Hazardous Substances
Update

August 2019
Hazardous Substances Update #191

In this issue we have upcoming public consultations, proposed EPA activities you can submit on right now including an application to reassess the hazard classifications of 79 substances, and our decision on special permits for HFCs.

Items

Upcoming public consultations

Learn about upcoming public consultations on proposed changes to laws and regulations we administer 

Reminder: open for submission

Have your say on proposed activities. Each proposal has unique impacts on people and the environment. 

APP203736 - herbicide Boxer Gold

Application to reassess hazard classifications of 79 substances

Your views are sought on an application to review the hazard classifications of 79 substances, including single chemicals, and mixtures containing the chemicals.

This application is referred to as the Chemical Review 2015. We are processing this application as a modified reassessment, so only specific aspects of the approvals will be considered during the reassessment and the approvals cannot be revoked in this process.

We are proposing to update the hazard classifications of the substances to take into account new information such as study data, and reviews or assessments by overseas chemical regulators. Any changes to hazard classifications may also have an effect on the controls (rules) that apply to the substances.

The chemicals listed below may be of particular interest to submitters, either because the hazard classification changes are extensive, or because they are widely used components of many products in New Zealand.

The substances covered in this modified reassessment include iodocarb, a fungicide and antimicrobial used in paints, agrichemicals, and timber treatment products; propazine, an agricultural herbicide; and sulfur, used as a fungicide, a fertiliser component, and in animal care and nutritional products.

Suppliers, manufacturers and users of chemical products should check the application documents to see whether their products are affected by the proposed changes.

Make a submission

Special permits for hydrofluorocarbons

We have released our decision on the 2019 special permits for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). 

HFCs are being phased down as part of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.

The Amendment, if implemented as intended, will contribute to climate change initiatives to prevent up to 0.5C of global temperature increase by 2100.

Twenty percent of New Zealand’s import allowance of new HFCs for 2020 is covered by special import permits; the remaining 80% comes under grandparented eligibility permits.

Applicants can make submissions to the EPA on the proposed decision until 10 September.

Read the decision

Recent decisions

Tip – all HSNO decisions are now displayed by default in descending date order in the HSNO applications database on our website. Tap the spacebar once, then hit Enter to see the latest.

July 2019

APP203784 by Lonza NZ Limited (formerly Zelam) to import or manufacture TNL3613 for release

Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 01 July 2019

APP203718 by Verdegen, LLC to determine if Go!Repellent Gel is hazardous

Decision: Determination Made- Unable to be determined and notified on 01 July 2019

APP203826 by Nufarm Limited to import or manufacture NUL3342 for release

Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 02 July 2019

APP203847 by Pacificvet Limited to import or manufacture Livacox® vaccines Q & T for release

Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 02 July 2019

APP203700 by NZ Onion Company Ltd to determine if Chamae ES+ is hazardous

Decision: Determination made- Unable to be determined and notified on 03 July 2019

APP203771 by Syngenta Crop Protection Limited to amend the maximum application limit, both application rate and number of applications to ryegrass seed crops for Moddus Evo (HSR100976)

Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 05 July 2019

APP203470 by Agroquimicos de Levante SA to request grounds for reassessment of AFE-HFP which will be used as outside the scope of the current HSNO approval.

Decision: Grounds exist for reassessment and notified on 09 July 2019

APP203857 by Nufarm Limited to import or manufacture Experimental Agricultural Chemicals identified by a code number in containment

Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 12 July 2019

APP203837 by Ensystex New Zealand Limited to determine if Zythor Gas Fumigant is hazardous

Decision: Determination made- Unable to be determined and notified on 22 July 2019

APP203858 by Sumitomo Chemical Australia Pty Limited to import or manufacture ProTone SG (VBC 30051) and VBC 30445 in containment

Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 23 July 2019

APP203859 by Lonza NZ Limited (formerly Zelam) to import or manufacture TNL3788 and TNL3789 in containment

Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 26 July 2019

APP203753 by Nufarm Limited to import Digger EW containing 125g/L Difenoconazole in the form of an oil in water emulsion, for use as a fungicide for the control of powdery mildew on grapes

Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 30 July 2019

APP203778 by Ensystex New Zealand Limited to determine if MAXXTHOR Sand Granules Insecticide is hazardous

Decision: Determination made – Unable to be determined and decision notified on 30 July 2019

Withdrawn applications 

No hazardous substance applications, previously notified, were withdrawn in this period.

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

Keep up to date with EPA consultation

You can comment on any of the publicly notified applications we receive. Your input is an important contribution to the final decision.

For the latest information on public consultations, please see our website. We'll also tweet about any consultation openings and closings.