ISSUE 112 |
 |
In this issue |
| NEW ORGANISMS APPLICATIONS |
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES APPLICATIONS |
RECENT PUBLICATIONS |
|||
|
Methyl bromide reassessment well underway Changes to Cosmetic Products Group Standard Chemicals to be reviewed
|
Applications and decisions
|
Methyl bromide reassessment well underway
Staff at ERMA New Zealand are compiling information on the risks, costs and benefits of using fumigant methyl bromide in New Zealand. This includes assessing its effects on human health, the environment, the market economy, Māori interests and the wider community.
Depending on the outcome of this assessment, the use of methyl bromide might be further restricted or even banned.
Methyl bromide is used at ports around New Zealand as a quarantine and pre-shipment fumigant to kill pests. It is an ozone depleter and its use in New Zealand as a fumigant for soil has been phased out under the Montreal Protocol.
As part of the assessment of risks to human health, a review of the current tolerable exposure limit (TEL) is being carried out. A TEL is a level (or concentration) of methyl bromide in the air below which adverse health effects to those living in the vicinity are unlikely.
At present, the TEL set for methyl bromide under the HSNO Act is for chronic (ie long-term, usually lifetime) exposure and there have been suggestions that a level should be set for acute (short-term) exposure, which would better address the intermittent nature of possible exposure from port fumigation operations. This issue will be addressed in the reassessment.
ERMA New Zealand staff have also facilitated two hui in areas with ports with high usage of methyl bromide – Tauranga and Picton – to gain iwi/Māori perspectives on the use of the substance.
Matters highlighted at the hui included the health of port workers and neighbouring communities, the importance of methyl bromide use to the forestry export industry, and effects on kaitiakitanga.
Staff have also been gathering information from within New Zealand and internationally on alternatives to methyl bromide, and research into recapture technology.
Once all the relevant information has been gathered and evaluated, recommendations will be made in a reassessment application document, which will be publicly notified and made available so that any interested parties can make submissions.
The reassessment application is expected to be notified during October. To receive further updates, email reassessments@ermanz.govt.nz or call 0800 376 234.
Read more on the methyl bromide reassessment.
Changes to Cosmetic Products Group Standard
The Environmental Risk Management Authority has recently amended the Cosmetic Products Group Standard to align it with changes to the EU Cosmetics Directive.
The key changes are the extension of the expiry date for certain components allowed to be used in cosmetics with conditions; the addition of 40 hair dyes to the schedule of components that must not be contained in cosmetics; restrictions on 86 substances used as fragrances that may cause skin sensitisation; and allowing the provisional use of two UV filters restricted or banned in the EU, to maintain regulatory consistency with Australia.
Labelling
From July 24 this year, all chemicals contained in cosmetics, toiletries and personal care products must be listed on the product label. This follows changes made to the Cosmetic Products Group Standard in July 2008.
Chemicals to be reviewed
Consultation on a review of the classifications of up to 40 chemicals will begin next month at ERMA New Zealand.
The Yearly Chemical Review involves undertaking modified reassessments of a number of chemicals each year. One of the aims of the review is to update information on chemicals and add or remove controls if required. The review will also make compliance easier by letting people know what’s happening and how they can be part of the process. This includes making submissions once this year’s application is notified in September.
Some of the chemicals to be reviewed this year have been added to the list as a result of classification inquiries throughout the year from users and businesses. Others have been added by staff at ERMA New Zealand after receiving new information, particularly from overseas.
Driving the Yearly Chemical Review is ERMA New Zealand’s Dr Susan Collier, who says one of its intentions is to align New Zealand chemical classifications with those overseas. Knowing a review will occur at the same time each year will also help industry take part in the process, she says.
Grounds for Yearly Chemical Review.
New Organisms
1 July 2009 to 31 July 2009
The applications in the Bulletin are for reference only. Our public notification process includes alerts in four main daily newspapers with the full information and submission forms available on our website.
To ensure that you are advised directly about applications open for public submission contact us to be added to our interested party list. You will need to nominate the types of applications that you are interested in.
NO notified applications received and open for submissions
There are currently no notified applications open for submission.
NO non-notified applications received
ERMA200003 by the University of Canterbury to develop genetically modified non-pathogenic laboratory strains of Escherichia coli or Mycobacterium smegmatis to produce enzymes that are drug or herbicide targets, or for bioremediation, to investigate their biochemical characteristics.
Formally received 9 July 2009.
ERMA200034 by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR) to develop in containment genetically modified bacteria that can detect and quantify compounds and/or elements.
Formally received 1 July 2009.
ERMA200041 by the University of Otago to determine the functions of viral and cellular proteins on cellular pathways, tissue physiology and tissue immunology, by delivering genes to animal cells and whole animals.
Formally received 29 July 2009.
