HS Update September 2021

September 2021

Hazardous Substances Update #213

Kia ora,

It’s been another busy month for chemical regulation, with a focus on the kiwifruit spray ingredient hydrogen cyanamide, and fireworks season fast approaching. Catch up on all the latest updates below.

Views sought on potential phase-out of kiwifruit spray ingredient

Public consultation is now open on an application to reassess the use of hydrogen cyanamide, an active ingredient in sprays commonly used by kiwifruit growers.

Hydrogen cyanamide is banned in Europe, and its re-registration is currently under review in the United States.

We are now undertaking a reassessment of the substance here in New Zealand.

Submissions are open until 5.00 pm on 26 November.

Extra month added to glyphosate call for info

“We are conscious that some individuals or organisations which may wish to provide input will have had other priorities and pressures to manage due to the COVID-19 alert level changes,” says Dr Chris Hill, General Manager of the EPA’s Hazardous Substances group.

The deadline for contributions is now 5.00 pm on Friday 22 October.

Read about the extension

Sinking lid on hydrofluorocarbons

As part of moves to reduce the use of harmful greenhouse gases, the EPA has released its third annual decision on special permits to import hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

HFCs are commonly used in air conditioning and refrigeration. Since 2019, the EPA has been working with users of these gases to phase down their imports.

Read about the decision

Have your say

We’re calling for submissions on an application to allow three organophosphate chemicals, which had time-limited approvals, to be used in New Zealand for longer.

Read the details and make a submission

Reminder: import certificate required for fireworks

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

Once we have all the information we need, import certificates are normally processed in ten working days. 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.

Read the information for importers and manufacturers of explosives

HSNO Act amendments

Submissions close in a few days’ time for the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Hazardous Substances Assessments) Amendment Bill.

It aims to improve the processes for assessing and reassessing hazardous substances, and allow for better use of information from international regulators.

Parliament’s Environment Committee is taking submissions until 3 October.

Make a submission

Recent EPA decisions

APP204274 by Adama New Zealand Limited to import or manufacture Experimental Plant Protection Products in containment. Decision: approved with controls 6 September 2021

APP203905 by Trical Inc to import or manufacture Tri-Form 80 for release. Decision: approved with controls 8 September 2021

APP203959 by Syngenta Crop Protection Limited to import or manufacture Miravis Prime Fungicide for release. Decision: approved with controls 13 September 2021

APP204229 by PGG Wrightson to import or manufacture Emulsifiable concentrate containing 900 g/L acetochlor for release. Decision: approved with controls 20 September 2021

APP204286 by Corteva AgriScience New Zealand Limited to import or manufacture Experimental Pesticides - Development Trials 5 in containment. Decision: approved with controls 27 September 2021

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.

Subscribe to HS Update