The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is calling for submissions on a proposed ban of the insecticide chlorpyrifos

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is calling for submissions on a proposed ban of the insecticide chlorpyrifos because of new information about health and environmental risks.

Chlorpyrifos is a broad-spectrum organophosphate insecticide used only by professionals to protect pasture, grain crops such as wheat, and for biosecurity treatment of pest species.

The EPA is currently reassessing chlorpyrifos and is proposing to ban it because of potential risks to people and the environment, and to align with similar international regulators.

This insecticide has been banned in Canada and it is not approved in the European Union. Its use is being reviewed in the United States.

“We want information from organisations that use chlorpyrifos products to better understand the benefits of using the substance, and any potential impacts of a ban,” says Dr Shaun Presow, Hazardous Substances Reassessments Manager.

“We have assessed the risks to human health and the environment, but we need to carefully consider all the evidence about how chlorpyrifos is used and its risks.

“It’s important to hear from as many people as possible before we make final decisions.”

While there are strict rules for using chlorpyrifos insecticides in New Zealand, the EPA currently considers the risks from its use outweigh the benefits.

“We are always looking for ways to ensure people and the environment continue to be protected, by changing the rules for using chemicals or banning them if needed,” says Dr Presow.

“This consultation gives the public and relevant industries an opportunity to provide additional information about chlorpyrifos use and feedback on the proposed ban.”

Submissions close at 11.59 pm on 12 February 2025.

Find out more about the proposed chlorpyrifos ban and have your say

Editor’s Notes

• The EPA has initiated a full reassessment of chlorpyrifos because new information from international regulators means the levels of exposure considered to pose risks for human health are now significantly lower.
• Chlorpyrifos is proposed to be listed as a persistent organic pollutant (POP) under the Stockholm Convention. This would prevent the manufacture, export and import, supply, or use of chlorpyrifos in New Zealand.
• EPA assessments of the New Zealand context show risks to operators and workers re-entering sprayed sites that cannot be mitigated. There are also risks to the environment for all uses of chlorpyrifos, particularly to birds, bees, and the aquatic environment.
• The EPA reassessed chlorpyrifos in 2013 and stricter rules were put in place, including removing the substance for consumer use.

For more information contact:

Environmental Protection Authority

Email:  media@epa.govt.nz