EPA notices for hazardous substances
EPA notices contain many of the rules you must follow to safely manage hazardous substances.
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If you are using a hazardous substance in a workplace, consult with WorkSafe New Zealand to ensure you are also meeting its requirements.
The latest versions of the EPA notices and some guidance is listed below. Many of these notices are consolidated versions that incorporate amendments made in April 2021 to apply the new GHS 7-based classification system.
Several EPA notices have been amended or revoked since they were first issued.
Hazardous Substances (Hazard Classification) Notice 2020
This Notice sets out the classification system for hazardous substances in New Zealand. The classification system is based on GHS 7 but also includes a framework for terrestrial ecotoxicity hazards.
This notice replaces the Hazardous Substances (Classification) Notice 2017 and the Hazardous Substances (Minimum Degrees of Hazard) Notice 2017.
Hazardous Substances (Hazard Classification) Notice 2020 (PDF, 472KB)
This notice incorporates GHS 7 by reference to the GHS Book which is published by the United Nations. Where the GHS 7 gives options, the Hazard Classification Notice specifies which options we have adopted, and also lists the GHS 7 classifications we have not adopted.
- We have not adopted acute toxicity Category 5. This is the equivalent of the old HSNO 6.1E acute toxicity classification. Substances that were 6.1E due to aspiration hazard will be captured under aspiration hazard Category 1.
Substances that were 6.1E due to respiratory tract irritation will be captured under the classification of specific target organ toxicity – single exposure Category 3, respiratory tract irritation. - We have not adopted skin irritation Category 3. This is the equivalent of the old HSNO 6.3B.
- We have not adopted aspiration hazard Category 2.
- We have not adopted hazardous to the aquatic environment acute Categories 2 and 3. These classifications formed part of the old 9.1D classification.
- We have not adopted hazardous to the ozone layer.
- Where the GHS 7 provides optional concentration cut-off values for classification of mixtures, we adopted the lower concentration cut-off values. These are listed in Schedule 2 of the Hazard Classification Notice. These lower cut-off values are consistent with pre-existing HSNO cut-off values.
The GHS does not cover terrestrial ecotoxicity hazards. We have therefore introduced a separate framework to manage these hazards that is based on the current hazard classifications for terrestrial ecotoxicity.
The new hazard class “hazardous to the terrestrial environment” is applied only to agrichemicals and active ingredients used in the manufacture of some agrichemicals. It comprises the following four hazard classifications:
- Hazardous to soil organisms (replaces HSNO 9.2A – D)
- Hazardous to terrestrial vertebrates (replaces HSNO 9.3A – C)
- Hazardous to terrestrial invertebrates (replaces HSNO 9.4A – C)
- Designed for biocidal action (replaces HSNO 9.1D biocide).
More information about New Zealand's hazard classification system
Consolidated Hazardous Substances (Labelling) Notice 2017
This notice sets out the rules for information that must be included on the labels of hazardous substances. It is based on GHS 7 so requires GHS label elements such as:
- pictograms
- signal word
- hazard statements
- precautionary statements.
The notice also allows compliant labels from Australia, EU, Canada, and USA to be used, as long as certain New Zealand specific information is also included.
This consolidated version of the Hazardous Substances (Labelling) Notice 2017 incorporates all the changes made to the notice since it was first issued in 2017.
More information about labelling requirements and safety data sheets
Changes that came into effect in April 2021
The EPA Notices (Amendments and Revocations) Notice 2020 made the following changes to the Hazardous Substances (Labelling) Notice 2017:
- Replaced old HSNO alpha-numeric classifications with GHS 7 classifications with minor changes to wording.
- Removed the clause on labelling elements for desensitised explosives as these are now included within GHS 7.
- Replaced the term “pesticide” and its associated definition with the term “agrichemical” and associated definition.
- Amended clauses relating to labelling agrichemicals to:
- take into account that the term “agrichemicals” is now used, which covers a wider range of substances than the term “pesticides”
- reflect the new terminology for substances that are hazardous to the terrestrial environment
- include performance-based requirements for labelling agrichemicals that are hazardous to the terrestrial environment (clause 19), that are equivalent to those that applied under the Hazardous Substances (Identification) Regulations 2001.
- Provided a new transitional period to 30 April 2025 for most approvals.
- Removed the Schedule that provides the HSNO to GHS classification correlations table (this table is now in the Hazard Classifications Notice).
- Made minor changes to improve consistency, readability and correct obvious errors.
Consolidated Hazardous Substances (Safety Data Sheets) Notice 2017
This notice sets the rules for the format, content and supply of safety data sheets (SDS). It is based on the GHS requirements, such as an SDS must be in the 16-header format, with specific information provided under each heading.
This notice also allows compliant SDS from Australia, EU, Canada, and USA to be used, as long as certain New Zealand specific information is also included.
