Completed reassessments
This page has information about the chemical approvals we have reassessed. Older reassessments are grouped by year, and listed alphabetically.
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Recently completed reassessments
Methyl bromide
This modified reassessment reviewed the recapture requirements for the methyl bromide, a fumigant used on products such as logs and fresh produce for export.
The reassessment focused on recapture requirements, and a comprehensive suite of controls to mitigate the risks of methyl bromide use. The decision also bans the use of methyl bromide in ship holds from January 2023. As a modified reassessment, banning methyl bromide was out of scope of this reassessment.
Reassessment decision: Approved with controls (PDF, 828KB)
Decision date: 11 August 2021
Chemical Review 2020
This reassessment is reviewing the hazard classifications of 123 substances, including single chemicals, and mixtures containing these chemicals, taking into account new information such as study data, reviews, and assessments by overseas chemical regulators.
Reassessment decision: Approved with controls (PDF, 1MB)
Decision date: May 2021
Chemical Review 2015
This reassessment is reviewing the hazard classifications of 79 substances, including single chemicals, and mixtures containing these chemicals, taking into account new information such as study data, reviews, and assessments by overseas chemical regulators.
Reassessment decision: Approved with controls (PDF, 912KB)
Decision date: July 2020
BACs
This modified reassessment looked at the hazard classifications assigned to a number benzyl alkonium chlorides substances.
The reassessment resulted in changes to the hazard classifications of the substances, more accurate labelling, and the introduction of environmental hazard classifications for some BACs, which were not previously in place.
Reassessment decision: Approved with controls (PDF, 1.05MB)
Decision date: May 2020
Reassessment decisions 2019 -
Exirel
Exirel contains Cyantraniliprole and is used as an insecticide on fodder brassicas such as turnips, swede and kale.
FMC New Zealand Ltd applied to change some of the controls imposed in the original approval for Exirel, to include allowing for helicopter-aerial application; and to changes to buffer zones and labelling statements.
Reassessment decision: Approved with controls (PDF, 859KB)
Decision date: April 2019
Meteor
Meteor contains the active ingredient metamitron and is used as a plant growth regulator for thinning apples.
AgriNova New Zealand Ltd applied to reduce the restricted entry interval (the time required before workers can re-enter the field after spraying). The applicant was willing to reduce the maximum application rate in order to re-examine the appropriate restricted entry interval. New information about the properties of the substance was also provided.
Reassessment decision: Approved with controls (PDF, 806KB)
Decision date: August 2019
Moddus Evo
Moddus Evo is used as a plant growth regulator for what, barley, ryegrass and oat crops. It contains the active ingredient trinexapac-ethyl.
This reassessment looked at an application to amend the maximum application limit, both application rate and number of applications.
Reassessment decision: Approved with controls (PDF, 812KB)
Decision date: July 2019
Paraquat
Paraquat is a herbicide used to control a large variety of broadleaf weeds, and annual and perennial grasses, in a variety of crops. It is currently used in commercial agriculture, forestry, and has reported use in urban weed control. Paraquat is also used as a pre-harvest desiccant.
This was a full reassessment that looked at the approvals for paraquat itself, and substances containing paraquat. In 2017, we declined an application for a herbicide containing paraquat due to its unacceptable risks to human health and the environment. This information was used to establish grounds for this reassessment application, which proceeded on to this reassessment.
After considering all relevant information available, including submissions from the public and presentations at a hearing, the Decision-making Committee decided to revoke a number of approvals and strengthen the controls on others.
Reassessment decision: Partially approved with controls (PDF, 1.5MB)
Decision date: December 2019
Rules for paraquat use
Sprinter 700DS and monomethylamine
This was a modified reassessment that only looked at the reproductive/developmental hazard classification of these substances. Both substances contain monomethylamine.
