The regulation of chemicals in New Zealand is governed by the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (HSNO), which was enacted in 1996. Since its implementation, 22 regulations have been published covering various categories of chemicals, including industrial chemicals, detergents, cosmetics, agrochemicals, food additives, veterinary medicines, and bulk medicines. The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) oversees the New Organisms aspect of the HSNO Act, while the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is responsible for the management of hazardous substances. In addition, WorkSafe New Zealand manages hazardous substances in the workplace to ensure safety and compliance.
New Zealand maintains a chemical inventory known as the New Zealand Inventory of Chemicals (NZIoC), which contains a variety of substances, including hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals known to be present in the country. While the NZIoC is not a list of approvals, it does provide information on whether a chemical falls under a Group Standard, which is a regulatory approval for substances of similar nature, hazard, or use. All Group Standards require compliance with EPA Notices. Hazardous chemicals in New Zealand are defined based on intrinsic properties such as explosiveness, flammability, oxidation capacity, corrosiveness, toxicity, and ecotoxicity. Substances listed in the NZIoC receive specific HSNO approval codes or are assigned to Group Standard approvals for use in chemical products. However, impurities, by-products, and certain manufactured articles are not included in the inventory and do not require notification under the HSNO Act.
Key News from 2024
New Zealand Bans PFAS in Cosmetics Effective December 31, 2026
On January 30, 2024, the New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) announced a ban on the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetic products, effective December 31, 2026. The decision is part of a comprehensive update to the Cosmetic Products Group Standard, which aims to align regulations with global developments and enhance consumer safety. EPA has also strengthened regulations to cover non-hazardous cosmetic products that contain hazardous ingredients to ensure effective enforcement of banned and restricted substance regulations Read more here.
New Zealand Amends Requirements for Importers and Manufacturers of Hazardous Substances
On June 12, 2024, the New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) published the Hazardous Substances (Importers and Manufacturers) Amendment Notice 2024 under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996. The amendment introduces new obligations for importers and manufacturers of hazardous substances, including the provision of New Zealand Business Numbers (NZBN), annual reporting of quantities imported or manufactured, and specific details for certain explosives. The Notice comes into effect in two phases: clauses 13, 14, and 15 came into effect on January 1, 2025, while the remaining provisions will come into force on January 1, 2026. These changes aim to enhance the management and oversight of hazardous substances in New Zealand. Read more here.
New Zealand EPA Proposes Ban on Chlorpyrifos Following Reassessment
On November 25, 2024, the New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) announced a proposal to revoke all approvals for chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate insecticide widely used in agriculture. The decision follows a comprehensive reassessment that found significant risks to human health and the environment, including threats to birds, bees, and aquatic ecosystems. If implemented, the ban would bring New Zealand in line with international action taken by Canada, the European Union, and Australia. Read more here.
Key Dates for 2025
The Hazardous Substances Notices provided a 4-year transitional period to allow stakeholders to make the necessary changes to labels and SDSs. Therefore, from April 30, 2025 labels and SDSs must be prepared in accordance with the GHS 7 standards. .
