APVMA anti-fouling paint guidance for use on boat hulls—consultation draft

The final guidance document has been published and is now available on our website.

Submissions are invited from interested stakeholders on the proposed guidance for registration of specific anti-fouling products for use on vessels.

Background

The purpose of this APVMA guidance is to establish criteria for registration of specific anti-fouling products for use on vessels, streamlining the application process. The anti-fouling products covered in this guidance are those listed in this guidance which release substances, chemicals or biocides. This guidance does not refer to non-biocide-release anti-fouling coatings (foul-release coatings).

This guidance sets parameters regarding the permissible constituents, use patterns, chemistry and manufacture and efficacy and safety criteria in order to satisfy the APVMA legislative requirements for specific anti-fouling products. In addition, applicants should be mindful of requirements of other regulatory bodies and legislation that may apply (see Section 6 of this guidance).

If the product contains an active constituent not already approved by the APVMA, makes any claims other than those specified here, or does not otherwise comply with the criteria of this guidance, a conventional application to the APVMA will be required.

The consultation period is open until close of business on 12 April 2019. Following consideration of comments received during the consultation period, the guidance will be finalised and made available on the APVMA website.

Please send your written submission by email to enquiries@apvma.gov.au.