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Hazardous Substances
Update
March 2021
Hazardous Substances Update #207
Kia ora,
There’s just one month to go until New Zealand’s new hazard classification system takes effect. Read below about what this important changeover means, and how to come up to speed by joining our industry webinars.
Getting to grips with chemical management changes
Are you ready for the new hazard classification system to take effect one month from today? On 30 April, New Zealand will adopt the seventh revised edition of the Globally Harmonised System (GHS 7).
Join one of our industry webinars in April to get familiar with what this might mean for you.
Deadline change for methyl bromide recapture
Following a further application by the timber industry group Stakeholders In Methyl Bromide Reduction (STIMBR), an additional three months has been added to the recapture deadline for the fumigant methyl bromide. This is to provide some certainty to industry while the reassessment application is still in progress.
WorkSafe has also provided the decision-making committee with a report on the findings from its monitoring programme in Tauranga.
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. They are officially known as organophosphate and carbamate substances (OPCs).
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 Aotearoa New Zealand. This deregulation process is conducted under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act.
Plastic waste reminder
Recent changes mean you will need a permit from the EPA to import or export some types of plastic waste. Without the right permit, your shipment could be seized at a New Zealand port, or refused entry to countries along the shipping route or at the destination country. Shipments that are refused entry may be returned to you at your cost.
The onus is on you to comply with both New Zealand law and the laws of the importing country. This also applies if you are using a third party to export plastic waste. Email any queries to importexport@epa.govt.nz
Declaration forms for graphic materials
New declaration forms are now available for importers and manufacturers of children’s crayons, watercolour paints and fingerpaints to verify that products comply with the relevant standards.
Recent decisions
APP204089 By Shandong Rainbow International Co Limited to import or manufacture water dispersible granule containing 63.75% terbuthylazine and 11.25% hexazinone for release
Decision: approved with controls 1 February 2021
APP204147 By Adama New Zealand Limited to import or manufacture ADM.07000.H.3.A for release
Decision: approved with controls on 4 February 2021
APP204143 By Adama New Zealand Limited to import or manufacture experimental plant protection compounds in containment
Decision: approved with controls on 4 February 2021
APP204085 By R.P.M Imports Limited to import or manufacture Instant Mite Killer for release
Decision: approved with controls on 5 February 2021
APP204150 By FMC New Zealand Limited to import or manufacture experimental plant protection compounds in containment
Decision: approved with controls on 9 February 2021
APP204118 By Koppers Performance Chemicals New Zealand to import or manufacture WB Permethrin for release
Decision: approved with controls on 11 February 2021
APP203930 By Adria New Zealand Limited to determine if Primatek is hazardous
Decision: determination made on 15 February 2021
APP204113 By Western Group Limited to determine if Dust – Down is hazardous
Decision: determination made on 15 February 2021
APP204129 By ZURU New Zealand Limited to determine if Monday Shampoo is hazardous
Decision: determination made on 18 February 2021
APP204154 By RB (Hygiene Home) New Zealand Limited to determine if Easy Off Bam Washing Machine Cleaner is hazardous
Decision: determination made on 18 February 2021
APP204160 By Western Group Ltd to determine if Road – X2 is hazardous
Decision: determination made on 18 February 2021
Withdrawn applications
No previously notified hazardous substance applications were withdrawn in this period.
Other news
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