Compliance and Safety Glossary
ABN
Australian Business Number - An 11-digit identifier required to register as a chemical introducer with AICIS.
AICIS
Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme — The national regulator for importing, manufacturing and using industrial chemicals in Australia.
AICIS Inventory
The list of “listed introductions” — chemicals pre-approved for import or manufacture without additional assessment.
CAS Number
Chemical Abstracts Service Number — A unique numeric identifier assigned to every chemical substance for precise global identification.
Chemical Identity
The precise, official name (and CAS number) of a substance as listed on its Safety Data Sheet and in AICIS records.
Chemical Registration
The process of creating an AICIS account, listing your chemicals and volumes, submitting SDS files and paying the annual fee.
Downstream User
Anyone who uses a chemical purchased from an already-registered Australian supplier; they rely on the supplier’s AICIS registration rather than holding their own.
Exempted Introduction
Very low-risk polymers or small research-only volumes (e.g. under 250 kg/year) that meet strict criteria and don’t require full AICIS registration.
GHS
Globally Harmonized System — The international standard for classifying chemical hazards and communicating them via labels and Safety Data Sheets.
Hazard Pictograms
Standardized icons (e.g. flame, exclamation mark, health hazard) that visually convey a chemical’s primary risks.
Hazard Statements (H-Codes)
Concise phrases (e.g. H317: “May cause allergic skin reaction”) describing the nature and severity of a chemical hazard.
Importer
The person or business whose name is on the import paperwork when chemical products arrive in Australia—anyone bringing adhesives, removers or cleansers in must register with AICIS.
Industrial Chemical
Any chemical used for industrial purposes—including cosmetic ingredients like lash adhesives—regulated by AICIS.
Introduction
In AICIS terms, any act of bringing an industrial chemical into Australia, whether by import, manufacture or transfer.
Labeling & GHS Compliance
Ensuring your products carry the correct signal words, hazard pictograms, hazard statements and precautionary statements as per GHS rules.
Low-VOC Adhesive
A lash glue formula containing minimal volatile organic compounds, resulting in reduced odor, lower inhalation exposure and a more comfortable studio environment.
Polymer of Low Concern
High-molecular-weight polymers that pose negligible risk and are exempt from full reporting under specific AICIS criteria.
Precautionary Statements (P-Codes)
Guidance phrases (e.g. P280: “Wear protective gloves”) advising on safe handling, storage and emergency response.
R&D Volume
Small quantities of chemicals used strictly for research and development purposes, often eligible for registration exemptions.
Reportable Introduction
A chemical not yet on the AICIS Inventory; it must be assessed and formally recorded before use.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
A standardized 16-section document detailing a chemical’s hazards, composition, handling requirements and emergency measures.
Signal Word
A single word on a label or SDS (“Danger” for severe hazard, “Warning” for moderate hazard) indicating overall hazard level.
Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)
Solvent chemicals in adhesives that evaporate at room temperature; high-VOC formulas off-gas more, while low-VOC adhesives minimise odor and exposure.
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