This consolidated version of the Hazardous Substances (Safety Data Sheets) Notice 2017 incorporates all the changes made to this notice since it was first issued in 2017.
More information on labelling and safety data sheets
Changes that came into effect in April 2021
The EPA Notices (Amendments and Revocations) Notice 2020 made the following changes to the Hazardous Substances (Safety Data Sheets) Notice 2017:
- Replaced old HSNO alpha-numeric classifications with GHS 7 classifications with minor changes to wording.
- Made minor amendments to reflect GHS 7 becoming the new classification system.
- Provided a new transitional period to 30 April 2025 for most approvals.
- Removed Schedule 2 that provides the HSNO to GHS classification correlations table (this table is now in the Hazard Classifications Notice).
- Made minor changes to improve consistency, readability and correct obvious errors.
Other amendments
This notice was amended in June 2021 to fix a cross-reference error in the original 2017 notice:
Hazardous Substances Safety Data Sheets Notice 2017 - Amendment 2021 (PDF, 630KB)
Consolidated Hazardous Substances (Packaging) Notice 2017
This notice sets the rules for the packaging of hazardous substances, including the rules for child-resistant packaging.
This consolidated version of the Hazardous Substances (Packaging) Notice 2017 incorporates all the changes made to this notice since it was first issued in 2017.
Changes that came into effect in April 2021
The EPA Notices (Amendments and Revocations) Notice 2020 made the following changes to the Hazardous Substances (Packaging) Notice 2017:
- Replaced old HSNO alpha-numeric classifications with GHS 7 classifications with minor changes to wording.
- Provided a new transitional period to 30 April 2025 for most approvals.
Consolidated Hazardous Substances (Disposal) Notice 2017
This notice sets the national minimum standard for the disposal of hazardous substances.
This consolidated version of the Hazardous Substances (Disposal) Notice 2017 incorporates all the changes made to the notice since it was first issued in 2017.
Changes that came into effect in April 2021
The EPA Notices (Amendments and Revocations) Notice 2020 made the following changes to the Hazardous Substances (Disposal) Notice 2017:
- replaced old HSNO alpha-numeric classifications with GHS 7 classifications with minor changes to wording
- replaced the term “packaging” with “container” in several clauses
- amended clause 9 (2)(b) to exclude skin and eye irritants
- added a definition of “bioaccumulative”
- changed the definition of “rapidly degradable”.
Consolidated Hazardous Substances (Hazardous Property Controls) Notice 2017
This notice includes rules to:
- protect the general public when using and storing hazardous substances in places outside of work. This includes rules around certifying non-workplaces storing more than 100 kg of LPG, and rules around stationary container systems for domestic oil-burning installations
- restrict the supply and use of certain highly hazardous substances to workplaces only
- manage the risks from storing and using ecotoxic substances in workplaces - note that clause 60 (Qualifications needed for mixing or loading agrichemicals in preparation for application) is not intended to apply to small scale home garden use. We intend to amend the clause to clarify this.
- protect the environment when using pesticides. This includes requiring users of certain highly ecotoxic pesticides to be qualified
- for filling SCUBA cylinders in places outside of work.
This consolidated version of the Hazardous Substances (Hazardous Property Controls) Notice 2017 incorporates all the changes made to this notice since it was first issued in 2017.
Related guides
Protecting the environment when using agrichemicals
Storing or using substances with ecotoxic properties
Selling or supplying hazardous chemicals to workplaces only
Changes that came into effect in April 2021
The EPA Notices (Amendment and Revocations) Notice 2020 made the following changes to the Hazardous Substances (Hazardous Property Controls) Notice 2017:
- replaced old HSNO alpha-numeric classifications with GHS 7 classifications with minor changes to wording
- replaced the term “pesticide” and its associated definition with the term “agrichemical” and associated definition
- amended clauses related to the use of agrichemicals to:
- take into account that the term “agrichemical” covers a wider range of substances than the current term “pesticide”
- reflect the new terminology for substances hazardous to the terrestrial environment
- deleted the default qualification requirement for people applying HSNO class 9.2A, 9.3A and 9.4A agrichemicals. This requirement will remain as either an additional control or added to Schedule 9 of the Hazardous Substances (Hazardous Property Controls) Notice 2017. The default qualification requirements for people applying agrichemicals classified as aquatic toxicity acute Category 1 or chronic Category 1 is retained
- deleted the default requirement to keep a record of application when applying HSNO class 9.2A, 9.3A and 9.4A agrichemicals. This requirement will remain as either an additional control or added to a new schedule (Schedule 8A) to the Hazardous Substances (Hazardous Property Controls) Notice. The default requirement to keep a record when applying agrichemicals classified as aquatic toxicity acute Category 1 or chronic Category 1 is retained
- changed the old threshold quantities for signage requirements at sites storing agrichemicals with terrestrial ecotoxicity hazards. The old threshold quantities for terrestrial ecotoxicity classifications could not be retained due changes to the classification system for these hazards. A threshold quantity of 10,000 L / kg now applies for all terrestrial ecotoxicity classifications
- made minor changes to improve consistency, readability and correct obvious errors.
