To strengthen the supervision of hazardous substances, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of New Zealand recently officially issued the 2015 Hazardous Substances (Importers and Manufacturers) Notice (Consolidated Version). This regulation came into effect on January 1, 2026, replacing the old notice implemented on November 19, 2015. The new rules aim to enhance the efficiency of hazardous substance management by obtaining comprehensive information, thereby more accurately identifying risks and taking appropriate measures.
According to the new regulations, all importers and manufacturers of hazardous substances must submit enterprise information to the EPA within 30 days of the first import or manufacture through the newly established Hazardous Substances Reporting and Notifications (HSRN) Portal. This obligation applies to all relevant enterprises, and even those that have previously submitted information are required to re-report. Any changes in enterprise information (including newly imported or manufactured hazardous substances) must also be updated through the portal within 30 days.
The reporting deadline for 2025 is May 31, 2026. The EPA recommends that relevant enterprises submit their reports after February 2026, at which time online workshops and operational guidelines will be provided to assist in completing the process.
Definition of Hazardous Substances
The term hazardous substances applies to any product, chemical, or chemical mixture with one or more of the following properties:
- Explosiveness: Capable of exploding or causing an explosion;
- Flammability: Easily ignitable and burns rapidly;
- Oxidising: Gases, solids, or liquids that can cause or intensify fire and explosion;
- Toxicity: May cause harm to the human body through contact, inhalation, or ingestion;
- Corrosiveness: Can cause severe skin burns and eye damage;
- Environmental Toxicity: Toxic to the environment.
Scope of the New Regulations:
- Importers importing hazardous substances for supply to others in New Zealand or for their own workplace use;
- Manufacturers producing hazardous substances for supply to others or for their own workplace use (excluding immediate use);
- Importers and manufacturers of specific explosives.
Substances requiring annual reporting include:
- Agricultural chemicals (including commercial and household pesticides, vertebrate toxic agents, fumigants, and plant growth regulators);
- Veterinary medicines for deworming large commercial animals (such as sheep, cattle, goats, and horses);
- Wood treatment chemicals;
- Anti-mould chemicals;
- Anti-fouling coatings.
The following substances are exempt from providing this information:
- Fertilizers;
- Methyl bromide;
- Ethylene dinitrate (EDN);
- Any substances imported or manufactured under a containment approval issued under Section 32 of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act.
Core Obligations for Enterprises:
- Provide and maintain accurate enterprise information, including the New Zealand Business Number (NZBN);
- Provide the HSNO approval number or group standard name of the hazardous substances involved;
- For specific explosives (such as Class 1 explosives reaching the permitted quantity threshold and certain categories of fireworks), manufacturers must submit an annual report including the HSNO approval number, UN number, hazard classification, proper shipping name, and quantity. Importers, on the other hand, must obtain an import certificate before each shipment enters New Zealand.
Information Required in Reports:
- Substance Information: Product name, approval information, and import or manufacturing attributes;
- Active Ingredient Information: Name, CAS number, and the total amount of active ingredients in the products imported or manufactured during the year (in kilograms).
Exemptions Apply to:
- Import or manufacture of products solely for personal use, with no other purposes;
- International exporters exporting hazardous substances to New Zealand;
- Laboratories operating under the Crown Research Institutes and Universities Exempt Laboratory Code of Practice.