Reassessment decision: Approved with controls (PDF, 930KB)
Decision date: June 2019
Reassessment decisions 2015-2018
| Chemical/product name and common use | Reason for reassessment | Decision and date |
| Callisto A herbicide for control of broadleaf weeds |
Extend the use of Callisto from maize to turf, and increase its application rate. The change of use was granted with additional controls, including wearing more personal protective equipment, and measures to reduce spray drift. Applicant: Syngenta Crop Protection Limited |
Approved with controls (PDF, 604KB) April 2016 |
| Carbaryl, chlorpyriphos and diazinon Used in veterinary medicine and other non-plant protection purposes |
Combined reassessment of carbaryl, chlorpyrifos and diazinon because of human and environmental safety concerns from being used for veterinary medicines and insect sprays. Approval of carbaryl for veterinary use, but revoked for controlling insects. Approvals for chlorpyrifos and diazinon were revoked. Applicant: EPA |
Partially approved with controls (PDF, 606KB) January 2016 |
| Chemical Review 2012-2014 | A review of a range of hazardous substance approvals for which new information was obtained in 2012-2014. The classification and controls of 200 substances was updated. Applicant: EPA |
Approved with controls (PDF, 718KB) July 2016 |
| Chlorothalonil-containing home garden fungicides Yates Bravo, Yates Greenguard, Yates Guardall, McGregor’s Black Spot and Fungus Spray, Watkins Fungus and Mildew Spray, Tui Disease Eliminator (ready to use) |
Reassessment of five chlorothalonil-containing formulations used as fungicides for home gardening because of concerns to human health. Four substances were revoked with a six-month notice; one substance was restricted to professional use and its classification and controls updated. Applicant: EPA |
Partially approved with controls (PDF, 608KB) April 2017 |
| Dichlorvos An organophosate insecticide used to control insect pests in agricultural, horticultural, biosecurity and public health industries, and in the home |
To reassess dichlorvos and dichlorvos-containing substances because of concerns for human health and the environment. Two approvals were banned, one was retained and three had stricter controls on use. Applicant: EPA |
Partially approved with controls (PDF, 1MB) September 2015 |
| DuPont Exirel Insecticide An insecticide containing cyantraniliprole and used on brassicas |
To extend the use of DuPont Exirel Insecticide to aerial application. Exirel is an insecticide containing cyantraniliprole and is used on brassicas. The aerial application of Exirel was not approved due negligible benefits, risks to aquatic life and uncertainty about the effectiveness of buffer zones in hilly terrain. Applicant: DuPont (New Zealand) Limited |
Declined (PDF, 482KB) September 2016 |
| Firebird An agricultural herbicide containing flufenacet and diflufenican to control grass and broadleaf weeds |
To increase the maximum application rate of Firebird to 0.7 L per hectare for better efficacy on weeds. The maximum application rate was increased to 0.5 L of Firebird per hectare and additional controls, including buffer zones to protect water bodies and non-target plants, were implemented. Applicant: Bayer New Zealand Limited |
Approved with controls (PDF, 612KB) May 2016 |
| Luna Privilege containing fluopyram and Luna Sensation containing flupyram and trifloxystrobin | To increase the maximum application rate and number of applications, and reduce the interval between applications for Luna Privilege and Luna Sensation for use on new crops. The changes were granted to Luna Privilege with the addition of a restricted entry interval to protect workers. For Luna Sensation, there are additional controls: restricting wind speed during application and buffer zones to reduce spray drift, label warnings for beneficial insects, and a restricted entry interval to protect workers. Applicant: Bayer New Zealand Limited |
Approved with controls (PDF, 700KB) November 2018 |
| Organophosphate and carbamate plant protection insecticides containing acephate, dimethoate, methamidophos, methomyl and oxamyl Insecticides used to protect commercial crops. |
To review and implement non-contact periods for certain organophosphate or carbamate plant protection substances, to protect bees and other insect pollinators against adverse effects arising from post-application exposure to the insecticides. Most non-contact periods were implemented but specific crop-based exemptions to some active ingredients were put in place to manage the economic risks. The new requirements had a phase-in period which ended on 1 July 2016. Applicant: EPA |
Approved with controls (PDF, 679KB) August 2015 |
| PredaSTOP for stoats Poison containing para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) to control stoats |
To make it a condition that when using PredaSTOP baits for stoats they must be laid in a stoat-specific bait station and remove the current control that requires users to notify landowners within 3 km of a control operation using this product. The notification to landowners was removed. Applicant: Connovation Ltd |
Approved with controls (PDF, 1.4MB) July 2015 |
Reassessment decisions 2011-2014
