IChEMS (Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard)
IChEMS (Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard)
All food packaging
Australia regulates PFAS in food contact materials through the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS), which bans the import and manufacture of PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS. FSANZ Standard 1.4.3 provides a general safety obligation for food contact materials but does not set PFAS-specific thresholds. Enforcement is carried out by state/territory food authorities (e.g., NSW Food Authority, DHHS Victoria). Food businesses bear responsibility for ensuring food contact materials comply with safety standards.
Penalties vary by state/territory. For example, NSW state food legislation provides corporate civil penalties up to approximately AUD 1.1M, with criminal penalties also available. Other states have different penalty structures. Enforced by state/territory food authorities, not FSANZ directly.
Australia holds food service operators (restaurants, food trucks, caterers) directly liable for using packaging that contains PFAS. You cannot rely solely on your supplier's representations — you must independently verify compliance.
Exemptions
As a food service operator in Australia, you are directly liable for using non-compliant packaging. You must independently verify that every food-contact package you purchase is PFAS-free — relying on supplier claims alone is not sufficient under this law.
Use our free compliance checker to verify your food packaging meets Australia's PFAS regulations.
Run Free Compliance CheckLegal Disclaimer
This page provides general information about Australia's PFAS food packaging regulations and is not legal advice. Regulations may change; always verify current requirements with the relevant regulatory authority. PFAS Packaging Check is an information tool — consult qualified legal counsel for advice specific to your situation.