Hazardous Substances Update

October 2018
Hazardous Substances Update #183

In this issue we have information about the changes we're making to the way some chemicals are managed in New Zealand, a reminder about the increase in fees for Hazardous Substances and New Organisms applications, and a call for information on three pesticides.

Articles

EPA ramps up chemical reassessments programme

We are making changes to the way some chemicals are managed in New Zealand.

We are ramping up our reassessments programme and taking action on some chemicals to ensure risks to people and the environment continue to be managed effectively.

As New Zealand’s independent regulator we manage the regulation, approval and reassessment of chemicals classed as hazardous substances under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act.

Working with international counterparts we have identified a priority chemicals list of around 40 chemicals that require review and scrutiny.

For more information, and to read the priority chemicals list, see our website here.

Increase in fees for Hazardous Substances and New Organisms applications

In April 2018, we consulted on our proposal to increase fees for hazardous substances and new organisms applications.

As a result of the consultation, from 1 October 2018 the fees for hazardous substances and new organisms applications increased.

The new fees reflect the feedback from submitters, as well as a reassessment of the benefits to the public and industry of some application types.

A number of application types now require a lodgement fee, which will be invoiced upon receipt of the application form, to be paid before work will commence on the processing of the application.

You can find out more about the new fees here.

Christmas shut-down periods

If you’re look at putting in an application over the Christmas period, our processing timeframes are suspended over the Christmas break. We have provided our statutory shut down periods below to ensure that you can factor them in now and avoid any foreseeable delays.

Shut-down periods:

Hazardous Substances and New Organisms applications (including explosives): Thursday 20 December 2018 to Tuesday 15 January 2019
OLPA applications: Tuesday 25 December 2018 to Tuesday 15 January 2019
All other application types (hazardous waste, asbestos, graphic materials): Friday 21 December 2018 to Thursday 3 January 2019

EPA continues to seek information on pesticides

The EPA's call for information on three neonicotinoid pesticides; clothianidin, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam, and their use in New Zealand continues with the deadline being extended to 30 December 2018.

We are looking to find out more information about;

Manufacture and import volumes
Use and application information
Environmental exposure mitigation measures
Scientific and technical information
Information about alternative products

We are requesting all information is provided by 30 December 2018, forms are available on our website.

You can find out more about this call for information here.

Recent decisions

Decisions on applications
September 2018

Hint – 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.

APP203653 by ApiQuip Ltd to import or manufacture for release Aluen Cap, an oxalic acid diluted solution embedded in a cellulose strip for use as an in-beehive miticide treatment to control varroa mite infestations.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 03 September 2018

APP203225 by BASF New Zealand Limited to import Merivon, a fungicide containing 250 g/L fluxapyroxad and 250 g/L pyraclostrobin as active ingredients providing protectant activity against various diseases including blossom blight, brown rot, Rhizopus and rust in stone fruit, avocados, beans, and onions.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 05 September 2018

APP203429 by Sumitomo Chemical Australia Pty Limited to import CHATEAU Herbicide for season-long weed control in grapes, kiwifruit, pipfruit and stonefruit. CHATEAU is manufactured as water dispersible granules containing 500 g/kg flumioxazin as the active ingredient.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 10 September 2018

APP203323 by De Sangosse SA to import Metarex Inov as a (RB) Bait (ready for use) containing 40 g/kg Metaldehyde for use as a molluscicide for control of snails and slugs in agricultural and horticultural crops.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 12 September 2018

APP203636 by BASF New Zealand Ltd To import or manufacture IMTREX® for release
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 17 September 2018

APP203485 by Kenso Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd to determine if Cletho 240 EC Selective Herbicide is hazardous
Decision: Determination made - unable to be determined and notified on 17 September 2018

APP203626 by Kiwicare Corporation Limited to manufacture RCRTU 428 as a ready-to-use residual insecticide used as a barrier spray to control a wide range of insects in both domestic and commercial areas. RCRTU 428 contains 0.6g/L Alpha-Cypermethrin
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 19 September 2018

APP203661 by Invasive Pest Control Limited to generate efficacy data for a paste bait containing 1% norbormide. The efficacy data will be used to register this formulation for use on rats in New Zealand.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 19 September 2018

APP203666 by Invasive Pest Control Limited to import or manufacture Norbormide paste bait - field trials into containment
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 19 September 2018

APP203494 by BASF New Zealand Limited to release Amdro® Cockroach Gel, containing 20 g/kg hydramethylnon, for use by professional pest control operators to control cockroaches in residential and commercial situations.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 24 September 2018

APP203646 by Koppers Performance Chemicals New Zealand to import or manufacture Protim Optimum HFII 0.6% and Protim Optimum HFII 1.2% for release
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 24 September 2018

APP203682 by Nufarm New Zealand Limited to import coded experimental substances for evaluation in trials or field demonstrations conducted in containment.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 24 September 2018

APP203685 by Koppers Performance Chemicals New Zealand to import or manufacture Protim Optimum HFII 2.0% for release
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 24 September 2018

APP203374 by Syngenta Crop Protection Limited to determine if there are grounds to reassess Moddus Evo to increase the maximum application rate and to double the application frequency in ryegrass seed crops.
Decision: Grounds exist for reassessment and notified on 25 September 2018

Withdrawn applications

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

Amendments to 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.

Other news

Keep up to date with EPA consultation

You 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.