| Chemical/product name and common use | Reassessment purpose | Reassessment decision and date |
| Aerosol Group Standard amendment | An amendment to a group standard to adjust the site and storage requirements for aerosols. The reassessment provided alternative measures to manage the risks associated with storing bulk aerosols. Applicant: EPA |
Approved (PDF, 200KB) September 2013 |
| Ambush An insecticide containing pirimiphos-methyl and permethrin used on a variety of horticultural crops including fodder crops, citrus, and avocados. |
An application for a reassessment t change the flammability classification of Ambush. The classification was downgraded from 3.1C (medium hazard) to 3.1D (low hazard). Applicant: Orion Crop Protection Limited |
Approved with controls (PDF, 368KB) December 2014 |
| Antifouling paints Antifouling paints used to stop aquatic life growing on submerged surfaces, especially those of seagoing vessels. Antifouling paints containing any of the following: 3(2H)-isothiazolone, 4,5-dichloro-2-octyl- (DCOIT), chlorothalonil, copper (I) oxide, copper pyrithione, copper thiocyanate, dichlofluanid, diuron, irgarol 1051, mancozeb, octhilinone, thiram, tolyfluanid, zinc pyrithione, zineb, ziram. |
A review of the environmental and human health effects of antifouling paints in light of regulatory action taken overseas. The reassessment increased restrictions on antifouling paints, and the phasing out of particularly harmful substances which contain diuron, octhilinone, ziram, thiram, tolyfluanid, chlorothalonil, mancozeb, and irgarol 1051, before 2023. Applicant: EPA |
Partially approved with controls (PDF, 976KB) June 2013 |
| Aquatic herbicides Herbicides used for killing weeds |
An application for a reassessment to use over water to control aquatic pest plants. It was decided could be applied over water with additional measures in place including exposure limits, application restrictions, qualification requirements, and application being restricted to only those who have obtained permission. Applicant: Agrichemical Reassessment group (ARG) |
Approved with controls (PDF, 1.3MB) December 2012 |
| Chemical Review 2011 |
A review of a range of hazardous substance approvals for which new information was obtained in 2011. The classification and controls of 61 substances was updated. Applicant: EPA |
Approved with controls (PDF, 844KB) August 2012 |
| DDVP Insecticide strips A strip of inert polymer impregnated with dichlorvos, used in the Ministry of Primary Industries’ fruit fly surveillance programme. |
An application for a reassessment to broaden the scope of the approval to cover alternative brands of strips, and use the strips in any biosecurity programme. Restrictions applied to the substance were amended to accommodate alternative strip brands and their use in biosecurity programmes. Applicant: Ministry of Primary Industries |
Approved with controls (PDF, 449KB) December 2014 |
| Organophosphate and carbamate plant protection insecticides Insecticides used to protect commercial crops. Acephate, benomyl, carbaryl, carbofuran, carbosulfan, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, diazinon, dichlorvos, dichlofenthion, dimethoate, ethion, famphur, fenamiphos, fenitrothion, isazofos, maldison (malathion), methamidophos, methomyl, omethoate, oxamyl, phorate, phoxim, pirimicarb, pirimiphos-methyl, prothiofos, pyrazophos and terbufos. |
A review of acute and chronic effects of organophosphate and carbamate insecticides on human health, including the nervous system. The substances are toxic to the aquatic environment, terrestrial invertebrates, and birds. The reassessment increased restrictions on organophosphates and carbamates, and the phased out particularly harmful substances which contain diazinon, fenamiphos, methamidophos, prothiofos, terbufos, fenitrothion, or phorate, before 2028. Applicant: EPA |
Partially approved with controls (PDF, 1.5MB) June 2013 |
| Quintozene A fungicide used to treat recreational turf, ornamental and vegetable seedlings (or soil), and flower bulbs prior to or shortly after planting. |
It was decided to revoke the approval for quintozene due to the toxicological significance of dioxin contamination. The substance was phased out over six months. Applicant: EPA |
Declined (PDF, 226KB) May 2011 |
| Seguris Flexi A fungicide containing isopyrazam used to control foliar diseases in wheat and barley. |
An application for a reassessment to allow use at higher application rates and include use on additional crops. It was decided to increase the maximum application rate and apply measures including minimum intervals between applications and limits to number of applications per season. Applicant: Syngenta Crop Protection Limited |
Approved with controls (PDF, 525KB) July 2012 |
| Taskforce A herbicide containing flupropanate used to manage Chilean needle grass and other pest weeds. |
An application to allow Taskforce to be applied aerially, and be applied to kangaroo grass. It was decided that Taskforce was allowed to be applied to kangaroo grass, and aerial application was allowable once every five years. Applicant: Marlborough District Council |
Approved with controls (PDF, 379KB) June 2012 |
