Hazardous Substances Update

November 2020
Hazardous Substances Update #205

Kia ora,

This is our last issue for 2020. A sincere thanks for your readership this year. HS Update will return to your inbox in late February with more news on hazardous substances.

Chemical management changes coming in 2021

A revamped regime for classifying hazardous substances takes effect in late April 2021, in the interests of safety for all New Zealanders.

The changes will bring our chemical management into line with the rest of the world, support international trade, and facilitate improved regulatory compliance.

We are adopting the seventh revised edition of the Globally Harmonised System (GHS 7), which will implement hazard classifications tailored for New Zealand.

Read an overview

Dig into the detail

News

Methyl bromide update

The timber industry group Stakeholders In Methyl Bromide Reduction (STIMBR) has applied for and been granted an additional four months on the recapture deadline for the fumigant methyl bromide, as the modified reassessment process continues.

Six more chemicals prioritised for reassessment

Insecticides used in ant bait, and chemicals found in timber treatment substances, are among the additions to our priority list for reassessment. Two chemicals have also been removed from the list:

Paraquat has been removed because the EPA’s reassessment of paraquat herbicides was completed in December 2019.
Flumioxazin has been removed because a recent EPA assessment indicated that the risks associated with its use are appropriately managed and require no further review.

New experts to boost EPA capacity

We've welcomed nine new decision-makers to our Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Committee, and four new members to our statutory Māori advisory committee.

Meet the new experts

One week until Christmas import deadline

Monday 7 December is the final date for applying to import explosives, certain children's art supplies, or ozone depleting substances, over the holiday period.

Make sure you submit a complete application, including all the requested information.

New requirements for plastic waste import and export

From 1 January 2021, importers and exporters of mixed plastic waste will require a permit from the EPA. Exporters will also need consent from the importing country. These requirements are part of New Zealand’s obligations under the Basel Convention, to ensure the waste is treated in an environmentally-sound manner. Mixtures of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate (PE, PP, and PET) waste do not require permits. Queries can be emailed to importexport@epa.govt.nz

Improving chemical assessment for a safer environment

Changes are being made to the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act that will enable us to more quickly assess and reassess chemicals for use in New Zealand.

Find out about the changes to the HSNO Act

Application timeframes

We need to advise potential applicants to expect longer processing timeframes, due to a recent spike in applications. This delay particularly relates to applications requiring quantitative assessment, including new active ingredients. We are actively working to manage these peaks in workflow. If you have specific concerns or would like to discuss priorities within your own application queue, please email us on hs.applications@epa.govt.nz

Upcoming public consultations

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

Recent decisions

APP203913 by HaS Expertise Ltd to import or manufacture J57.78 (conc and RTU) in containment
Decision: Declined and decision notified on 12 October 2020

APP203997 by Invasive Pest Control Limited to import or manufacture Diphacinone and cholecalciferol gel in containment.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 1 October 2020

APP204117 by UPL New Zealand Limited to import or manufacture Polyversum and Polyversum OD in containment
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 1 October 2020

APP203789 by VELISTA Turf Fungicide to import Velista Turf Fungicide containing 500 g/kg of penthiopyrad as a water dispersible granule (WG) for use as a fungicide in turf for control of various diseases.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 2 October 2020

APP204054 by Agpro NZ Limited to import or manufacture AGPRO Hatchet for release
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified 9 October 2020

APP204031 by Adria New Zealand Limited to determine if Vistar is hazardous
Decision: Determination made – Unable to be determined and notified on 12 October 2020

APP203920 by Zagro Singapore Pty Ltd to import or manufacture a insecticide for use in a wide range of horticultural crops.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 22 October 2020

APP204110 by Agpro NZ Limited to import or manufacture AGPRO AQUALON for release
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 23 October 2020

Withdrawn applications

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

Amendments to hazardous substances approvals

APP204054 by Agpro NZ Limited to amend the decision and science memo to read ’containing 120 g.a.e/L triclopyr (grams acid equivalent) or 170 g/L of triclopyr butoxy ethyl ester. (Amendment APP204145)

Decision: Decision notified on 9 October 2020

Working at the EPA – working for New Zealand

The EPA is a great place to work, made up of friendly people with ambitious goals.

We value our employees, and take pride in offering a positive working environment, professional development and supporting work-life balance.

You can find out about jobs available at the EPA on our website

Subscribe to the Hazardous Substances Update

November 2020 Hazardous Substances Update #205