GMD08066 by Victoria University of Wellington to create stably transfected human and mammalian cells and cell lines for studying biochemical and molecular mechanisms of disease, mammalian reproduction and the effects of therapeutic treatments on the disease process.
Formally received 22 July 2009.
NO decisions on applications - delegated authority to the chief executive
The Chief Executive of the Environmental Risk Management Authority, acting under delegated power from the Authority, reached a decision on the following applications:
ERMA200003 by the University of Canterbury to develop genetically modified non-pathogenic laboratory strains of Escherichia coli or Mycobacterium smegmatis to produce enzymes that are drug or herbicide targets, or for bioremediation, to investigate their biochemical characteristics.
Application decision: Approved with controls
Decision notified 13 July 2009.
ERMA200034 by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR) to develop in containment genetically modified bacteria that can detect and quantify compounds and/or elements.
Application decision: Approved with controls
Decision notified 2 July 2009.
GMD08066 by Victoria University of Wellington to create stably transfected human and mammalian cells and cell lines for studying biochemical and molecular mechanisms of disease, mammalian reproduction and the effects of therapeutic treatments on the disease process.
Application decision: Approved with controls
Decision notified 31 July 2009.
NO decisions on applications - delegated authority to ISBCs
The following applications were decided by institutions acting under delegated powers from the Authority.
For a complete list of the modification of the organism, click the application code number to be directed to the decision document for the application.
ERMA200056, GMO09/MU001 by Massey University for the Genetic modification of non-pathogenic E. coli laboratory strains and commercial cancer cell lines to investigate the roles of two enzymes, p400 and TIP60, in cancer-related gene regulation.
Application decision: Approved with controls
Decision notified 23 July 2009.
ERMA200051, GMO09/UA011 by the University of Auckland to import genetically modified stains of Citrobacter rodentium to use in studies of bacterial virulence in mice.
Application decision: Approved with controls
Decision notified 17 July 2009.
ERMA200070, GMO09/UA012 by the University of Auckland to identify and characterise genes involved in colonisation, infection and transmission using microorganisms labelled with reporter genes.
Application decision: Approved with controls
Decision notified 31 July 2009.
ERMA200052, GMO09/UO007 by the University of Otago for the expression in yeast of drug targets, secondary metabolite pathways and drug efflux pumps for the purposes of creating robust screens for new drugs and biofactories that synthesize biofuels, drugs or drug templates.
Application decision: Approved with controls
Decision notified 21 July 2009
NO amendments to approvals
The following amendments, made under section 67A of the HSNO Act for minor or technical errors amendments, were decided by the Authority.
ERMA200000 by Kiwi Seed Company (Marlborough) Limited to amend control 4.4 of the approval for NOF06001 (field test of non-GM plants).
Amendment notified 2 July 2009.
The following amendments made under section 67A of the HSNO Act for minor or technical errors amendments were decided by institutions acting under delegated powers from the Authority.
ERMA200068, Amendment to GMO05/UA007, by the University of Auckland to add 'genes encoding single proteins from Vaccinia virus'.
Amendment notified 30 July 2009.
ERMA200069, Amendment to GMO07/UA010, by the University of Auckland to make a minor or technical amendment.
Amendment notified 30 July 2009.
Hazardous Substances
1 July 2009 to 31 July 2009
The applications in the Bulletin are for reference only. Our public notification process includes alerts in four main daily newspapers with the full information and submission forms available on our website.
To ensure that you are advised directly about applications open for public submission contact us to be added to our interested party list. You will need to nominate the types of applications that you are interested in.
HS notified applications received and open for submissions
ERMA200026 by Cheminova (NZ) Ltd, to import or manufacture Foxtrot as a selective grass herbicide for use on autumn and spring sown Barley, Wheat and Perennial Ryegrass for the control of wild oats and lesser canary grains.
Submission period: 3 August 2009 - 14 September 2009.
ERMA200028 by Adria New Zealand Limited, to import or manufacture Nirvana as a herbicide containing the active ingredient glufosinate-ammonium for the control of weeds in various crops.
Submission period: 3 August 2009 - 14 September 2009.
ERMA200029 by Dow AgroSciences New Zealand Limited, to import or manufacture GF-1981 as a herbicide for commercial use on a range of newly planted crops to control broadleaf weeds.
Submission period: 20 July 2009 - 31 August 2009.
ERMA200030 by Bayer New Zealand Limited, to import or manufacture NTNCS2 as a veterinary medicine to control ectoparasites on sheep after external application.
Submission period: 31 July 2009 - 11 September 2009.
ERMA200045 by Bomac Laboratories Limited, to import or manufacture MOPA1582LM as a veterinary medicine for use in horses.
Submission period: 20 July 2009 - 31 August 2009.
ERMA200047 by Bomac Laboratories Limited, to import or manufacture DIHC2031LM as a veterinary medicine for use in cattle, horses and pigs.
