Navigating chemical regulations in New Zealand: a practical guide for market access

23 Sep 2025

Placing a hazardous substance on the market in New Zealand involves navigating a dynamic and comprehensive regulatory landscape. Whether introducing a new formulation or managing an existing product portfolio, understanding the intersecting legislative requirements is essential for smooth and compliant entry.

A multi-layered regulatory framework

New Zealand’s hazardous substance framework is governed by a suite of laws, each addressing specific aspects of environmental safety, occupational health, import/export controls and chemical transport. The core legislation includes:

For logistics and distribution, the Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005 (Rule 45001) governs the transportation of hazardous substances.

A key regulatory update occurred on 15 October 2020, when the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) signed into effect the Hazardous Substances (Hazard Classification) Notice 2020, formally adopting the 7th revised edition of the UN's Globally Harmonized System (GHS). This shift, which became fully effective on 30 April 2021, replaced many elements of the HSNO framework and marked a significant modernization of chemical hazard communication in New Zealand.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

SDS must comply with the EPA’s current regulatory requirements. A few critical points include:

SDS must be updated at least every 5 years, or sooner if the product undergoes any change.
The product name on the SDS must exactly match that on the label.
Australian-format SDSs are accepted, provided they align with New Zealand-specific details.

Additionally, SDSs can (and should) be submitted to the National Poisons Centre (NPC). Submissions are accepted both physically and electronically. Although there are no associated fees, permission from the NPC is required before referencing their phone number on the SDS.

Poison centres

The NPC is New Zealand's only poison and hazardous chemicals information centre. Product SDS (must be compliant with Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) legislation) can be submitted directly to the NPC (physically and electronically.)

Category	Detail
Phone Number	0800 764 766 (0800 POISON)
Availability	24/7
Can the phone number be used for substances/non-hazardous mixtures?	Yes
Does the Poison Centre Phone number need to be displayed on the label?	No
Actions required before placing the Phone Number on the SDS.	An SDS compliant with New Zealand standards must be submitted to NPC. The company must ask the permission of the New Zealand National Poisons Centre. The SDS must be submitted to the poison centre, so it is available if people call about it. Any product artwork or labelling must also be submitted to make describing and identifying the product easier over the phone.

Emergency numbers

A critical requirement in SDS Section 1 is a New Zealand-based emergency telephone number. A 24/7 freephone number is mandatory for high-hazard substances, including explosive, oxidising, acutely toxic, corrosive, sensitising or those with aspiration hazards.

For other hazardous substances, the SDS must still include a freephone number, but limited operating hours may be specified. However, to ensure consistency and responsiveness, providing a 24/7 number across all classifications is strongly recommended.

Staying ahead of compliance

New Zealand’s regulatory environment is evolving, with ongoing updates to classification standards, documentation expectations, and emergency preparedness requirements. Staying compliant means more than meeting the minimum, it requires proactive alignment with current legislation and readiness for regulatory scrutiny.

For tailored support with SDS compliance, poison centre notifications, or setting up reliable emergency response measures, our regulatory specialists are here to help ensure your products meet all the requirements for safe, lawful market entry.