National Framework for Chemicals Environmental Management (NChEM)

On 13 December 2013, COAG replaced its 22 Standing Councils, Select Councils and governance fora with a set of eight Councils and the decision saw the revocation of the Standing Council on Environment and Water.

Information on this website is being updated to reflect these changes.

Following extensive stakeholder consultation, the National Framework for Chemicals Environmental Management (NChEM) was endorsed by Environment Ministers on 2 June 2007. It provides an overarching framework and a detailed Action Plan to improve chemical environmental risk assessment and management processes and consistency in how chemicals’ environmental impacts are managed across Australian jurisdictions.

Ministerial Agreement and Action Plan

The Ministerial Agreement demonstrates the commitment by Environment Ministers and their agencies to improve environmental aspects of Australia’s chemical management system.

Chemical Risk Assessment Guidance Manuals

The Guidance Manuals outline the current practice for conducting environmental risk assessment of industrial chemicals, pesticides and veterinary medicines in Australia.

NChEM Chemicals Action Plan for the Environment

The second progress report on the progress of the NChEM Chemicals Action Plan for the Environment: 2007 was accepted by EPHC on 5 July 2010.