Submission period: 20 July 2009 - 31 August 2009.
ERMA200049 by Bomac Laboratories Limited, to import or manufacture MAI1474RH to be used in a product used as a veterinary medicine.
Submission period: 29 July 2009 - 9 September 2009.
HSR09037 by Value Plus Animal Health Care Products, to import Value Plus Equitex Medicated Poultice Dressing for use as a dressing for horses with leg injuries.
Submission period: 31 July 2009 - 11 September 2009.
HSR09054 by Zelam Limited, to import or manufacture Flamprop-M-isopropyl and Tnl 2644 for use as an agricultural substance for the control of wild oat in ryegrass seed crops.
Submission period: 20 July 2009 - 31 August 2009.
HS non-notified applications received
ERMA200042 by Reckitt Benckiser New Zealand Limited to import RB-2-138 as an insecticide to be used indoors for the control of cockroaches.
Formally received 21 July 2009.
ERMA200065 by Agronica New Zealand Limited to approve for importation or manufacture for release, Protugan Herbicide, 500g/L isoproturon, selective post-emergence herbicide for grass and broadleaf weed control in wheat and winter sown barley.
Formally received 28 July 2009.
ERMA200071 by Nufarm New Zealand Limited to import and manufacture Nufarm Azoxystrobin as a fungicide for the control of a wide range of diseases in barley, wheat and ryegrass seed crops.
Formally received 30 July 2009.
HSC09010 by Connovation Limited to import or manufacture into containment a paste bait and an extruded pellet bait containing cholecalciferol at 4g/kg to undertake a cage study and a field trial.
Formally received 10 July 2009.
HSR08108 by Scotts Australia Pty Limited to import or manufacture Scotts Banrot 80g Broad Spectrum Fungicide for Ornamentals, containing thiophanate-methyl and etridiazole, for the control of a range of seedling diseases or ornamental plants.
Formally received 3 July 2009.
HSR09053 by Stockguard Laboratories (New Zealand) Limited to manufacture SUHPMC as a veterinary medicine for the treatment of mastitis in lactating cattle.
Formally received 24 July 2009.
HS decisions on applications
Decisions were made by the Authority of ERMA New Zealand on the following applications:
HSR09012 by Zelam Limited to import or manufacture tnl 2282 as a surface treatment for engineered wood products to be diluted immediately prior to use.
Application decision: Approved with controls
Decision notified 30 July 2009.
HSR09024 by Omnia Primaxa Limited to import or manufacture Eurogel as a horticultural fungicide.
Application decision: Approved with controls
Decision notified 28 July 2009.
HSR09009 by Virbac New Zealand Limited to import or manufacture EA184.03 as a topical aural ointment containing Hydrocortisone aceponate, Miconazole nitrate and Gentamicin sulphate for use in dogs.
Application decision: Approved with controls
Decision notified 17 July 2009.
HSR08132 by Bomac Laboratories Limited to import or manufacture B1484LM as a veterinary medicine for use in cattle.
Application decision: Approved with controls
Decision notified 2 July 2009.
HS decisions on applications - delegated authority
The Chief Executive of the Environmental Risk Management Authority, acting under delegated power from the Authority, reached decisions on the following applications:
ERMA200008 by SC Johnson & Son Pty Ltd to import Raid Automatic Insect Control System Commercial for use as an insecticide, in an automatic dispenser, in domestic, commercial and agricultural buildings.
Application decision: Approved with controls
Decision notified 21 July 2009.
ERMA200032 by Orion Crop Protection Limited to import OCP0901 as a herbicide.
Application decision: Approved with controls
Decision notified 31 July 2009.
HSR08139 by Pfizer New Zealand Limited to import PNU-76252A and PNU-76252B, two different strengths of a veterinary medicine, for use in dogs.
Application decision: Approved with controls
Decision notified 27 July 2009.
HSR09051 by Zelam Limited to import or manufacture Rampage as a capsule suspension insecticide for the control of a range of insects in agriculture, horticulture and industrial pest control.
Application decision: Approved with controls
Decision notified 13 July 2009.
Recent Publications
The following ERMA publications are now available. For more information on their availability, please contact publicationinfo@ermanz.govt.nz
Health and Safety in Transit Depots: Promoting Safety, Preventing Harm (June 2009)
Compliance Guide: Importing and Retailing Graphic Materials (June 2009)
Environmental Risk Management Authority Statement of Intent for the three years from 2009/10 (May 2009)
Te Pūtara: Issue 16 (May 2009)
The Environmental Risk Management Authority
BP House (Level 1) | 20 Customhouse Quay | Cnr Waring Taylor Street and Customhouse Quay, Wellington, New Zealand
General enquiries: 04 916 2426 | Hazardous Substance compliance information: 0800 376 234 | info@ermanz.govt.nz
www.ermanz.govt.nz