We regulate the introduction and use of
hazardous substances and new organisms. We do this under the Hazardous
Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act.
This applies to new plants, animals and other new
organisms including genetically modified organisms. We also deal with over 100,000 different types of
hazardous substances ranging from explosives, pesticides, industrial
chemicals, petrol and gas to household cleaners and other consumer
goods.
We also regulate the import and export
of hazardous waste and ozone depleting substances. Hazardous waste
includes things like used oil, computers and chemicals.
We work closely with other compliance and
enforcement agencies, science and research centres, international
bodies, industry, NGOs, and the public.
Decisions to approve or decline a hazardous substance or new organism
are based on an assessment of the risks, costs and benefits.
We do not undertake enforcement of the HSNO Act (for example, site inspections). Instead, enforcement is undertaken by other agencies that work closely with us. Find out who those enforcement agencies are from the link below.
There are some hazardous substances that we do not regulate. To find out more, see:
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