Chemicals of Security Concern

A large and diverse number of industrial, agricultural and veterinary chemicals are legitimately used by individuals and organisations every day throughout Australia.

However, some of these chemicals have been diverted from their lawful use to other unlawful purposes, including terrorist related activity. The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has identified 96 chemicals that require priority risk assessment.

Australian governments and industry are now working together to minimise the risks associated with unlawful use of these chemicals to ensure public safety and national security.

The current security environment is dynamic and it is vital to the safety of all Australians that persons involved in the manufacture, importation, transportation, sale and use of chemicals report any unusual behaviour regarding the sale and/or use of chemicals to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.

Present Situation

Terrorist organisations continue to show interest in chemicals that can be used to produce explosive or toxic weapons. Common chemicals have been used as ingredients in powerful improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in different parts of the world. Overseas attacks have resulted in many fatalities, injuries, and damage on a massive scale. Similarly, toxic chemicals have been used in attacks by terrorists to cause injury and death.

National Security

There is a need for increased security surrounding chemicals in Australia as the threat of terrorism is expected to continue into the foreseeable future. While the risk of misuse of chemicals by terrorists cannot be completely removed, Australian governments and industry are working closely together to mitigate this risk.

Legitimate Use of Chemicals

Many chemicals available in Australia are used widely in the community, by industry and business, for research and other legitimate purposes. Only a small percentage of these chemicals are known to be of interest to terrorist groups. A key challenge for Australian governments is to improve the security of these chemicals while ensuring they remain available for their legitimate use by consumers and industry.

Chemicals Assessed as a Potential Security Concern

To view the list of Chemicals assessed as a potential security concern, see the attachments below.

Terrorist Attacks

  • London 2005– near simultaneous attacks were carried out by a small group of extremists on the London tube network and a double-decker bus. The devices were made using a mixture containing hydrogen peroxide. Fifty-two people were killed and hundreds were injured, many severely.
  • Jakarta 2004– a vehicle bomb using a chlorate mixture explosive detonated outside the entrance to the Australian Embassy in Jakarta Indonesia. The attack killed 12 Indonesian nationals, including the suicide bomber.
  • Bali 2002– a vehicle bomb parked outside a popular tourist venue exploded killing 202 people. The device contained a chlorate mixture explosive and was one of the first attacks causing numerous Australian casualties – 88 Australians were killed.
  • Omagh 1998– a Real Irish Republican Army device, carried in a vehicle, was again made from a mixture containing agricultural fertiliser. The device was detonated on a crowded shopping street, killing 29 people and injuring hundreds.
  • Manchester 1996– an Irish Republican Army device, made from a mixture containing agricultural fertiliser, was carried on a truck and detonated in Manchester. The city was devastated by the explosion, but prompt police action prevented any fatalities.
  • Japan 1994 and 1995– two separate attacks were carried out using the chemical nerve-agent sarin. The first occurred in Matsumoto in 1994, killing seven people and injuring or affecting over 250 people. The second, more widely known attack occurred on the Tokyo subway in 1995. It killed 12 people and led to over 5,000 people seeking medical assistance.
  • New York 1993– an attack was carried out by extremists on the World Trade Centre. The device, carried on a truck, was made from a mixture containing agricultural fertiliser. The attack on the North Tower killed six people and injured another 1,042.
National Security Hotline: 1800 123 400, or Email:hotline@nationalsecurity.gov.au If you see people handling or purchasing chemicals in a way that doesn't seem right, call the National Security Hotline: 1800 123 400, or Email: hotline@nationalsecurity.gov.au

The Australian Government, in partnership with State and Territory governments, is working closely with industry to keep Australia safe from terrorism.  Chemicals have been used in terrorist attacks throughout the world.  These chemicals are commonly available in domestic, agricultural, veterinary, industrial and beauty products.

In many cases, terrorists acquire chemicals from the same locations as the general public. For business, your vigilance in ‘knowing your customer’ may make the difference in preventing a terrorist attack. The general community is also being encouraged ‘if you suspect it report it’.

If you have seen something unusual and wish to report it, please contact the
National Security Hotline on
1800 123 400 or hotline@nationalsecurity.gov.au.