| Trichlorfon and its formulations An insecticide used in plant protection products and veterinary medicines |
A review of the potential adverse effects on the human nervous system and toxic effects on the aquatic environment. Approvals for plant protection products containing trichlorfon were revoked, and veterinary medicine uses were allowed with additional restrictions. Applicant: EPA |
Partially approved with controls (PDF, 516KB) February 2011 |
| Tri-form A soil fumigant containing 1,3-dichloropropene and chloropicrin |
An application for a reassessment to lower the minimum soil temperature required at the time of application when plastic covering is used on the treated soil. It was decided that the minimum temperature required at the time of application when plastic covering is used on the treated soil would be lowered from 10 °C to 5 °C. Applicant: TRICAL Inc. |
Approved with controls (PDF, 168KB) December 2012 |
Reassessment decisions 2007-2010
| Chemical/product name and common use | Reassessment purpose | Reassessment decision and date |
| 1080 A poison containing sodium fluoroacetate to control possums, wallabies, rabbits, stoats and rodents. |
An application to continue to use 1080. The use of 1080 was retained with tight controls detailing prior permission from the EPA, strict signage requirements, strict licensing for handlers, sufficient public notification in areas of proposed use, maximum application rates, bait colour specifications, restriction on use in a catchment area from which water is drawn for human consumption, requirement for GPS tracking for aircraft, and that detailed reports must be made to EPA as soon as reasonably practicable. The decision identified risks, mainly to non-target species, but identified significantly higher conservational benefits. The decision also noted a lack of practical alternatives available, and the large amount of input from the public during the application process. Applicant: Animal Health Board and Department of Conservation |
Approved with controls (PDF, 1MB) August 2007 |
| Azinphos-methyl Organophosphate insecticide for use on potatoes and summer fruit. |
A full reassessment of the broad-spectrum insecticide azinphos-methyl and its formulations. All 4 approvals considered in the reassessment were declined (revoked). One approval was allowed to be used with stricter controls until 2014. Applicant: EPA |
Partially approved with controls (PDF, 439KB) November 2009 |
| Chemical Review 2009 |
A review of a range of hazardous substance approvals for which new information was obtained in 2009. |
Approved with controls (PDF, 569KB) June 2010 |
| Chlorpropham Residual herbicide and potato sprout suppressant. |
Modify the approval for chlorpropham to allow its use as a pesticide, especially to suppress sprout formation on potatoes during storage. It was previously only approved for research and development, and manufacture. Pesticide use was approved with controls such as maximum application rate, restriction to the proposed use, and re-entry interval. Applicant: Renovo Technologies Limited |
Approved with controls (PDF, 290KB) February 2010 |
| Clopyralid A herbicide for control of broad-leaved weeds in a range of crops. |
A full reassessment of substances containing clopyralid. One approval for household use was revoked. The other approvals were kept, with additional controls such as better labelling, tracking and approved handler requirements. Applicant: New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development. |
Partially approved with controls (PDF, 435KB) August 2007 |
| Distance Ant Bait and Engage Ant Bait Ant baits containing the active ingredients pyriproxyfen and s-methoprene respectively. |
To modify the ground-based dispersal control to allow aerial application of the baits. The modification was approved with controls such as requiring permission from EPA before aerial use. Applicant: Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Biosecurity New Zealand |
Approved with controls (PDF, 207KB) November 2007 |
| DuPont Coragen Insecticide An insecticide containing chlorantraniliprole for use in various crops. |
To allow its application at rates above the current maximum application rate. The modification was approved with controls to mitigate exposure. Applicant: DuPont (New Zealand) Limited. |
Approved with controls (PDF, 604KB) November 2010 |
| DuPont Altacor Insecticide An insecticide containing chlorantraniliprole for use in various crops. |
To allow its application at rates above the current maximum application rate. The modification was approved with controls to mitigate exposure. Applicant: DuPont (New Zealand) Limited. |
Approved with controls (PDF, 581KB) November 2010 |
| Endosulfan Insecticide used on various crops and turf. |
A full reassessment of endosulfan and its formulations. Significant risks to human health were identified for some uses and risks to non-target organisms in the environment were identified for all uses. The approval for endosulfan was revoked. Applicant: EPA |
Declined (DOC, 561KB) December 2008 |
| Ethaneperoxoic acid A fungicide used on grapevines to control diseases such as botrytis. |
