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Hazardous Substances
Update
April 2021
Hazardous Substances Update #208
Kia ora,
This week, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has launched a call for information about glyphosate. As well, NZ’s new hazard classification system is now in effect. Catch up on all of the latest news below.
Call for information on glyphosate
The EPA is seeking information about the manufacture, importation, and patterns of use of the herbicide glyphosate in New Zealand, as well as information on the availability of alternatives, and any impacts on Māori.
This weed killer has been used by home gardeners, farmers, and councils in New Zealand since the 1970s. Although it is commonly known as the active ingredient in Roundup, there are 89 mixtures containing glyphosate that are approved for use in this country.
The call for information is open until 5.00pm on 27 August.
New era in chemical management
The new regime for classifying hazardous substances is now in effect, in the interests of making it safer for New Zealanders using chemicals.
New Zealand is now using the Globally Harmonised System (GHS 7), an internationally agreed way of classifying chemicals. The changes primarily require importers and manufacturers to update their hazard classification, labelling, and safety data sheets.
Methyl bromide reassessment
The Decision-making Committee has requested further information from recent recapture trials, and an independent review of a recent modelling report from the applicant STIMBR (Stakeholders in Methyl Bromide Reduction).
All parties to the reassessment may now provide comments on the EPA’s latest update report. Feedback is due by 5.00pm on 6 May.
Read the EPA’s latest update report (PDF, 1.1MB)
Read Direction and Minute WGT033 (PDF, 239KB)
Read Direction and Minute WGT032 (PDF, 232KB)
Suspected low and no-use chemicals under scrutiny
The EPA is seeking public feedback as part of a fact-finding exercise on the use of 16 hazardous substances, many of which appear to have fallen into disuse in New Zealand. Submissions close at 5.00pm on 28 May.
What's not new?
The EPA is seeking input on which new organisms should no longer hold regulatory status as “new” because they are effectively resident in New Zealand. Submissions close at 5.00pm on 6 May.
Acknowledging Prof Nick Roskruge
We acknowledge the significant contribution of Professor Nick Roskruge, who retired from the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Committee at the end of March.
Recent decisions
APP204169 by Syngenta Crop Protection Limited to import or manufacture experimental plant protection compounds in containment.
Decision: approved with controls 2 March 2021
APP204127 By Lonza NZ Limited to import or manufacture experimental plant protection compound TNL3887 in containment.
Decision: approved with controls 3 March 2021
APP204171 by Crop Tech Consulting Ltd to import or manufacture Vismax Row Crop,Vismax Seed Treatment, Vismax Speciality Crops, Vismax Tree and Vine, Vismax Injection in containment.
Decision: approved with controls 5 March 2021
APP204162 by Adama New Zealand Limited to import or manufacture Doxem Precise Insecticide for release.
Decision: approved with controls 10 March 2021
APP204174 by Agri-Solutions Limited to import or manufacture Betamix for release.
Decision: approved with controls 18 March 2021
APP204180 by PGG Wrightson to import or manufacture PGG Wrightson Experimental Plant Protection Products Series 3 in containment.
Decision: approved with controls 26 March 2021
Withdrawn applications
APP204202 by Heron Security and Sports Pty Limited to transfer cartridges and small fire arms through New Zealand.
Application withdrawn: 15 March 2021
Amendments to approvals
No amendments were made under section 67A of the HSNO Act for minor or technical errors, decided by the EPA or the Chief Executive under delegated powers from the EPA during this period.
Other news
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