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Tetramethyl lead and tetraethyl lead

Regulations effective from 17 November 2005 introduce import/manufacture and export controls for tetraethyl lead (TEL) and tetramethyl lead (TML). These regulations were made to implement Australia's obligations under the Rotterdam Convention. Introduction (that is, import/manufacture) and export of TML is prohibited without the prior written permission of the Director, NICNAS. Similarly, the export of TEL is prohibited without the prior written permission of the Director, NICNAS. Tetraethyl lead may be introduced without the prior written permission of the Director (NICNAS) if the importation occurs in aviation gasoline or for the production of aviation gasoline; or in leaded fuel and fuel additives introduced by a person granted an approval under the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000 for use specified in the approval. These new prohibitions can be found in Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Amendment Regulations 2005 (No. 2).

As a Party to the Convention, Australia must ensure that the chemicals listed in Annex III of the Rotterdam Convention are not exported to countries that do not wish to receive them. Annex III contains chemicals that have been notified as severely restricted or banned due to health or environmental reasons by participating countries. Tetramethyl lead and tetraethyl lead were added to Annex III effective 1 February 2005.

See: NICNAS Internet site <http://www.nicnas.gov.au>