We have a number of databases to help you out. Four of them are specifically about hazardous substances.
Here you can find out what the different hazardous substances databases are, what they're used for, and how to use them.
Once you've decided which database you need, you can search it.
This database holds every application decided under Part 5 of the HSNO Act, for both hazardous substances and new organisms. Applications withdrawn before the decision are not made public.
You would use this database to find public application forms and decision documents for applications. The decision document contains a copy of the controls. If the application was publically consulted on, you would also find all the submissions, information from the hearing and advice from the EPA.
You would use this database to find the reason behind the controls of a substance and any additional information from the application process.
You cannot use it if the substance was approved as part of a transfer to the HSNO regime from the early 2000's.
You can search it using the substance name, the application number or the approval number of the substance (if applicable).
This database holds information about all approved hazardous substances, regardless of when they were approved. It holds the name of the substance, common other names, the hazard classifications of the substances and the controls of the substance.
You would use this database to find out the hazard classifications and controls of the substance.
You can search it using the substance name, the CAS number (of single chemicals) the approval number or any other synonyms.
This database holds detailed hazard information for single chemicals. It contains the hazard classification, study summaries used to guide the selected hazard classification, and information about the physical properties of the substance.
You would use this database to find the hazard classifications and physical properties of a single substance and what information we used to classify a single chemical. This information is useful for classifying hazardous substances or preparing safety documentation.
You can search it using the substance name, the CAS number, the approval number or any other synomyns.
This database is a collection of all hazardous single chemicals that can be used in products assigned to a group standard. It contains the substance name, the CAS number, the approval status and how it can be used in a group standard.
Most group standards have a requirement to ensure that every hazardous component of your product is listed on the New Zealand Inventory of Chemicals (NZIoC). If you have a product that contains a component that isn't listed on the NZIoC, you will have to notify the EPA of it.
You can search the NZIoC using the chemical name or CAS number.
Some non-hazardous chemicals are listed in the NZIoC. When the NZIoC was created, we did not have hazard data on many chemicals so did not know if they were hazardous or non-hazardous. The decision was made to list all chemicals at that time. However, it is not mandatory to list non-hazardous chemicals.
You can also download a spreadsheet of the full NZIoC listing in the related content. This is updated periodically.
See the full NZIoC spreadsheet (XLXS, 1.6MB)
See the June 2020 updates to the NZIoC spreadsheet (XLXS, 307KB)
Each chemical listed on the NZIoC have been given an inventory 'status'. There are three options:
For the first two options, the chemical can be used as a single chemical or as a component in a product included under a group standard approval.
In the final option, the chemical can only be used as a component in a product included under a group standard. Import and manufacture of the pure chemical may require an application for individual approval.
Complete the notification application form and email it to us at inventory@epa.govt.nz.
Application for Notification of New Chemical Components approved under Group Standards (DOCX, 447KB)
More information can be found in our guidance:
New Zealand Inventory of Chemicals (NZIoC) Guidance (PDF, 375KB)
Find out about group standards and if you can assign your product to one.
Download the NZIoC as an Excel file.
Use this form to notify us about a new chemical component for the NZIoC.