NZ Government Amends Hazardous Substances Act to Boost Agri-Product Access

The Government is amending the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act to accelerate access to new agricultural and horticultural products, enabling New Zealand farmers to more easily obtain overseas-available pest control and crop protection solutions. The changes, based on a 2024 Ministry for Regulation review, aim to streamline approval processes by reducing complexity, costs, and duplication through greater reliance on overseas regulatory assessments while maintaining local protections. These amendments will enhance regulatory efficiency, support the primary sector's global competitiveness, and uphold environmental and public safety standards.