To modify the approval for ethaneperoxoic acid, <5% in acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The change was approved with controls such as maximum application rate and prohibition on aerial application and use in water. Applicant: Jaegar Australia Pty Ltd |
Approved with controls (PDF, 314KB) August 2009 |
| Explosives | A modified reassessment of certain explosives. A control was added requiring people in possession of certain explosives to hold a controlled substances licence. Only a firearms licence was required for certain low hazard classes. Applicant: EPA |
Approved with controls (PDF, 324KB) June 2009 |
| Hydrogen cyanamide A plant growth regulator used to break buds in kiwifruit. |
A reassessment of the soluble concentrates containing hydrogen cyanamide (520-540 g/litre). The use of hydrogen cyanamide was retained with additional controls such as better labelling. A recommendation to increase public awareness of spraying was also made. Applicant: EPA |
Approved with controls (DOC, 558KB) August 2006 |
| LPG | A modified reassessment of LPG, propane, and butane Additional controls were imposed including compulsory odourisation if used without a robust leak-detection system, increased signage, tighter requirements for operators regarding filling and transport and, to ensure certain uses align with national standards. Applicant: EPA |
Approved with controls (PDF, 345KB) September 2010 |
| Methylarsenic acid Herbicide used in turf. |
To reassess methylarsinic acid and its formulations. All approvals were revoked due to concerns over persistence and accumulation of arsenic in the environment, leading to potential risk to birds and soil health as well as people. Applicant: EPA |
Declined (DOC, 583KB) May 2009 |
| Methylated spirits | To reassess methylated spirits (ethanol denatured with between 0.1% and 2% methanol). Sale to the public of ethanol denatured with methanol was prohibited due to evidence of intentional misuse. Applicant: EPA |
Approved with controls (DOC, 132KB) January 2007 |
| Methyl bromide A fumigant pesticide used in quarantine and for export products, especially logs. |
A full reassessment of methyl bromide and its formulations. Use of methyl bromide for quarantine and pre-export was retained but with additional controls including strengthening the tolerable exposure limits, requirements around air quality monitoring and reporting, buffer zones, and a requirement that all methyl bromide fumigations to be subject to recapture within a 10-year period. Use as a soil fumigant was revoked. Applicant: EPA |
Partially approved with controls (PDF, 716KB) November 2010 |
| Methyl parathion Organophosphate insecticide for use on crops. |
A full reassessment of methyl-parathion and its formulations. Existing approvals were revoked based on large concerns over toxicity to humans as well as non-target organisms in the environment. Applicant: EPA |
Declined (DOC, 491KB) December 2008 |
| Oberon An insecticide containing spiromesifen |
To remove the use restriction control and allow to be used in field crops. The use in field crops was approved with controls including a maximum application rate and prohibition on aerial application and use in water. Applicant: Bayer New Zealand Ltd |
Approved with controls (PDF, 292KB) November 2010 |
| Pentachlorophenol (PCP) An organochlorine fungicide/insecticide used for timber preservation and textile treatment. |
A full reassessment of pentachlorophenol and its sodium salt. All approvals were revoked. High risks to human health for working with processed timber, and concerns persistence and ecotoxity were found. It was noted that better alternatives were available and already being used. Applicant: EPA |
Declined (DOC, 200KB) July 2008 |
| Petrol | To modify the controls so that petrol may be handled by a person who is not an approved handler if the petrol is stored and used at a farm of more than 4 hectares, and the quantity of petrol stored is less than 2,000 litres. Approved with the condition that the person be trained in the hazards associated with petrol and its safe use and handling, including steps to be taken in the event of spillage or other emergency. Applicant: EPA |
Approved with controls (DOC, 151KB) May 2007 |
| Petrol/ethanol blends | To allow petrol/ethanol blends to be stored in existing tanks without secondary containment in certain situations. Approved and brought the requirements more in line with those for straight petrol. Additional controls were imposed such as ensuring a successful tank integrity test or a record of two year successful stock reconciliation. Applicant: Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority. |
Approved with controls (DOC, 375KB) May 2007 |
| Sumi-alpha Insecticide containing esfenvalerate for use on various crops |
An application for a reassessment of the approval for to add a flammability classification based on new information on the substance. The change in classification was approved Applicant: Nufarm Limited |
Approved with controls (PDF, 403KB) March 2010 |
| Vertebrate toxic agents | The addition of a new control requiring manufacturers or importers to notify to the EPA of formulation changes. This change was approved. Applicant: EPA |
Approved with controls (DOC, 110KB) June 2008 |
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