If you are importing, manufacturing or using hazardous substances, they must be approved under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act.
In addition, the people who use them – as well as any equipment and locations they are in – may require approval. For certification of people and equipment, see:
If your product is not approved, you may need to apply for an approval. Information on how to make an application; apply to reassess or amend an existing approval; or seek advice on hazardous substances is provided through the links below:
Approvals for hazardous substances and how to apply
A list of approvals and how to make an application:
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Advice about hazardous substances
The HSNO system approves substances, not products. If you want to import a new product, check first that it is not covered by an existing approval:
Step-by-step guidance is available on approvals required for different types of substances:
Informal advice on substances:
- Status of substance – to find out if a new product matches an existing approval or get informal advice on whether or not it is hazardous
- Labelling advice – for advice on product labelling requirements
Formal determinations:
Amending or reassessing a hazardous substance approval
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