Guidance for importers and manufacturers
There is specific guidance for importing, manufacturing and using every type of hazardous substance in New Zealand–from cosmetics to pesticides or explosives.
Hazardous substances are regulated under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, and we set the rules for anyone who wants to import or manufacture a hazardous substance.
Many common products imported and manufactured in New Zealand are regulated as hazardous substances. Paints, glues, garden sprays, pool chemicals and cleaning products can all have hazardous properties and, if they do, are regulated as hazardous substances.
If you import or manufacture a hazardous substance (product), you are responsible for knowing its hazardous properties. You’re also responsible for making sure that you follow the rules. We have listed some important things you need to do to help you with that.
Importing or manufacturing hazardous substances in New Zealand
Before you can import a hazardous substance into New Zealand, or manufacture it here, there is a process to follow and steps to complete.
Cosmetics
Cosmetics containing hazardous substances must meet the requirements of the standards for this group of products.
Pesticides
Want to import or manufacture timber treatments, vertebrate toxic agents, anti-fouling paints or household pesticides? Learn how here.
Veterinary medicines
Medicines for animals can contain hazardous substances and require approval before they can be imported or manufactured in New Zealand.
Explosives
Explosives must be approved for use before they can be imported or manufactured in New Zealand.
Laboratory chemicals
If you're planning to use your product in a laboratory, you may not need to obtain an approval.
Assigning your product to an individual approval
You may be able to assign your product to an individual approval. Here is the overview to the process.
Labelling and safety data sheets
It's important that hazardous substances are labelled correctly and consistently.
Hazardous substances databases
We have a number of databases to help you out. Four of them are specifically about hazardous substances.