The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is calling for submissions during a reassessment of insecticides bioresmethrin, cyhalothrin, fenvalerate and products containing these substances.

The public consultation runs from 22 January to 6 March 2026.

Dr Shaun Presow, Hazardous Substances Reassessments Manager, says the EPA is proposing to ban the insecticides because they are extremely toxic to the aquatic environment and there is no known use in New Zealand. Reassessment is the appropriate process to remove these redundant approvals.

"We want to hear from anyone with feedback on the use of these chemicals. We are seeking feedback on if products containing these substances are being used, and any other information on health and environmental impacts."

Bioresmethrin, cyhalothrin, and fenvalerate are not approved for plant protection use in the European Union, Australia, the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom.

There are many other alternative pest control methods available to farmers, and there is no known use of these substances in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Find out more and have your say: Proposed ban on bioresmethrin, cyhalothrin and fenvalerate synthetic pyrethroids | EPA

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