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Coming soon: Changes to simplify SIR compliance for listed introductions
On 25 July 2025, we will implement changes to help introducers comply with reporting obligations for listed introductions that have a specific information requirement (SIR).
These include:
improving Inventory chemical records so it’s easier for introducers to find the information they need when there are SIRs
updating and expanding guidance so it’s easier for introducers to work out if they need to provide information to AICIS
Improving SIR online forms so it’s easier for businesses to give information to AICIS.
About specific information requirements
A specific information requirement or SIR is an obligation on industrial chemical importers or manufacturers to provide information about their chemical introduction in certain circumstances. SIRs are intended to ensure that we receive information that may indicate new or increased risks for a chemical introduction, when compared with any risks that we identified through a previous assessment or evaluation. About 10% of the chemicals on the Inventory have SIRs as an Inventory term of listing. Almost all the SIR terms of listing were carried over from our former scheme, NICNAS*, through transitional laws. Whether or not information needs to be provided to AICIS varies depending on the details of the SIR and the circumstances of the chemical introduction.
*The National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) was the former scheme that AICIS replaced on 1 July 2020.
How we’re improving Inventory chemical records
There are about 4,000 chemicals on the Inventory with SIRs. AICIS will improve as many of these records as possible.
- We will surface information from the ‘secondary notification’ section of NICNAS assessment reports in the specific information requirement field in Inventory chemical records. This means the chemical records will include more details about obligations to provide information and the circumstances that apply, which will reduce the need to locate and interpret information in the secondary notification section of NICNAS assessment reports.
- We will not disclose protected information, such as protected chemical names and CAS numbers.
- The records will clearly indicate if chemicals were assessed as polymers of low concern (PLC) – since different information requirements apply for a PLC.
To be able to publish more detailed information about the SIR obligations in Inventory chemical records, we will formally vary the SIR terms of listing. In doing this, there will be neither an increase nor decrease in the regulatory requirements for businesses, but it will be easier to comply with the requirements. The information that we surface in the SIR term of listing in the Inventory chemical record will also be published in the next version of the downloadable Inventory (version 7 intended to be released in August 2025).
We will also add new features in relevant Inventory chemical records by:
- adding links to guidance to make it easier for introducers to work out if they need to submit information to AICIS
- displaying a new link in many chemical records to allow users to directly open the associated NICNAS assessment report
- making it clearer that an assessment report cannot be linked to the chemical record (if applicable) because of protected information.
New and improved SIR forms
Updated, fit-for-purpose online forms will make it easier to submit information in AICIS Business Services. It will be especially beneficial for importers and manufacturers that know:
- the identity of the chemicals they’re introducing and/or the SIR details AND
- why they are reporting the information to AICIS.
Many businesses have incomplete SIR forms saved as a draft in the AICIS Business Services portal. From 25 July 2025, businesses will need to use the improved forms to submit information to AICIS.
If you need to submit SIR forms that are saved as drafts, please finalise and submit before 24 July 2025. You can also cancel any draft SIR forms that are no longer required.
We will email anyone that currently has SIR forms in draft status to advise them of the form changes.
Why is AICIS making these changes?
Some stakeholders indicated it was difficult to access information and comply with SIR obligations. When we explored this, we found that:
- it can be hard to find the regulatory obligations for chemicals assessed under NICNAS that transitioned as SIR obligations under AICIS, and the process could be simplified
- introducers can submit SIRs, but the process could be improved.
We are making these improvements after exploring options to simplify SIR compliance for listed introductions, within current policy settings
This process has included several stakeholder engagement activities, including a recent public consultation on a proposal to improve access to assessment information by linking NICNAS assessment reports to online chemical records. A small group of industry stakeholders who regularly use the SIR process reviewed and provided feedback on early drafts and examples of the proposed changes. The content, which will take effect on 25 July 2025, has been informed by this feedback and refined through further development. We thank everyone who participated and shared their insights.
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