You need an emergency approval to:
- import any hazardous substance for release in an emergency,
release any hazardous substance from containment in an emergency, or
use a hazardous substance in an emergency in a manner which would otherwise contravene the HSNO Act or any of its regulations.
An emergency in this context is a foreseeable event where the use of the substance is also foreseeable. For example, the use of a new dispersing agent to combat a particular type of oil spill.
To obtain approval to use a hazardous substance in an emergency, an application must be made in advance (i.e. in anticipation that the emergency may arise at some future time).
In a special emergency declared by a responsible Minister (as defined in the HSNO Act), an application may made to import for release, manufacture, release from containment or use any hazardous substance. Special emergency applications are processed by rapid assessment.
Is your substance hazardous?
If your substance is not hazardous, you do not need an approval.
Is your substance already approved to be imported into New Zealand?
How do you apply for an emergency approval?
To apply for an emergency approval, send us the completed application form.
Download Application Form
(word, 163 kb)
(pdf, 337 kb)
Download Application Form
(word, 186 kb)
(pdf, 178 kb)
How much will an application cost?
The fee for import for release in an emergency is $8625.00 (including GST).
There is no charge for import or manufacture for release in a special emergency.
What is the process?
Applications to release a hazardous substance in an emergency are processed via the publicly notified application pathway. The statutory timeframe for processing this type of application is 100 working days. For the processing stages and timeline, see:
View the statutory timeline for a notified application (pdf, 170 kb).
For more information about the steps involved in processing applications, see:
To find out how decisions are made:
Read our decision path document (pdf, 1.9 Mb)
Anyone may make a written submission on an emergency application.
A special emergency application is processed via rapid assessment. For the timeline, see:
More questions?