Hazardous Substances Update

October 2020
Hazardous Substances Update #204

Kia ora tatou,

In this issue, a reminder to dispose of four banned paraquat products, new organisms may combat problem wasps, and the latest decision on hydrofluorocarbon permit allocations.

News

Paraquat disposal reminder

Users of the heavily restricted herbicide paraquat are being reminded that they must dispose of any remaining stocks of four specific products by 12 December 2020.

The deadline affects Uniquat 250, Parable 250, Gramoxone Inteon, and Preeglone Inteon, which can no longer be imported, manufactured, sold, or used in New Zealand.

Read the paraquat disposal reminder

Beetle and hoverfly could combat problem wasps

A new application seeks to release the wasp-nest beetle, Metoecus paradoxus, and a hoverfly, Volucella inanis, in New Zealand as biological control agents to potentially reduce populations of invasive wasps.

HFC special permits

All applicants seeking a special permit to import or export hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) have received a slice of the allocation for 2021.

HFCs are commonly-used refrigerants that require an EPA permit as of January 2020. In this round, 15 applications were received.

Read the latest decision on HFC special permits
Find out more about importing and exporting HFCs

Application timeframes

Applicants should 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

Reminder: import certificate required for fireworks

All retail fireworks require an import certificate from the EPA, and also require testing by a fireworks certifier before they can be sold.

At busy times, such as the current lead-up to Guy Fawkes, it can take longer for us to process import certificates.

Fireworks can only be sold 2-5 November, and sparklers can only be sold as part of a fireworks package.

Remember that as importers of hazardous substances, you need to be on the Importers and Manufacturer’s register.

Read our online information for importers and manufacturers of explosives

Christmas is coming

If you are importing explosives, certain children's art supplies, or ozone depleting substances, over the Christmas holiday period, please ensure you have applied well in advance.

Make sure you have submitted a complete application, including all requested information, by 7 December 2020.

Upcoming public consultations

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

Recent decisions

APP204041 by UPL New Zealand Limited to import or manufacture Vitiseal for release
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 1 September 2020

APP204029 by Adria New Zealand Limited to determine if Cyanimax is hazardous
Decision: Determination made- Unable to be determined and notified on 2 September 2020

APP204034 by RB (Hygiene Home) New Zealand Limited to determine if Aerogard home Flying Insect Killer, Crawling Insect Killer, Multi insect Killer are hazardous
Decision: Determination made- Unable to be determined and notified on 2 September 2020

APP204074 by Biotelliga Limited to import or manufacture NZ7000 in containment
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified 7 September 2020

APP203794 by Nufarm Limited to import or manufacture AMICUS for release
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified 8 September 2020

APP204081 by Adama New Zealand Limited to import or manufacture Adama Experimental Plant Protection Product in containment
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 10 September 2020

APP204080 by Lonza NZ Limited (formerly Zelam) to import or manufacture TNL3897, TNL3899 in containment
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 10 September 2020

APP204040 by Adria New Zealand Limited to determine if Sledge 700WDG is hazardous
Decision: Determination made- Unable to be determined and notified on 11 September 2020

APP204065 by Agrinova New Zealand Limited to import or manufacture PROBLAD PLUS Fungicide in containment
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 18 September 2020

APP204051 by Altex Coatings Limited to import or manufacture Altex Export Antifoulings containing Cuprous Oxide + Thiram in containment
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 22 September 2020

APP204062 by Lonza NZ Limited (formerly Zelam) to import or manufacture TNL3855, TNL3893 in containment
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 23 September 2020

APP204067 by Bayer New Zealand Limited to import or manufacture Bayer Trial Products 2020 (2) in containment
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 23 September 2020

APP204052 by Adria New Zealand Limited to import Voltage, a herbicide, containing 100 g/litre pinoxaden as an emulsifiable concentrate for release
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 25 September 2020

APP204001 by PelGar International NZ Ltd to import or manufacture PG0002 for release
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 29 September 2020

Withdrawn applications

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

Amendments to hazardous substances approvals

APP204046- APP204124 by Syngenta Crop Protection Limited to amend date on decision APP204046 (Amendment APP204124)
Decision: Decision notified on 1 September 2020

APP204048 – APP204126 by Shandong Rainbow International Co Limited to amend APP204048 Decision (Amendment APP204126)

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

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October 2020 Hazardous Substances Update #204