How to Import Chemicals to Australia

Step-by-Step Import Process

1. 1

   Check if your chemical is on the AICIS Inventory

   Search the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals (AIIC) to check whether your chemical is already listed. Listed chemicals have already been assessed by AICIS (or its predecessor NICNAS). New chemicals not on the inventory require assessment before they can be introduced into Australia.

2. 2

   Register with AICIS

   All importers of industrial chemicals must register with AICIS as an "introducer" before importing. Registration is annual and fees are based on the value and volume of chemicals you introduce. You must register even if you're only importing listed chemicals.

3. 3

   Categorise your introduction

   Determine the AICIS category for your chemical introduction. Categories range from "reported" (lowest risk, such as listed chemicals at low volumes) to "assessed" (higher risk, requiring evaluation by AICIS). The category determines your pre-introduction obligations, including whether you need an assessment certificate.

4. 4

   Classify for customs and check dangerous goods requirements

   Determine the customs tariff classification and check whether the chemical is classified as a dangerous good under the ADG Code. Dangerous goods require UN-specification packaging, hazard labels, safety data sheets, and transport documentation compliant with the IMDG Code (sea) or IATA DGR (air).

5. 5

   Engage a licensed customs broker

   Choose a broker experienced with chemical imports. Chemical imports often require coordination between the ABF, AICIS, DAFF (for some agricultural chemicals), and state-based dangerous goods authorities. Your broker manages the customs declaration while you manage the AICIS registration and categorisation.

6. 6

   Prepare import documentation

   Assemble commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, safety data sheets (SDS), AICIS registration confirmation, and dangerous goods documentation (if applicable). SDS must comply with the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) and include Australian-specific emergency contact numbers.

7. 7

   Pay duties, taxes, and arrange storage

   Pay customs duty and GST. Ensure your receiving facility meets the storage requirements for the chemical's hazard classification. State-based dangerous goods licences may be required for storage above prescribed quantities.

Key Regulations

AICIS (Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme) regulates the importation and manufacture of industrial chemicals in Australia. It replaced NICNAS in 2020. All importers must register as introducers, and chemicals must be categorised for risk before introduction.

The Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code), harmonised with the UN GHS system, governs the classification, packaging, labelling, and transport of dangerous goods. State and territory authorities enforce the ADG Code through dangerous goods legislation.

The ABF enforces import prohibitions and restrictions on certain chemicals, including substances controlled under the Chemical Weapons Convention, ozone-depleting substances, and substances listed under the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants.

For chemicals used in agriculture (pesticides, herbicides), the APVMA regulates registration and use. AICIS and APVMA have separate but complementary jurisdiction — a chemical may need to be assessed under both schemes.

Duties & Tariffs

Customs duty on chemicals is typically 0-5% depending on the specific product and its tariff classification. Many bulk industrial chemicals enter duty-free.

Anti-dumping duties may apply to certain chemical products from specific countries. Check the Anti-Dumping Commission database for current measures.

GST of 10% applies to all imported chemicals. The customs value includes the cost of the chemical plus freight and insurance costs.

Official Sources

Verify the information in this guide against these official government resources.

• AICIS — Getting Started for Importers

  Registration, categorisation, and reporting requirements for chemical importers.

• AICIS — Chemical Inventory (AIIC)

  Search whether your chemical is already listed on the Australian Inventory.

• Safe Work Australia — Dangerous Goods

  Classification and handling requirements for dangerous goods in the workplace.

• ABF — Prohibited and Restricted Imports

  List of chemicals and substances that are prohibited or restricted for import.