The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is calling for submissions on plans to restrict three Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) recently added to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.

Aotearoa New Zealand has signed this international environmental agreement, so must stop or limit producing, using, importing, and exporting POPs listed under the Stockholm Convention.

The EPA is proposing to restrict the following three chemicals - and products containing them - by either banning or limiting their use:

• Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate pesticide used as a broad-spectrum insecticide in a range of agricultural crops and for biosecurity purposes. The EPA has recently completed a reassessment of this substance.
• MCCPs are widely used as plasticisers in PVC, additives in metalworking fluids, and in paints, sealants, and adhesives.
• LC-PFCAs are a group of long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), used in a range of applications including in medical and laboratory devices, photo-imaging, food contact materials, paints and surface coatings, fire-fighting foams, textiles and apparel, personal care products, and cleaning agents.

Dr Peter Dawson, Principal Scientist Hazardous Substances, says these POPs are harmful chemicals that do not easily break down and can be transported long distances in the environment. They can build up in people, animals, and the environment over time, and some have been linked to serious health effects.

"Restricting the use of these substances is the right thing to do, it will protect people and the environment by reducing exposure to these harmful chemicals.

"It also ensures New Zealand fulfils our important obligations under the Stockholm Convention.

"The purpose of publicly consulting on the proposed restrictions for these chemicals is to better understand how these changes will impact New Zealand. Feedback will help us determine which exemptions are essential while ensuring we continue protecting people and the environment."

The listings of the three persistent organic pollutants under the Stockholm Convention take effect on 16 December 2026.

The public consultation runs from 17 March - 17 April 2026.

Find out more about the proposed restrictions on the three POPS and have your say: (https://www.epa.govt.nz/public-consultations/open-consultations/restricting-three-new-stockholm-convention-pops-chlorpyrifos-mccps-and-lc-pfcas/)

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