Why Every Lash Artist Needs to Register with AICIS

As a professional lash artist, you’re not just creating confidence - you’re handling chemicals that fall under Australia’s national industrial chemicals scheme. Registering with the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) isn’t just red tape: it’s your ticket to operating legally, protecting your clients, and future-proofing your business.

What Is AICIS?

AICIS is the government body that oversees the safe import, manufacture and use of industrial chemicals in Australia. If you work with adhesives, removers, cleansers or any other chemical-based lash products, you’re possibly in its remit.

• Why it exists: To ensure chemicals are used safely, minimise environmental and health risks, and keep Australia’s chemical industry up to global best practice.

• Who it applies to: Anyone who imports or manufactures industrial chemicals in Australia-whether that’s a salon owner ordering lash adhesives from overseas or a supplier blending your own formulas.

Who Needs to Register?

Does your business structure matter?

AICIS cares about who brings the chemicals in - not how you’re set up. Whether you operate as:

• A sole trader,

• A company,

• A partnership,

• Or as an individual selling lash products,

if you import any lash adhesives, removers or cleansers into Australia, you must hold your own AICIS registration.

You must register with AICIS if, in the course of your commercial activity, you:

1. Import any industrial chemical products (e.g. lash adhesive, remover, cleanser) into Australia - the quantity does not matter.

2. Manufacture industrial chemicals locally - this includes custom-mixing glues or creating your own lash serum blends.

3. Bring in samples for demonstration or training purposes (even small volumes count).
   
   What does “import” mean?
   In plain English, importing means bringing any chemical-based lash product into Australia from overseas, no matter where it's from, how small the amount or how you do it:

• Ordering a sample of adhesive and having it shipped to your salon or home.

• Using any courier or freight service (DHL, FedEx, Australia Post, etc.).

• Receiving demo or training samples.

• Carrying products in your luggage on a personal trip.

In each case, you’re the importer, and under AICIS rules you must be registered before the shipment arrives.

Why Registration Matters

1. Stay Legal & Avoid Penalties

   • Operating without registration can attract fines up to $3,600 per offence and suspension of your trading privileges.

2. Protect Your Clients & Reputation

   • Registered chemicals come with mandatory Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and known hazard information - so you can confidently explain risks and safe handling to every client.

3. Streamline Supply & Growth

   • AICIS registration unlocks faster customs clearance and avoids “held at the border” delays. As your business grows, you won’t get caught out by avoidable compliance hold-ups.

Step-by-Step: How to Register

1. Create an AICIS account

   • Head to <a href="https://www.industrialchemicals.gov.au/">industrialchemicals.gov.au</a> and click “Register.”

   • You’ll need your ABN, contact details and a brief description of your business activities.

2. Complete your profile

   • List every type of chemical you import or manufacture (adhesives, removers, cleansers, etc.).

   • Estimate annual volumes in litres or kilograms—round up to the nearest 10 L or 10 kg if you’re not sure.

3. Pay your annual fee

   • Fees start at $25 for low-volume importers and scale based on total annual volume.

   • Payment options include credit card or BPAY.

4. Maintain your registration

   • Each July, you’ll confirm your volumes and pay the renewal fee.

   • Update your chemical list whenever you introduce a new product.

Your Next Move: Free AICIS Registration Checklist

Registration can feel daunting - so I’ve created a step-by-step checklist to guide you through every form, fee and deadline.

Download your free PDF checklist and make sure nothing slips through the cracks: Get the AICIS Registration Checklist

Want insider tips on reading your Safety Data Sheets or understanding GHS hazard pictograms? Sign up below and we’ll send you practical guides, upcoming webinar invites and labelling cheat-sheets straight to your inbox.

Ready to Get Compliant?
Registering with AICIS protects your business - and your clients - from preventable risks. Follow this guide, grab your checklist, and you’ll be fully compliant in no time.

Disclaimer: Any information provided by Lashology Australia for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Consult a qualified expert or legal adviser regarding your specific obligations under AICIS

Have questions as you go? Reply here or drop us a message via the contact form, and I’ll help you navigate each step.