Review sees changes to 200 approved chemicals

Review sees changes to 200 approved chemicals

The latest Chemical Review carried out by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has reclassified 200 substances approved for use in New Zealand, and, where necessary updated the controls put in place to manage their use.

Ray McMillan, EPA’s Acting General Manager of Hazardous Substances and New Organisms explains: “The EPA continually monitors the chemical landscape for new information about chemicals approved for use in New Zealand.

“Sometimes new information means we need to reclassify a chemical in terms of its hazard potential (which may be lower or higher), and the controls that set the way it can be used or applied.

“The EPA sets the rules for the use of hazardous substances under the HSNO Act by assessing the environmental and economic risks and benefits to New Zealanders and our environment. Our Chemical Review, which is carried out periodically, is one of the many ways in which we do that.”

The application was publicly notified in 2015 and 10 submissions were received.

• View the submission and decision here
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Mr McMillan explained: “The changes come into effect immediately. However, existing controls and classifications remain valid until 21 July 2017. This allows manufacturers time to update their records, product labels and safety data sheets.”

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