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Get ready for new requirements for hazardous substances
If you import or manufacture hazardous substances there are changes ahead for reporting, packaging and labelling that you need to be aware of.
Changes to reporting requirements
Changes this year
If you import or manufacture certain hazardous substances you need to be aware of new annual reporting requirements from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
The substances include:
- agrichemicals
- timber treatment chemicals
- antisapstain chemicals
- antifouling paints
- parasiticides used as veterinary medicines in large animals.
You should now be keeping records of which hazardous substances you are importing or manufacturing before submitting your annual report in 2026.
The requirements will help EPA better understand and manage hazardous substances in New Zealand.
More details, as well as guidance for recording annual information, are on the EPA website.
Consolidated Hazardous Substances (Importers and Manufacturers) Notice 2015(external link) — Environmental Protection Authority
Changes next year
There will also be changes from 1 January 2026. You will need to provide your New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) if you have one.
New Zealand Business Number(external link)
You will also need the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (HSNO Act) approval and/or group standard numbers(s) for the hazardous substances you are importing or manufacturing.
Updated packaging and labelling requirements
From 1 May 2025 you must follow updated labelling, safety data sheet and packaging requirements if you import, manufacture or supply hazardous substances.
For example, some substances will need their labels and safety data sheets updated, and some substances may require different packaging.
These requirements were introduced in April 2021. Importers, manufacturers and suppliers were given four years to comply with the new requirements.
EPA has details on what has changed and what you need to do.
HSNO classification codes and moving to GHS 7(external link) — Environmental Protection Authority
More information
If you are unsure whether the product you are importing or manufacturing is hazardous, visit the EPA’s website for guidance.
Help you can get(external link) — Environmental Protection Authority
To keep up to date with hazardous substance regulations, you can subscribe to the EPA’s hazardous substance newsletter.
Hazardous Substances Update(external link) — Environmental Protection Authority