Once you submit your application form, we:

• check it is complete
• have all the information we need to progress the application.

This is called the pre-application period. The more complex the application, the longer the pre-application period. In this period, we:

• discuss your application with you
• ask you for more information, if required, and discuss the steps in the approval process
• can also advise you if you need to consult with Māori during this time.

Consulting with Māori during the pre-application period

We give you an application number (eg, APP200xxx) and assign you an advisor.

We “formally receive” the application when you submit your completed, signed application form to us, and pay the application fee.

This is when we start the formal approval process.

Statutory timeframes and time waivers

There are statutory timeframes that the application must be completed by. If there is a request for a time waiver during the formal approval process, the statutory timeframe is put on hold, and starts again when we receive the information from you.

See the statutory timeframes for applications, and learn more about time waivers

Your application will either be for:

• a hazardous substance being used in a contained location, for example, a lab or research facility, or
• a hazardous substance being released into the environment.

Depending on the complexity of the application and the amount of information required, hazardous substance applications for release are further classed as either:

• rapid, or
• category A, B or C.

Containment applications

Containment applications are for hazardous substances that are used only in a contained facility or location. The public isn't consulted for these applications.

Applying for approval to import or manufacture a hazardous substance in a contained location

Rapid assessment applications

Rapid applications are the quickest and least complex application. The hazardous substance has an existing active ingredient, is already being used in a similar way, and is a low risk to the environment or human health. The public isn't consulted for these applications.

Category A, B and C assessment applications

Category A: similar to rapid applications, and have an existing active ingredient. We carry out a human health and ecotoxicology risk assessment on category A applications. Unlikely to be publicly notified, and there is no public consultation.

Category B: need a greater level of risk assessment, but like rapid and category A applications, have an existing active ingredient. They can be publicly notified.

Category C: require an extensive information package, and full quantitative risk assessment. They are usually reserved for active ingredients that are new to New Zealand or have a new method of use. Are publicly notified and go out for public consultation. There may be a public hearing.

This happens within 10 working days of the application being formally received, unless there is a time waiver. 

We publish the application and supporting consultation documents online, and public submissions are open for 30 working days.

Some category A and B applications are publicly notified depending on our risk assessment, and if we decide if there is likely to be public interest. 

All category C applications are publicly notified.

How we decide whether to consult

• Will the substance be used in a significantly different manner to previous hazardous substances with the same active ingredient?
• Is the active ingredient on the EPA Screened Chemicals List or Priority Chemicals List?
• Has the active ingredient been withdrawn by overseas regulators?
• Have previous applications with the same active ingredient received significant public interest?
• Does the substance have any components that classify it as a carcinogen, mutagen, reproductive toxicant, neurotoxin, enivronmentally persistent and/or bioaccumulative, or endocrine disrupting?
• Is the substance intended to be used in sensitive sites and/or around vulnerable people, for example, parks, schools, community areas
• Does this substance have the potential to cause significant impact on Māori interests and culture?
• Is the substance likely to pose a high risk to beneficial insects such as bees? 

In next steps, we:

• evaluate and review the application, supporting documents, and all public submissions
• carefully assess the risks and benefits of the new hazardous substance
• consider how it might positively or negatively impact the environment, human health, Māori interests and culture, the economy, and our international obligations
• write up an assessment report, which is sometimes called a science memo.

Our guide to hazardous substance risk assessment methods explains in detail how we assess a new hazardous substance, and the models we use.

Risk Assessment Methodology for Hazardous Substances (DOCX, 1.21MB)

A public hearing is where people who provided a written submission have the opportunity to present their submission in person if they wish. The decision-making committee uses the submissions to obtain further information that helps them with the final decision.

What to expect at a hearing

The decision-making committee or an EPA decision-maker considers the application and decides to approve or decline the application. They may also decide they need more information before they can make a decision. A hazardous substance can only be approved if the benefits outweigh the risks.