Apply for annual import authorisation - Rotterdam Convention
Australia is committed to controlling the trade of industrial chemicals that are toxic to human health and the environment. If you wish to import certain chemicals covered under the Rotterdam convention, you must apply and pay a fee.
Who must apply
Anyone seeking to import certain banned or severely restricted chemicals subject to the prior informed consent (PIC) procedure of the Rotterdam Convention must apply and receive authorisation.
Note: Importers are responsible for staying informed about the status of Annex III-listed or restricted chemicals and any related import responses. This information is published in the PIC Circular.
It is unlawful to import certain chemicals listed under an international agreement without our written approval, and harsh penalties apply.
Information you must provide
You’ll need the following information:
- Importer’s and supplier’s contact details, including an ABN (if applicable)
- AICIS registration number
- Common name and trade name of the PIC chemical
- CAS number
- AHECC code
- Intended use of the chemical - industrial, pesticide or both
- If the PIC chemical is in a mixture, the name of the mixture and the % of PIC chemical in the mixture
- Safety data sheet and label
Import scenarios
There are 2 import scenarios:
Import authorisation #1 – import of banned or severely restricted chemical to Australia
Import Authorisation #2 – import of banned or severely restricted chemical to Australia where the industrial use is out of scope as detailed in Article 3(2)(h)(i and ii) of the Rotterdam Convention and the chemicals are listed in section 71 of the Industrial Chemicals (General) Rules 2019:
Article 3 - Scope of the Convention
1. This Convention applies to:
(a) Banned or severely restricted chemicals; and
(b) Severely hazardous pesticide formulations.
2. This Convention does not apply to:
(a) Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances;
(b) Radioactive materials;
(c) Wastes;
(d) Chemical weapons;
(e) Pharmaceuticals, including human and veterinary drugs;
(f) Chemicals used as food additives;
(g) Food;
(h) Chemicals in quantities not likely to affect human health or the environment provided they are imported:
- (i) For the purpose of research or analysis; or
- (ii) By an individual for his or her own personal use in quantities reasonable for such use.
List of chemicals subject to import conditions
Section 71 of the Industrial Chemicals (General) Rules 2019 prohibits the introduction of certain industrial chemicals subject to the Rotterdam Convention. This means that it is unlawful to introduce some Annex-III listed industrial chemicals without our written approval.
| Chemical name | CAS Number |
|---|---|
|
Commercial octabromodiphenyl ether (including hexabromodiphenyl ether and heptabromodiphenyl ether) |
36483-60-0, 68928-80-3 |
|
Commercial pentabromodiphenyl ether (including tetrabromodiphenyl ether and pentabromodiphenyl ether) |
32534-81-9, 40088-47-9 |
| Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) | 25637-99-4 |
|
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, perfluorooctane sulfonates, perfluorooctane sulfonamides and perfluorooctane sulfonyls, including:
(i) potassium perfluorooctane sulfonate; and (ii) lithium perfluorooctane sulfonate; and (iii) ammonium perfluorooctane sulfonate; and (iv) diethanolammonium perfluorooctane sulfonate; and (v) tetraethylammonium perfluorooctane sulfonate; and (vi) didecyldimethylammonium perfluorooctane sulfonate; and (vii) N‑ethylperfluorooctane sulfonamide; and (viii) N‑methylperfluorooctane sulfonamide; and (ix) N‑ethyl‑N‑(2‑hydroxyethyl) perfluorooctane sulfonamide; and 1691-99-2, 1763-23-1, 24448-09-7, 251099-16-8, 2795-39-3, 29081-56-9, 29457-72-5, 307-35-7, 31506-32-8, 4151-50-2, 56773-42-3, 70225-14-8 (x) N‑(2‑hydroxyethyl)‑N‑methylperfluorooctane sulfonamide; and (xi) perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride |
1691-99-2, 1763-23-1, 24448-09-7, 251099-16-8, 2795-39-3, 29081-56-9, 29457-72-5, 307-35-7, 31506-32-8, 4151-50-2, 56773-42-3, 70225-14-8 |
|
Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBBs) including: (i) hexabromobiphenyl; and (ii) octabromobiphenyl; and (iii) decabromobiphenyl |
13654-09-6, 27858-07-7, 36355-01-8 |
| Short chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCP) | 85535-84-8 |
| Tetramethyl lead | 75-74-1 |
| Tributyl tin compounds | 1461-22-9, 1983-10-4, 2155-70-6, 24124-25-2, 4342-36-3, 56-35-9, 85409-17-2 |
Introductions of tetraethyl lead
Tetraethyl lead is a highly toxic fuel additive. Although it is listed on the Inventory, the introduction of tetraethyl lead is subject to special conditions.
If you wish to import tetraethyl lead, please contact us.
How to apply
If you want to import any chemical listed in the table above, you must download the application form and submit it in the AICIS Business Services online portal.
Step 1: Download the form:
Note: To view and use interactive forms, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Step 2: Complete the form and save it to your PC.
Step 3: Sign in to the AICIS Business Services online portal. If you don't have an account, you can sign up for free.
Step 4: Click on the 'Other applications' tile and select 'Create a new application'.
Step 5: Select the following 'Application type' from the drop-down box.
- Rotterdam Convention: Annual Import Authorisation
Select the 'Business contact' and 'Application contact', then click on 'save'.
Step 6: Once you're sure that all your details are correct, click on 'Create invoice' and then pay the invoice in the portal
Step 7: Upload your completed form and any supporting documents. Check the declaration box and then click 'submit application'.
Fees
Payments are non-refundable.
|
Description |
Fee (AUD) from 1 July 2021 (GST does not apply) |
|---|---|
|
Apply to import a Rotterdam Convention banned or severely restricted industrial chemical |