- The Environmental Protection Authority reports –
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is banning insecticides bioresmethrin, cyhalothrin, fenvalerate and products containing these substances. The ban will come into effect immediately.
A decision-making committee has decided to revoke all approvals for these insecticides. They are extremely toxic to the aquatic environment and hazardous to human health.
This decision followed a public consultation open from 22 January to 6 March 2026. No submissions were received. This supports the EPA’s findings that these substances are likely not being used in New Zealand.
Max Thoma, Acting Manager of Hazardous Substances Reassessments, says: “All hazardous substances need approval to be used in New Zealand. Approvals for hazardous substances do not expire, and the only way approvals for hazardous substances can change or be taken away is through a formal reassessment process.
“Prohibiting the use of these three insecticides goes a long way to keeping people and the environment safe and eliminates risk. It also reflects good regulatory practice.”
Bioresmethrin, cyhalothrin, and fenvalerate are not approved for plant protection use in the European Union, Australia, the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom.
Source: Environmental Protection Authority
