Good sense to delay changes to dangerous goods regulations

The decision announced today by the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) to delay the transfer of dangerous goods to the new regulations under the HNSO Act proves the seriousness of the concerns over the HSNO Act previously stated by the Employers and Manufacturers Association (Northern).

"The decision is a sensible response to regulations that are plainly impractical", said Garth Wyllie, Executive Officer of EMA.

"The delay of a further 12 months before the transfer takes place (now in April 2004) will give manufacturers both inside and outside New Zealand the opportunity to meet the complex controls to be imposed though even that will be difficult to meet for offshore suppliers of such products.

"The effect of the delay of the dangerous goods regulations on the overall process of transferring substances under the new regulations is still uncertain but at least it offers a breathing space for suppliers to come to terms with them and must therefore be beneficial.

"EMA maintains the legislation for hazardous substances is excessive and largely unnecessary. Nonetheless it is pleased ERMA is taking a responsible attitude to the practical problems faced by business under the HSNO Act."

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