to 10 kg in an AICIS registration year, are no longer eligible for the reported category type called ‘introduction of 10 kg or less’.
The AICIS Inventory is a list of all industrial chemicals that can be introduced to Australia, and each chemical on the list is assigned a category based on its potential risks and intended use.
The reported category type ‘introduction of 10 kg or less’ is for low volume introductions of chemicals that meet certain criteria, such as being of low concern for human health and the environment. With the removal of HCB and PeCB from the AICIS Inventory, these chemicals no longer meet the criteria for this category type.
This change is part of AICIS’s ongoing efforts to ensure that all industrial chemicals imported or manufactured in Australia are safe for human health and the environment.
Businesses that import or manufacture industrial chemicals in Australia are encouraged to review and audit their product ingredients to ensure that their chemicals are categorised correctly.
What are HCB and PeCB?
Benzene, hexachloro- (HCB) and Benzene, 1,2,3,4,5-pentachloro- (PeCB) are both forms of benzene, which is a highly toxic and flammable chemical compound that is commonly used in the production of plastics, synthetic fibres, rubber and other materials.
HCB, CAS no. 118-74-1, is a white crystalline powder that is used as a pesticide, in electrical transformers, and in the production of chemicals such as dyes and pigments. It has been classified as a Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP) by the Stockholm Convention due to its potential to cause long-term harm to human health and the environment.
PeCB, CAS no. 608-93-5, is a colourless liquid that is also used as a pesticide, as well as in the production of chemicals such as dyes, pigments and pharmaceuticals. Like HCB, PeCB has been classified as a POP due to its persistent nature and potential to cause harm to human health and the environment.
Both of these chemicals have been found to have harmful effects on human health, including being potential carcinogens and causing damage to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. They are also harmful to the environment, as they can persist in soil and water for many years, and can accumulate in the food chain.
Their removal from the AICIS Inventory means that low volume introductions of these chemicals, up to 10 kg in an AICIS registration year, are no longer eligible for the reported category type called ‘introduction of 10 kg or less’.
If you have any questions or concerns about the categorisation process, you can contact BWES for guidance and support.
This communication (including any attachment) has been prepared by BWES and is based on the available information at the time of publication and is believed to be true and accurate. The information contained in this communication should be used as a guide only and may cease to apply if applicable regulation or the product’s design or application is altered. BWES does not take responsibility for any Injury, Loss for damage suffered by any party’s interpretation or decisions made by any party on the information provided in this communication.