Regulatory guidance

The Australian Government has developed a range of PFAS-specific resources to complement the existing chemical regulatory framework.

In particular, the PFAS National Environmental Management Plan (NEMP) provides governments with a consistent, practical, risk-based framework for the environmental regulation of PFAS-contaminated materials and sites. The NEMP is a living document and is being updated as more scientific information becomes available.

The Intergovernmental Agreement on a National Framework for Responding to PFAS Contamination also provides specific guidance on actions at PFAS contaminated sites. Any contaminated site investigation in Australia should be conducted in accordance with the National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure.

The Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) helps protect people and the environment by assessing the risks of industrial chemicals. AICIS assessments inform decisions made by a wide range of government agencies involved in regulating the control, use, release and disposal of industrial chemicals. AICIS has recommended that industry should actively seek alternatives to and phase out PFAS and PFAS-related substances of concern. Any new perfluorinated chemicals in replacement foams must be notified to and assessed by AICIS prior to introduction into Australia.  

For information on the management of PFAS in food and water for the protection of human health, visit our PFAS in food and water page.