Hazardous Substances
Update

Kia ora

Welcome to the Environmental Protection Authority’s wrap of news, decisions, and consultations involving hazardous substances for June. 

In this edition we have updates on:  

• Priorities and progress from Dr Fernando Torres-Vélez  
• Industry knowledge supports models modernisation project
• New insecticide for the control of insect pests 
• Chlorpyrifos disposal 
• Call for feedback on bifenthrin insecticide.

Delivering progress for hazardous substances

In this edition Dr Fernando Torres-Vélez, General Manager Hazardous Substances and New Organisms outlines his views about progress and priorities for hazardous substances.

Industry knowledge supports models modernisation project

The EPA was pleased to host growers, technical experts, and industry representatives as part of our models modernisation project recently. 

The project is focused on updating the models, tools, and approaches used to assess hazardous substances applied directly to the environment, including crop protection products. 

The event was an opportunity for our project partner, Environmental Resources Management Ltd (ERM), to connect with stakeholders as part of the project’s data acquisition phase. ERM is seeking Aotearoa New Zealand-specific information to help ensure our approach to future risk assessments better reflects real-world practices and local environmental conditions. 

EPA General Manager Hazardous Substances and New Organisms, Dr Fernando Torres-Vélez, says information from these sectors is vital as we develop a more transparent, more robust approach and outcomes that continue to protect human health, our environment, and our economy. 

“We will continue to engage with groups representing industry, Māori, and independent experts at key milestones during the project.” 

New insecticide to control insect pests

We have approved Seclira WSG, a new residual insecticide to control insect pests in and around domestic, commercial, and public buildings. 

Seclira WSG contains the active ingredient dinotefuran at 400 g/kg, a chemical new to Aotearoa New Zealand.  

It can only be used by professionals as a surface spray and spot-and-crevice treatment for the control of unwanted pests. Users need to comply with specific controls.   

Chlorpyrifos disposal

By 8 July 2026 everyone must cease use and dispose of chlorpyrifos substances HSR000224 and HSR000225. After this date all formulations containing chlorpyrifos must have been disposed of other than HSR000163 and HSR002942.  

Call for feedback on bifenthrin insecticide

We are reassessing the insecticide bifenthrin and we are calling for submissions on our proposal to significantly restrict its use.  Bifenthrin is used on a wide range of crops. It is also used to treat timber, for professional pest management, for biosecurity, and as an insecticide in and around the home and garden.   

The public consultation runs until 21 July 2026. 

Calendar of rule changes

You can now find the key dates for upcoming hazardous substances rule changes in one place. Our new calendar lets you know what you have to do, and when.

Help us to help you stay informed about hazardous substances. Please forward this newsletter to interested colleagues so they can sign up to receive the newsletter here: subscribe to HS Update

Recent EPA decisions

Insecticide

APP205131 by FMC New Zealand Limited to import or manufacture Vantacor Insecticide, a suspension concentrate containing 600g/L chlorantraniliprole, for the control of lepidopteran and/or coleopteran insect pests in pasture. Approved with controls 26 May 2026. 

APP204240 by BASF New Zealand Limited to import or manufacture SECLIRA WSG, an insecticide containing 400 g/kg dinotefuran in the form of a water-soluble granule, for the control of insect pests in and around buildings. Approved with controls 8 June 2026. 

Fungicide

APP205076 by Arxada Wood Protection NZ to import or manufacture J57.86, a fungicide containing octhilinone as the active ingredient in liquid form for use as a wood preservative. Approved with controls 17 June 2026. 

Timber treatment

APP205147 by Azelis New Zealand Limited to import or manufacture TimTech Azguard HF, a fungicide and insecticide containing 27.5 g/L tebuconazole, 27.5 g/L propiconazole and 17.6 g/L permethrin as the active ingredients as a soluble liquid for use as a timber preservative. Approved with controls 25 June 2026. 

Containment

APP205186 by Biotelliga Limited to import or manufacture SF7489 in containment to undertake research and development trials. Approved with controls 28 May 2026. 

APP205148 by BASF New Zealand Limited to import or manufacture in containment 52 substances for small-scale field trials and laboratory testing in order to evaluate their efficacy and effectiveness in managing specific weeds, pests, and diseases of environmental and economic significance. Approved with controls 4 June 2026. 

APP205179 by PGG Wrightson Limited to import or manufacture in containment samples of substances containing an active ingredient with fungicidal properties to carry out small scale field trials on crops to generate data that may be used to support subsequent approval/registration for a tradename product in NZ. Approved with controls 15 June 2026.