Hazardous Substances
Update

September 2019
Hazardous Substances Update #192

In this issue we have an update on the reassessment of the approval of methyl bromide, upcoming public consultations, proposed EPA activities you can submit on right now including an application to update the hazard classification of 79 substances.

Items

Modified reassessment - Methyl Bromide

Submissions closed on 2 September on an application by Stakeholders in Methyl Bromide Reduction Inc (STIMBR) for a reassessment of the approval for methyl bromide, most commonly used as a fumigant in the quarantine and pre-shipment treatment of goods such as logs. 

The EPA received 72 submissions. We are deciding on a suitable location(s) for a hearing and will be in touch with those submitters who want to be heard with further details shortly.

We are processing this application as a modified reassessment, meaning only consider specific aspects of the approval will be considered, such as the required controls. The approval to import or manufacture methyl bromide cannot be revoked in this type of reassessment.

Read the application documents and submission guidelines.

Read the submissions received.

Submissions open on chemical review

We are proposing to update the hazard classifications of 79 substances – including single chemicals, and mixtures containing chemicals – to take into account new information such as study data, and reviews or assessments by overseas chemical regulators.

This application is being processed as a modified reassessment, so only specific aspects of the approvals will be considered during the reassessment and the approvals cannot be revoked in this process.

The submission period has been extended, with the closing date now 9 October 2019.

Find out more on our website.

Decision on reassessment of paraquat expected soon

The EPA held a hearing in Wellington on 11 and 12 September 2019 on the reassessment of the herbicide paraquat. The application was EPA initiated.

The Decision-Making Committee is now considering their decision.

The application, staff report and submissions can be viewed on our website

Kigali special permits

New Zealand is a signatory to the Kigali Amendment, an international agreement to reduce the levels of hydroflurocabon (HFC) gases in the Earth’s atmosphere.

HFCs are commonly used refrigerants, and from 2020 all imports and exports of bulk gas will require a permit from the EPA. The EPA manages the permit system for 18 HFC gases.

The EPA has completed processing of special permits for HFCs for 2020, and the decision has been finalised. Fourteen applications were received, and all applicants have received a portion of the available allocation.

Find out more about HFCs, and read the decision on special permits, on our website

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.

Import certificates are normally processed in ten working days, after we have all the information we need, but at busy times, such as in preparation for Guy Fawkes, this timeframe may be longer.

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 the information for importers and manufacturers of explosives on our website

Christmas shutdown dates

The EPA offices will be closed from 20 December 2019 until 6 January 2020.

If you are importing over the Christmas period, ensure you have applied well in advance.

If you are making an application to import explosives or graphic materials, make sure you have submitted a complete application, including all requested information, by 6 December 2019.

Working at the EPA – working for New Zealand

The EPA is 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

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.

August 2019

APP203614 by Rainbow & Brown Limited to determine if Rainbow & Brown G540 is hazardous.

Decision: Determination Made- Unable to be determined and notified on 01 August 2019

APP203838 by Environmental Protection Authority to determine if there are grounds to reassess benzyl alkyl ammonium chlorides.

Decision: Grounds exist for reassessment and notified on 01 August 2019

APP203848 by Bayer New Zealand Limited to import or manufacture Bayer Trial Products 2019 in containment.

Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 01 August 2019

APP203828 by Adria New Zealand Limited to determine if Procura is hazardous.

Decision: Determination Made- Unable to be determined and notified on 02 August 2019

APP203733 by University of Auckland to import or Manufacture a Persistent Organic Pollutant in containment.

Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 09 August 2019

APP203727 by Adria New Zealand Limited to determine if DockPro 750WG is hazardous.

Decision: Determination made- Unable to be determined and notified on 12 August 2019

APP203786 by Agrinova New Zealand Limited to reassess the plant growth regulator product Meteor (approval number HSR101023) containing 700 g/kg metamitron as its active ingredient to reduce the maximum application rate and so reduce the restricted entry interval.

Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 13 August 2019

APP203680 by PP Pets Ltd to determine if Biox D’bug is hazardous.

Decision: Determination made- Unable to be determined and notified on 14 August 2019

APP203730 by Adria New Zealand Limited to import Tramino for release, a herbicide containing 30 g/L aminopyralid as the triisopropylamine salt, for the control of annual and perennial broadleaf weeds in pasture, forage brassicas and forage plantain.

Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 16 August 2019

APP203763 by Adria New Zealand Limited to determine if Fostek WG is hazardous.

Decision: Determination made- Unable to be determined and notified on 16 August 2019

APP203085 by Ensystex New Zealand Limited to import Prothor 200 SC Termiticide containing 200 g/L imidacloprid for use as a termiticide in New Zealand.

Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 19 August 2019

APP203843 by STM Group NZ Limited to import Expra Mozzie Repeller Plug- In, a liquid containing esbiothrin which is used in an electric vapouriser.

Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 27 August 2019

APP203886 by Adama New Zealand Limited to import or manufacture Adama Experimental Plant Protection Compounds in containment.

Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 27 August 2019

APP203604 by Bayer New Zealand Limited to import for release Vimoy Iblon into New Zealand for use as a fungicide on cereal crops.

Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 27 August 2019

APP203781 by Nufarm Limited to import Archer 750, containing 750g/L clopyralid as the dimethylamine and monomethylamine salts, for use as a herbicide for the control of various broadleaf weeds in a wide range of crops.

Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 28 August 2019

APP203254 by Kiwicare Corporation Limited manufacture RFC397 (new formulation) a combination fungicide and insect growth regulator for the control of insect pests and fungi on roses and other ornamental plants including those found in home gardens.

Decision: Declined and decision notified on 30 August 2019

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.

Keep up to date with EPA consultation

You can comment on any of the publicly notified applications 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.