The New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority has released the "Hazardous Substances (Importers and Manufacturers) Amendment Notice 2024." This notice modifies eight clauses, introduces two new ones, and adds two appendices, covering definitions, heading adjustments, notification obligations, information requirements, annual reporting, data collection goals, submission methods, accuracy maintenance, and documentation for explosives importation.
A new reporting requirement mandates that importers and manufacturers annually disclose the quantities of chemicals imported and produced, enhancing hazardous chemical oversight. These changes take effect on January 1, 2025. Details include:
► Effective January 1, 2025:
Multiple Import Certificates: The EPA will issue multiple transportation import certificates to approved explosives manufacturers and importers to streamline imports and reduce administrative loads.
► Reporting Period: January 1 to May 31, 2026 (Section 6A):
Initial Annual Report: Importers and manufacturers must submit stheir first annual report by May 31, 2026, detailing the import and production of designated substances for 2025. Subsequent annual reports documenting the previous year’s activities must be submitted between January 1 and May 31 starting in 2026.
► Annual Report Requirements (Section 6B):
Importers and manufacturers must include the New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) for registered substances listed in Table 1.
► Annual Report Requirements for Each Designated Substance:
- Substance Name;
- Category from Table 1;
- HSNO Approval Number or Group Standard;
- Annual Imported and Manufactured Quantities by Importers and Manufacturers.
Explosives Manufacturers:
Manufacturers must provide the same information as importers.
► From 1 January to 31 May 2026:
Table 1: Identified substances (Articles 6A and 6B mandate annual reporting requirements for designated substances.)
| Categories of identified substances | Reporting unit per substance |
| Agrichemical | Active ingredient (in kilograms) |
| Timber treatment chemical | Active ingredient (in kilograms) |
| Antisapstain chemical | Active ingredient (in kilograms) |
| Antifouling paint | Active ingredient (in kilograms) |
| Parasiticides used as veterinary medicines in large animals | Active ingredient (in kilograms) |
Table 2: Excluded substances
| Fertiliser |
| Methyl bromide |
| Ethanedinitrite (EDN) |
The notice specifies exemptions in two scenarios: individuals importing or producing hazardous substances for personal use, and enterprises with special permits under Section 32 of the Hazardous Substances (Importers and Manufacturers). These provisions aim to enhance management efficiency and precision, while reducing the burden on small-scale operators.
These revisions enhance New Zealand's oversight of chemical usage and align its management practices with global standards, similar to established systems in Australia and the European Union.
