Under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act, certain substances can only be used by people who have a Controlled Substances licence. This licence ensures that high risk substances are only possessed by fit and proper persons, much like a firearms licence does. Controlled Substances licences are issued by Test Certifiers who can also issue Approved Handler Test Certificates.
Do I need to carry the licence with me?
Can my licence be taken off me?
Do I need a licence?
Check the lists of substances requiring a licence
Vertebrate Toxic Agents/ Fumigants
If you manufacture, sell, use or store any of these you will need to apply for a Controlled Substances licence.
For transportation of Controlled Substances a Controlled Substances Licence is not always required. For further information check the applicant guides.
Guide for Applicants for Class 1 Explosives
Guide for Applicants for Vertebrate Toxic Agents/ Fumigants
Who can apply for a licence?
The licence holders must meet a number of conditions, which are explained fully in the applicant guides
Guide for Applicants for Class 1 Explosives
Guide for Applicants for Vertebrate Toxic Agents/ Fumigants
These conditions are that the applicant:
- is 17 years of age and over
- requires the substance for their work
- has no serious convictions (be a fit and proper person)
- is trained adequately to use the substance (i.e., an Approved Handler)
Do I need to carry the licence with me?
Yes. You must carry your licence if you have a licenced substance with you.
Your supplier will need to see your licence before you will be sold any licenced substance.
The licence must be produced when asked by an enforcement officer.
How to apply for a licence
Applications and Fees
If you meet the conditions above you must fill in the relevant application form
Controlled Substance Licence Application form for Class 1 Explosives
Controlled Substance Licence Application form for Vertebrate Toxic Agents / Fumigants
Controlled Substance Licence Application form for Aerial Application of Vertebrate Toxic Agents
The form needs to be completed in full in your own handwriting, supply the original documents requested and pay the application fee set out below. You will need to contact a Test Certifier to find out the exact cost of their administration fee.
(All fees include GST and are to be paid to your Test Certifier)
| Licence Application Fee | $56.25 (current at 1 July 2009) |
| Police Check | $22.50 (see below) |
| Test Certifier Administration Fee | Check with your Test Certifier |
For a list of Test Certifiers who can assist you with applying for your licence phone 0800 376 234 (HS Compliance Line) or check the Test Certifier Register.
Do I need to get a Police check?
You are likely to need a Police check if you:
- have a criminal history
- do not have a current firearms licence or an controlled substance licence issued within the last five years
- you have indicated there may be an issue on the application form, such as a protection order.
For more details, read the relevant applicant guide.
Guide for Applicants for Class 1 Explosives
Guide for Applicants for Vertebrate Toxic Agents/ Fumigants
If you are still not sure, talk to us or your Test Certifier before you apply
Do I have to tell you about all my convictions?
Normally yes. If you are not sure talk to your Test Certifier before you apply.
You do not have to declare convictions covered by the Clean Slate Act or if you have been part of a New Zealand Police diversion scheme.
For more details, read the relevant applicant guide:
Guide for Applicants for Class 1 Explosives
Guide for Applicants for Vertebrate Toxic Agents/ Fumigants
What training do I need?
To obtain a Controlled Substances Licence you need to have an Approved Handler Test Certificate which covers the substances you need to use. This certificate ensures you are trained in how to use or manage a hazardous substance safely and that you understand the laws and controls (rules) under the HSNO Act.
To become an Approved Handler you will need to demonstrate your knowledge:
- in handling the substances you want to use
- of the operating equipment and what safety equipment and protective clothing is required
- of the HSNO legislation.
You can get an Approved Handler Test Certificate from an approved Test Certifiers. The same Test Certifier may also be able to issue your licence. Check our Test Certifier register for details.
If you use vertebrate toxic agents, like cyanide and 1080, you will also need to be trained in the requirements of the ACVM Act administered by New Zealand Food Safety Authority. Your Test Certifier will ensure you understand their requirements as well those of the HSNO Act.
Where can I get trained?
Talk to your Test Certifier before you do any training to ensure you need it and that they recognise the course you are doing.
Can my licence be taken off me?
Yes. If you are issued a licence it can be revoked or suspended if you:
- supply false or misleading information in your application
- are subject to a Police investigation
- are charged with any offence under any Act in New Zealand or overseas
- are the subject of information provided by the Security Intelligence Service
- behave in a way that indicates you are not a fit and proper person.
You do have the right to appeal a suspension or revocation of your licence. For more details, read the relevant applicant guide:
Guide for Applicants for Class 1 Explosives
Guide for Applicants for Vertebrate Toxic Agents/ Fumigants
Replacement licences
If you lose your new licence, complete the relevant form.
Application form for Replacement or Extension for Class 1 Explosives
Application form for Replacement or Extension for Vertebrate Toxic Agents or Fumigants
and send it to your Test Certifier with the Licence Application fee ($56.25). We will cancel your old licence and post a replacement licence to you. You will not be able to use your old licence again.
If you find your old licence you will need to return it to ERMA New Zealand for formal cancellation and destruction.
Further Information
- Explosives reassessment decision (HRC08007)
- Fumigants
- Hazardous Substances (Fumigants) Transfer Notice 2004 [pdf - 225kb]
- Permissions