Draft proposal and recommendations

We recommend that current approvals for hydrogen cyanamide be declined, and the substance banned.

We propose it is phased out over five years, with tighter controls taking immediate effect after the final decision. A gradual phase out would allow existing stock to be used up, for growers to get familiar with alternatives, and to introduce additional alternatives to New Zealand.

We propose implementing the following controls, taking immediate effect, subject to a short transitional period to update labelling and packaging.

• Update hazard classifications to:
  • classify the soluble concentrate as skin and eye corrosive, rather than an irritant
  • include a carcinogenicity classification
  • change the specific target organ toxicity classification (from Category 1 to 2)
  • classify as hazardous to soil organisms.
• Lowest possible application rates, keeping the benefits of hydrogen cyanamide, while minimising risk.
• Buffer zones of up to 50 metres to protect bystanders, aquatic habitats and plants.
• Maximum wind speed of between 3 km/h and 20 km/h.
• Update labelling and packaging requirements.
• Users should be appropriately trained and qualified to handle hydrogen cyanamide substances and manage the environmental risks.