In a significant step towards environmental protection and public health, the Australian Furniture Association agrees with the Australian Government’s decision to introduce new regulations targeting a specific group of persistent industrial chemicals known as PFAS – per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances.
In December 2023, the Commonwealth announced that certain sub-sets of PFAS would be added to Schedule 7 of the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS) register. These new controls, set to come into effect from 1 July 2025, will prohibit the manufacture, import, export, and intentional use of the listed PFAS chemicals. This applies whether the substances are found in raw materials, chemical mixtures, or finished goods.
PFAS are known for their durability and resistance to heat, water, and grease—traits that have made them popular in a wide range of consumer products. However, these same characteristics also make PFAS highly persistent in the environment and the human body, raising concerns about long-term exposure and potential health impacts.
While PFAS can be found in a variety of items, the new regulations specifically target those substances that are intentionally added to products and packaging for their water- or grease-resistant properties.
The regulation of chemicals in Australia is a shared responsibility between the Commonwealth and state and territory governments, as well as across various government portfolios. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is responsible for administering IChEMS, which provides a nationally consistent approach to managing the life cycle of industrial chemicals. The aim is to minimise the environmental risks associated with these substances.
To support businesses and stakeholders in understanding these upcoming changes, the National Retail Association has made a recording of their recent information session publicly available. The session provides further insights into the regulatory changes and their potential impact on retail and supply chains.
🎥 Watch the session here: PFAS Information Session – National Retail Association
These new PFAS controls mark a significant shift in Australia’s chemical management landscape and reinforce the government’s commitment to protecting ecosystems and public health from the risks posed by long-lasting industrial pollutants.