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Hazardous Substances
Update
July 2020
Hazardous Substances Update #201
Kia ora tatou,
In this issue, read about the EPA’s first virtual hearings, updates on methyl bromide, and the outcome of the latest Chemical Review.
News
Virtual hearings
More online hearings are on the way, after the EPA held its first virtual hearing on 30 June 2020. The application was for Boxer Gold, a herbicide from Syngenta Crop Protection Limited, for which a decision is pending.
Methyl bromide
The decision-making committee for the modified reassessment of methyl bromide has granted an application to extend the October 2020 deadline for recapture by up to six months.
An online hearing for the modified reassessment of methyl bromide has also been confirmed for 11-17 August 2020.
Read about the short-term extension
Read the Notice of Hearing
Read about the modified reassessment of methyl bromide
Chemical Review changes
Fish oils, sulphur, and iodocarb are among 79 substances to have their hazard classification updated as part of our latest Chemical Review. A transition period has been provided for updates to labels, packaging and safety data sheets. Updates as a result of this review must be implemented by 31 March 2022.
Gateway to reassessment of copper substances
Significant new information has led a decision-making committee to find that grounds exist to reassess copper powder and compounds.
Submissions closing soon
4 August - GHS consultation
Have your say on the 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.
5 August – MfE mercury consultation
The Ministry for the Environment is proposing regulatory changes on mercury and mercury-containing products, under the Minamata Convention.
The proposed amendments include introducing a permitting system for the trade in mercury, and prohibiting the sale, manufacture, import and export of certain products containing mercury.
Upcoming public consultations
Learn about upcoming public consultations on proposed changes to laws and regulations we administer
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 to hear from you. Applicants and submitters will have the option at the end of decision processes to tell us how the process went.
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.
APP203921 by Environmental Protection Authority to reassess Benzyl alkonium chlorides (BACs)
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 5 June 2020
APP203932 by Environmental Protection Authority to determine if there are grounds for the modified reassessment of substances identified by the EPA and external parties as requiring changes to their approval under the HSNO Act 1996.
Decision: Grounds exist for reassessment and notified on 11 June 2020
APP203972 by Adama New Zealand Limited to obtain approval for Prothago, a fungicide containing 250g/L prothioconazole in an emulsifiable concentrate formulation.
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 12 June 2020
APP204004 by Trical Inc to import or manufacture Trical Soil Fumigants in containment
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 23 June 2020
APP203732 by International Copper Association to see if there are grounds for reassessment for Copper powder
Decision: Grounds exist for reassessment and decision notified on 26 June 2020
APP204021 by Randlab Australia Pty Ltd to import or manufacture RXI for release
Decision: Approved with Controls and decision notified on 30 June 2020
Withdrawn applications
No hazardous substance applications, previously notified, were withdrawn in this period.
Working at the EPA – working for New Zealand
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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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