How long it takes to process a new application
When you are applying for approval to import or manufacture a hazardous substance, you can estimate how long the approval process takes.
The length of time depends on the type of hazardous substance application:
- whether it has a new or existing active ingredient(s)
- what it is being used for
- level of risk to human health and the environment
- impact to Māori.
Generally, the higher the level of risk, complexity, impact to Māori, and the likely impact to human health and the environment, the longer the processing time.
Statutory timeframes
Statutory timeframes start once applications are formally received. This means you’ve lodged your signed application form, have paid the application fee, and we have checked the form is complete.
| Application type | Time |
| Import or manufacture a new hazardous substance in a contained location | 30 working days |
| Rapid assessment applications | 10 working days |
| Non-notified: there is no public consultation (usually Category A, some Category B applications) | 30 working days |
| Publicly notified: there is public consultation (rarely Category A, usually Category B, always Category C applications) | 70 to 100 working days |
Time waivers
An information or time waiver may be obtained to change the statutory timeframe. For example:
- request more information
- increase the submission period
- postpone the hearing.
If an information or time waiver is granted, the statutory timeframe stops. It restarts when we have the information requested, or the increase or postponement of a submission or hearing ends.
Average processing times
Find out how long it takes to process applications for new hazardous substance approvals.
Applications for hazardous substances in containment
- There were 32 applications decided between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022.
- 75 percent of applications were completed within 3.2 months.
- Statutory timeframe (not including time waivers): 30 working days.
| Processing timeframes | 50% of applications completed within | 75% of applications completed within |
| Application lodged until decision notified | 2.2 months | 3.2 months |
| Formal receipt until decision notified | 19 working days | 1.3 months |
Rapid assessment applications
- There were 23 applications decided between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022.
- 75 percent of applications were completed within 9.9 months.
- Statutory timeframe (not including time waivers): 10 working days.
| Processing timeframes | 50% of applications completed within | 75% of applications completed within |
| Application lodged until decision notified | 8.4 months | 9.9 months |
| Formal receipt until decision notified | 10 working days | 11 working days |
Category A applications
- There were 15 applications decided between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022.
- 75 percent of applications were completed within 13.3 months.
- Statutory timeframe (not including time waivers): 30 working days.
| Processing timeframes | 50% of applications completed within | 75% of applications completed within |
| Application lodged until decision notified | 11.2 months | 13.3 months |
| Formal receipt until decision notified | 18 working days | 1.4 months |
Category B applications
- There were four applications decided between 1 January 2021 and 30 June 2022.
- 75 percent of applications were completed within 19 months.
- Statutory timeframe (not including time waivers): 70–100 working days.
| Processing timeframes | 50% of applications completed within | 75% of applications completed within |
| Application lodged until decision notified | 16 months | 19 months |
| Formal receipt until decision notified | 12.8 months | 15 months |
Category C applications
- There were seven applications decided between 1 January 2021 and 30 June 2022.
- 75 percent of applications were completed within 28 months.
- Statutory timeframe (not including time waivers): 100 working days.
| Processing timeframes | 50% of applications completed within | 75% of applications completed within |
| Application lodged until decision notified* | 19.1 months | 28 months |
| Formal receipt until decision notified* | 14.1 months | 24.6 months |
* Includes application for EDN – APP202804 – formally received in July 2017 and decided in April 2022.