Hazardous Substances
Update

June 2020
Hazardous Substances Update #200

Kia ora tatou,

Welcome to the bicentennial edition of HS Update. A special thank you to our 1,700 subscribers across industry, media, interest groups, and others keen to keep up-to-date with our work.

Although our offices remain closed, EPA staff are back in the building and there is plenty to update you on – as you will read below.

In this issue: 
Approval for new crop-protecting insecticide
Review identifies 18 hazardous substances for reassessment
GHS consultation resumes

News

Approval for new crop-protecting insecticide

We have approved a new insecticide, Vayego, for use in New Zealand, subject to conditions. This insecticide is used to keep codling moths, leaf rollers and other pests away from apples, pears, grapes, and stone fruit crops.

Read the approval decision for Vayego

Review identifies 18 hazardous substances for reassessment

Tea tree oil is among a number of hazardous substances which have met the criteria for reassessment by the EPA. We have identified the need for changes to the hazard classifications of 18 substances, including pesticides, fumigants, veterinary medicines, and cosmetics.

Find out more about the grounds for reassessment decision

GHS consultation resumes

Feedback is being sought on proposed changes required to adopt the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) version 7. The GHS is an internationally-agreed system developed by the United Nations to classify chemicals and communicate their hazards through labels and safety data sheets. Submissions close on 4 August.

More information about the consultation

Neonicotinoids call for information

Submissions close on 12 July, as part of the reassessment of approvals for substances containing the insecticides thiacloprid and acetamiprid.

Have your say on the call for information on thiacloprid and acetamiprid

Hazard classification changes for BACs

We have updated the hazard classification for benzyl alkonium chlorides (BACs), substances found in a variety of disinfectants and detergents. The changes include more accurate labelling of these substances, and the introduction of environmental hazard classifications for some BACs, which were not previously in place.

Read the modified reassessment decision on BACs

Deadline for 1080 post-operation reports

All post-operation reports for aerial 1080 operations undertaken in 2019 are due by the end of June 2020, as part of our annual reporting cycle. Any operators yet to provide their 2019 post-operation report to the EPA should urgently contact the HS Compliance team by emailing hscompliance@epa.govt.nz

Reminder: Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) permits

Permits to import new bulk HFCs must be made in advance of the year of import ­- so if you want to import in 2021 you must have been issued your permit in 2020.

Applications for special permits to import new bulk HFCs for 2021 close on 1 July 2020, and on 1 September 2020 for “grandparented” permits. No late applications are able to be accepted.

Export permits, exporter’s import permits, import permits for recycled HFCs, and exemptions for transhipments, may be applied for in the year the import or export is occurring.

More information on how to apply for an HFC permit

Our new feedback tool

Here at the EPA we’re always looking for ways to improve the way we do things. We have implemented a new survey tool using a third-party provider, BigEars, to hear from you. Applicants and submitters will have the option at the end of decision processes to tell us how the process went.

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

Upcoming public consultations

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

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.

May 2020

APP203922 by Syngenta Crop Protection Limited to import or manufacture Test Substance 1319 in containment
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 04 May 2020

APP203877 by Halliburton New Zealand to determine if 101EU Film Forming Lubricant is hazardous
Decision: Determination made- Unable to be determined and notified on 04 May 2020

APP203996 by Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research to import or manufacture Encapsulated PAPP predator bait in containment
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 04 May 2020

APP204002 by Key Industries ltd to import or manufacture Bird repellent 14.5 in containment
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 04 May 2020

APP203983 by Adria New Zealand Limited to import or manufacture Actium for release
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 05 May 2020

APP203962 by Adama New Zealand Limited to seek approval for Final Bite, a mollusicide for the control of slugs and snails in arable, horticultural and ornamental crops containing 10g/kg elemental iron in the form of a ready to use bait.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 05 May 2020

APP203954 by Randlab Australia Pty Ltd to seek EPA approval for MFS. This product is a Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory for alleviation of inflammation and relief of pain in acute and chronic musculo-skeletal disorders in horses.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 11 May 2020

APP204003 by Adama New Zealand Limited to import or manufacture Adama Experimental Plant Protection Product in containment.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 12 May 2020

APP203939 by Syngenta Crop Protection Limited to import experimental plant protection compounds for use in field trials in containment.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 12 May 2020

APP203975 by Vegetable Research and Innovation (VR &I) Board to establish whether grounds for reassessment exist with a view to applying for a reassessment to extend.
Decision: Grounds exist for reassessment and decision notified on 13 May 2020

APP203998 by Department of Conservation - Canterbury Conservancy Office to import or manufacture Spitfire PAPP paste in containment.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 14 May 2020

APP204000 by Zero Invasive Predators Ltd (ZIP) to import or manufacture Toxin-laced rodent carcasses in containment.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 18 May 2020

APP203969 by Adria New Zealand Limited to determine if Hexaro is hazardous.
Decision: Determination made- Unable to be determined and notified on 18 May 2020

APP203951 by Adria New Zealand Limited to determine if Voltage is hazardous substance
Decision: Determination made- Unable to be determined and notified on 19 May 2020

APP204014 by Nufarm Limited to import or manufacture NUL3397 containing 100g/L Pinoxaden EC in containment.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 19 May 2020

APP203836 by EDEN Research PLC to import or manufacture NOVELLUS FUNGICIDE for release.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 20 May 2020

APP203968 by PGG Wrightsons to import or manufacture PGG Wrightson Experimental Plant Protection Products Series 2 in containment.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 20 May 2020

APP203976 by Kiwicare Corporation Limited to import or manufacture WWES 319LS for release.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 22 May 2020

APP204005 by Bayer New Zealand Limited to import or manufacture Bayer Trial Products 2020 (1) in containment.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 26 May 2020

APP203605 by Bayer New Zealand Limited to import for release Vayego into New Zealand for use as an insecticide in various crops.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 26 May 2020

APP203987 by Adama New Zealand Limited to Import or manufacture Acierto for release.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 27 May 2020

Withdrawn applications 

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

Amendments to hazardous substances 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.