You cannot import hazardous waste without a permit from us. If you want to import hazardous waste into New Zealand, you (as the importer) need to submit an application to us for an import permitt.
The exporter (in the country of origin) needs to provide the Competent Authority (CA) in the exporting country with an application and notification form. The CA of that country then sends the notification form and other relevant information to us.
We need to receive your import permit application before it can provide consent to the CA of the exporting country.
You can submit your application by:
- email to importexport@epa.govt.nz with ‘Hazardous waste import application’ in the subject line
- post to The Environmental Protection Authority, PO Box 131, Wellington 6140.
We then consider your application, taking similar factors into account as for the assessment of a hazardous waste export application:
- reason the waste needs to be exported from the country of origin
- copies of environmental and liability insurance
- contractual arrangements with the disposal/recovery facility receiving the waste.
If you are successful, we will issue you with an import permit. When your hazardous waste shipment arrives, Customs will need to see the permit letter to allow the shipment entry to the country, even if you have consent(s) from the exporting country/countries.
Although it is the exporter’s responsibility to arrange the export and transit permits and the shipping, if you are involved in importing hazardous waste it is important you work with the exporter to ensure as much information as possible is included in their application. Without quality justification and background documentation, we will not provide consent to overseas CA and you will not be able to import hazardous waste.
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