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International obligations under the HSNO Act

Anyone exercising functions, powers and duties under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act needs to take account of international obligations regarding the management of new organisms and hazardous substances. Particularly, those concerning:

  • protection of the natural, social and cultural environment
  • Protection of human health and safety
  • trade-related issues.

The international agreements New Zealand is a party to include declarations and standards relevant to the HSNO regime.

Relevance to applicants

When making an application, you need to consider whether there are implications that relate to our international obligations. If so:

  • review the international agreements
  • contact the lead agencies for particular agreements or talk to us
  • record the international implications in your application.

We can provide information about particular agreements or direct you to further information. 

International agreements for hazardous substances

The agreements, standards and guidelines relevant to managing hazardous substances

International agreements for new organisms

The agreements, standards and guidelines relevant to managing new organisms and biotechnology

Trade related international agreements

The international agreements related to trade that New Zealand is party to

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