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Importers and exporters in New Zealand are reminded that from 25 July 2025, permits are required not only for hazardous but also for non-hazardous e-waste shipments. This expansion of New Zealand’s existing hazardous waste controls under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) framework aligns with changes to the Basel Convention.

Aligning with Basel Convention Changes

The measure implements an amendment to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, which introduces new waste codes for electronic waste: A1181 for hazardous e-waste under Annex VIII, and Y49 for non-hazardous e-waste under Annex II. These updates aim to strengthen global oversight of the e-waste trade and ensure proper treatment and recycling.

Permit Process and Obligations

The application process for non-hazardous e-waste permits follows the same procedure as that for controlled waste. Businesses involved in e-waste recycling, refurbishment, or export must hold a valid EPA permit before shipment, in order to comply with the Basel Convention’s prior informed consent requirements.

Clarifying the Scope

Hazardous e-waste usually comprises discarded electronic products containing or contaminated by substances such as heavy metals, PCBs, or brominated flame retardants. Non-hazardous e-waste refers to electrical or electronic equipment and components that do not contain such hazardous constituents in concentrations that would trigger classification as hazardous waste.

Further information, including guidance and application forms for import and export permits, is available on EPA’s e-waste permits webpage here.

New Zealand’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has confirmed the phase-out of chlorpyrifos, with strict deadlines now in place for the use and disposal of the pesticide. The move follows the EPA’s July 2025 decision to revoke all approvals for chlorpyrifos, citing unacceptable risks to human health and the environment.

Disposal Timelines Announced

A notice published in the New Zealand Gazette (2025-au4759) sets out a staged withdrawal:

• By 8 January 2026: Use of many chlorpyrifos formulations (including liquids, solids, granules and wettable powders) must cease, with mandatory disposal required by the same date.
• By 8 July 2026: A second group of chlorpyrifos formulations, such as emulsifiable concentrates, must be withdrawn and disposed of.
• By 8 July 2027: The final remaining chlorpyrifos substances, including pure chlorpyrifos and certain granules, must be removed from the market.

After 8 January 2027, no import or manufacture of chlorpyrifos or chlorpyrifos-containing products will be permitted. The full list of affected substances is available in the New Zealand Gazette notice.

EPA Guidance

In a statement on 3 September 2025, EPA urged users to prepare for disposal well ahead of the deadlines and to consider safe alternatives. The agency stressed that holders of chlorpyrifos stocks must take responsibility for ensuring safe and timely disposal to avoid non-compliance.

The reassessment and phase-out reflect a broader regulatory shift in New Zealand, aligning with international action to reduce risks associated with organophosphate insecticides.