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New Zealand restricts three POP chemicals

MARCH 2025 - ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS, HARDLINES, SOFTLINES, TOYS AND CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS

The New Zealand Government published new amendments1 under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO Act)2 to restrict three chemicals classified as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): methoxychlor, dechlorane Plus, and UV-328. These amendments align with New Zealand’s obligations under the Stockholm Convention and aim to mitigate environmental and health risks. The change is effective from 14 March 2025.

To implement the restrictions in New Zealand, the three chemicals are included in the list of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in Schedule 2A of the HSNO Act. The government restricts these three chemicals and products containing them – by either banning or limiting their use: 

  • Methoxychlor - An outdated pesticide that is no longer utilized in New Zealand;
  • Dechlorane Plus - A flame retardant commonly found in adhesives and sealants, primarily used for coating cables and wires in motor vehicles;
  • UV-328 - A UV inhibitor designed to prevent surfaces, such as paints, from discolouring due to sunlight exposure.

Table A: Highlights of amendments in Schedule 2A of the HSNO Act

Chemical Requirement
 Exemptions
Methoxychlor
 Prohibited (as substances, in mixtures or articles)
 No specific exemption is permitted.
Dechlorane plus
  • Until 25 February 2030: applications of aerospace, space and defense, medical imaging and radiotherapy devices and installations;
  • Until 31 December 2043 or end of service life (whichever comes earlier): replacement parts specific uses e.g. aerospace, motor vehicles, marine/garden equipment, etc;
  • Until the end of service life: replacement parts for medical devices and in-vitro diagnostic devices;
  • Articles in use for specific uses e.g. cables, wires, etc. (present in New Zealand before 26 February 2025)
UV-328
  • Until 25 February 2030: motor vehicle parts, industrial coatings for specific uses, mechanical separators in blood collection tubes, triacetyl cellulose (TAC) film in polarizers, and photographic paper;
  • Until 31 December 2043: replacement parts for specific uses e.g. motor vehicles, industrial machinery and LCD display in instrumental analysis, etc.
  • Until the end of service life: replacement parts for specific medical purposes
  • Articles in use for specific uses e.g. paints, coating, plastic, etc.(present in New Zealand before 26 February 2025

 

[1] Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Schedules 1AA and 2A) Order 2025

[2] Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996

 

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