You will need approval from us if you intend to import or manufacture a hazardous substance for release in New Zealand.
Is your substance hazardous?
If your substance is not hazardous, you do not need an approval.
Is your substance already approved?
If your substance is approved to be imported into New Zealand, you do not need to apply for an approval.
How do you apply to import or manufacture a hazardous substance for release?
The application pathway depends on the substance:
Rapid assessment application
To apply for a hazardous substance approval by rapid assessment, a substance must meet one of the following criteria:
It has a similar composition and similar hazardous properties to a substance that already has a HSNO approval (rapid similar); or
Its hazardous properties meet the criteria for low hazard (low hazard); or
It has been formulated so that one or more of its hazardous properties has a lesser degree of hazard than a substance that already has a HSNO approval (reduced hazard).
More information to determine eligibility is available in the following document:
Rapid Assessment for Importation or Manufacture of Hazardous Substances for Release - Criteria for Determining Eligibility (pdf, 51 kb)
Rapid applications are not publicly notified.
What is the process?
The statutory processing time for a rapid application is 40 working days.
View the statutory timeline for a rapid assessment application (pdf, 144 kb)
How do you make an application?
Download the appropriate form and send the completed and signed application to us along with your application fee.
Rapid similar and reduced hazard application:
Download Application Form
(word, 171 kb)
(pdf, 46 kb)
Rapid low hazard application:
Download Application Form
(word, 170 kb)
(pdf, 54 kb)
How much will a rapid application cost?
The fee for this application is $575.00 (including GST).
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If an application to release a hazardous substance is not eligible for rapid assessment then it may proceed as a non-notified application. However, if there is likely to be significant public interest in the application then it may be publicly notified. We will provide advice on whether public notification is required in the pre-application stage of processing an application.
What is the process?
View the statutory timeline for a notified application (pdf, 170 kb).
View the statutory timeline for a non-notified application (pdf, 148 kb).
Applicants may need to undertake consultation with Māori if risks of significance to Māori are identified.
Read our guidance on consultation for applicants.
How do you make an application?
To make an application, you need to send the completed and signed application to us along with your application fee. To find out more about the information requirements, please talk to us.
Download Application Form
[Word, 386 kb]
[pdf, 372 kb]
How much will a full release application cost?
The fee depends on the complexity of the application. See our fees and charges schedule for the relevant fee: