The Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act was brought in to protect the environment, people and communities from the adverse effects of hazardous substances and new organisms. The Authority of ERMA New Zealand is governed by this Act.
The HSNO Act is all-embracing. It covers all new organisms and hazardous substances.
A new organism could be a plant, animal or micro-organism coming into New Zealand for the first time or a new species developed through genetic modification.
Hazardous substances could be explosive, flammable, corrosive, toxic or eco-toxic. For hazardous substances, the Act takes a `cradle to grave' approach and allows the Authority to set controls on how substances are contained, labelled, stored, used, transported or disposed of. Substances may be reassessed if new information warrants it.
Other laws continue to apply alongside HSNO and in some situations additional approvals may be required. These other Acts include the Agricultural Chemicals and Veterinary Medicines Act, the Biosecurity Act, the Medicines Act, the Food Act and the Resource Management Act.
For more information see: Relationship with other Agencies.
For more information on the HSNO Act, regulations or other Acts see www.legislation.govt.nz.