Hazardous Substances
Update
June 2018
Hazardous Substances Update #179 In this issue we have an update to the guidance relating to antifouling paints, information on the new microbeads ban, a new consultation seeking feedback on new Stockholm and Rotterdam Convention chemicals, a reminder about our consultation on risk assessment methodology, and the latest application decisions.
Is your boat paint legal to import and manufacture?In June 2017, the rules for some antifouling paints changed. Find out what you need to do if your paint contains the chemicals: diuron, octhilinone or ziram.In 2013, the EPA had a careful look at the rules for all antifouling paints, including which paints should be sold and used in New Zealand. We consulted a wide range of people, including the paint and marine industries, commercial and recreational boat users, and other government agencies. After taking everyone’s view into account, we
decided to phase out some paints over four years. This means from June 2017 onwards, antifouling paints containing diuron, octhilinone or ziram cannot be imported or manufactured in New Zealand. Note: Antifouling paints are used for painting boats and other underwater surfaces. This guidance does not apply to other paints, such as those you would use for your home or for other buildings. For more information see our website here.
Plastic microbeads ban now in effectAs of 7 June 2018, it is illegal to manufacture or sell some products containing microbeads in New Zealand. Find out more about the rules and whether your product is affected.Microbeads are tiny plastic particles, including plastic-based glitter, that are added to products to increase their cleaning or scrubbing power, or to make the product look fun or appealing. You can find plastic microbeads in some face and body cleansers (scrubs or exfoliators), in bubble bath, toothpastes and heavy-duty hand
soaps. Microbeads in these ‘wash-off’ products are potentially harmful to marine life, to the food chain in the sea and to people, if contaminated sea food is eaten. The Government reviewed the rules and banned many, but not all, products containing microbeads to keep New Zealand’s marine environment healthy. This means it is illegal to manufacture or sell some products. You could face a fine up to $100,000 if you knowingly break the rules and are caught. For more information see our website here.
Consultation: Feedback sought on new Stockholm and Rotterdam Convention chemicals We are seeking your views on a proposed ban on new persistent organic pollutants, and new requirements for the export of specific hazardous substances in accordance with New Zealand's international obligations. In 2017, a number of new chemicals were added to the Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions. To implement the changes to the Conventions into New Zealand law, they now need to be added to the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO Act),
and the Imports and Exports (Restrictions) Prohibition Order (No 2) 2004 (the Order). In addition to the listing of the new chemicals, a few amendments to the HSNO Act and the Order are also proposed to clarify the intention of the Conventions. They include clarification of the PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) listing in the HSNO Act, and a technical correction to the Order to enable the export of Rotterdam Convention chemicals to some Pacific countries. Submissions close at 5 pm on Monday 16 July 2018. For more information, or to make a submission, see our website here.
Consultation reminder: New guide shows how the EPA evaluates hazardous substancesWe’re sharing information about how we evaluate the risks and benefits of hazardous substances. And we want your feedback.Our Risk Assessment guide explains how we evaluate applications to import or manufacture new hazardous substances, and how we re-evaluate the risks and benefits of approved substances. The guide includes details about the models and parameters we use, and the sort of information we need for these evaluations. Submissions close 5pm on Friday 6 July 2018. For more information, or to make a submission, see our website here.
Decisions on applications
May 2018APP203541 by Nufarm New Zealand Limited to import 28 coded experimental substances for evaluation in trials or field demonstrations conducted in containment.The substances will be trialled in New Zealand with the intention of gaining EPA approval and full ACVM registration.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 08 May 2018 APP203318 by Agrinova New Zealand Limited to import Savvy 500SC, a fungicide containing 300g/L Cyprodinil and 200g/L Fludioxonil in the form of a suspension concentrate for the control of Botrytis in grapes and bulb onions, anthracnose and rhizopus in strawberries.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 15 May 2018 APP203468 by Shandong Rainbow International Co Limited to import Brocan containing 250 g/L bromoxynil as the octanoate ester and 25 g/L diflufenican in the form of an emulsifiable concentrate for use as a selective herbicide in ryegrass and white clover seed crops.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 16 May 2018 APP203400 by PMF Manufacturing Limited to import FuelMix - Premixed 2-stroke fuel.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 22 May 2018
Withdrawn applications No hazardous substance applications, previously notified, were withdrawn in this period.
Amendments to approvalsNo hazardous substance applications, previously notified, were withdrawn in this period.
Keep up to date with EPA consultationYou can comment on any of the public proposals 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.
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