Consolidated Hazardous Substances (Importers and Manufacturers) Notice 2015
This notice requires most people or businesses that manufacture or import hazardous substances to provide us with some basic contact information.
Your details must be provided to us within 30 days of the first time you import or manufacture a hazardous substance. You will only need to do this once, although you will need to keep us updated if your details change.
This notice also requires importers of certain explosives to provide certain information to the EPA, WorkSafe New Zealand, and the New Zealand Customs Service.
The consolidated version of the Hazardous Substances (Importers and Manufacturers) Notice 2017 incorporates all the changes made to the notice since it was first issued in 2017.
Changes that came into effect in April 2021
The EPA Notices (Amendments and Revocations) Notice 2020 made the following changes to the Hazardous Substances (Importers and Manufacturers) Notice 2017.
- Replaced old HSNO alpha-numeric classifications with GHS 7 classifications.
Other amendments
This notice has been amended several times.
Previous amendments to the Hazardous Substances (Importers and Manufacturers) Notice 2017 Notice
Who the notice applies to
Anyone who has been importing or manufacturing a hazardous substance for commercial use since 19 November 2015 must provide their contact details to the EPA.
Commercial use can mean for sale or trade, but it also applies if you are importing or manufacturing a hazardous substance to use in a business setting – for example, a beautician might import a product to use on clients in their salon.
The only case where you would not be required to give us your contact details is if you are importing or manufacturing a product that you will keep for your personal use, and no other purpose.
This notice also requires importers of certain explosives to obtain an import certificate before importing the substance.
More information about applying for a certificate to import explosives
What we do with your information
We use your information to communicate with you to make sure you are aware of changes to the regime around managing the risks of hazardous substances. It will also help us better understand hazardous substance industries and better manage hazardous substances in New Zealand.
Change of details
As soon as your details change, you should email us to ask us to update your details. We will need to know your name, address and phone and email contact.
International exporters
People who export hazardous substances to New Zealand do not need to provide their contact details. The Hazardous Substances (Importers and Manufacturers ) Notice 2015 applies to the New Zealand entity that is importing or manufacturing the hazardous substances.
Laboratories
Laboratories operating under the Code of Practice for Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) and University Exempt Laboratories that manufacture hazardous substances in the lab do not need to supply their contact information. This notice does not apply to the small-scale research on hazardous substances under section 33 of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996.
More information under Section 33 of the HSNO Act
Previously supplied contact details
Even if you've supplied us with your contact details before for another reason, if you're now importing or manufacturing a hazardous substance, we need to hear from you.
Contact information we already hold doesn't show us whether an organisation or person is an importer, manufacturer or have some other interest in our work. Collecting contact details of importers and manufacturers helps us to ensure you are kept up-to-date about any new rules or changes you should be aware of.
Large organisations (such as oil companies) contact details
Any New Zealand-based organisation that imports and/or manufactures hazardous substances need to provide the information.
Importing or manufacturing hazardous substances assigned to group standards
Manufacturers and importers of hazardous substances that are assigned to group standards must keep a record of assignment. The record needs to contain the information used to assign the substance to the group standard.
Hazardous Substances (Forms and Information) Notice 2017
This notice sets out all the information you need to provide to the EPA if you are applying for an approval for a hazardous substance under the HSNO Act. It also includes a form for issuing compliance orders. It is essentially a copy of the Hazardous Substances (Forms and Information) Regulations 2001.
Hazardous Substances (Forms and Information) Notice 2017 (PDF, 500 KB)
Hazardous Substances (Enforcement Officer Qualifications) Notice 2015
This notice sets out the qualification requirements for hazardous substances enforcement officers. These qualifications ensure warranted officers are competent to carry out the responsibilities, functions and duties for this role. Competency under the notice is made up of both knowledge and experience requirements.
Hazardous Substances (Enforcement Officer Qualifications) Notice 2015 (PDF, 537KB)
EPA Notices (Amendments and Revocations) Notice 2020
This notice revokes the Hazardous Substances (Minimum Degrees of Hazard) Notice 2017 and the Hazardous Substances (Classification) Notice 2017.
It also makes changes to several notices to apply the new classification system that came into force on 30 April 2021. These changes have been incorporated into the consolidated versions of the notices listed on this page.
EPA Notices (Amendments and Revocations) Notice 2020 (PDF, 1.1MB)
Related content
WorkSafe New Zealand
Learn how to use hazardous substances safely in the workplace here
Guidance for importers and manufacturers
Need some more help? Look here.
Contact us
Need to talk to someone? Contact us here.