Have your say on new rules for importers and manufacturers

17 March 2015

The Environmental Protection Authority is inviting people to have a say on new rules that would require everyone who makes or imports a hazardous substance to supply their contact information.

This proposed new measure is part of a wider plan to improve the regulation of hazardous substances in New Zealand.

We want to know what importers, manufacturers and other people think of this idea, so we’re inviting anyone who has a view to share it with us by making a submission.

Making a submission is easy

Anyone who wants to is welcome to make a submission.

You can go to the EPA website to read the full consultation document and download a submission form.

• Go to the EPA website to learn more about the proposal and how to make a submission

You must make your submission by 28 April 2015.

Hazardous substances in your community

Many products we use every day are considered ‘hazardous substances’.

The EPA’s Acting General Manager for Policy and Legal, Sarah Gardner, says it’s a broad term that covers products from petrol and fireworks to children’s crayons and plant-based soaps.

“Sometimes the ‘hazards’ can be obvious, for example, many people are aware that petrol is hazardous because it’s highly flammable and even smelling its vapours can make people ill.

“But some hazards are not so obvious, like the tiny amounts of chemicals in crayons, which could make children sick if they eat them.”

Mrs Gardner says the EPA is responsible for many of the rules that apply to hazardous substances, and is focussed on making sure people and the environment are protected from harm.

NOTE: This proposal is not in response to the threat to contaminate infant and other formula with 1080.

It is part of our ongoing work to ensure the safe management of hazardous substances in New Zealand.

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