Approved reassessment of hydrogen cyanamideApplication (APP203974) for a reassessment under section 63 and 63A of the HSNO Act. The application includes the following 7 documents:·       Completed application form, 19 pages, in English·       EPA application report hydrogen cyanamide reassessment, 63 pages, in English·       Appendix B EPA science memo, 19 pages, in English·       Appendix C Māori impact assessment report, 15 pages, in English·       Appendix D Economics assessment report, 31 pages, in English·       Appendix E WorkSafe advice report, 10 pages, in English·       Appendix F Analysis of risks and practical control measures, 10 pages, in Englishhttps://www.epa.govt.nz/database-search/hsno-application-register/view/APP203974

Protection of human health or safety (TBT); Protection of the environment (TBT)

This notification relates to the active ingredient hydrogen cyanamide (CAS No 420-04-2) and one hydrogen cyanamide-containing substance (marketed as six different commercial products).The HSNO approval numbers for the substances affected by the proposal are HSR002949 (hydrogen cyanamide) and HRC000001 (soluble concentrate containing 520-540 g/L hydrogen cyanamide).The CS Number is 420-04-2.  

Link to ePing

65.100 - Pesticides and other agrochemicals; 65.100 - Pesticides and other agrochemicals

Human health; Human health

New Zealand notified the application for reassessment of hydrogen cyanamide in accordance with article 2.9.2 of the WTO. Based on its preliminary assessment in 2021, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) recommended that current approvals for hydrogen cyanamide be declined, and the substance no longer be approved. The EPA proposed that hydrogen cyanamide be phased out over five years, with tighter controls taking immediate effect after the final decision on the reassessment.The final changes include updates to the hazard classifications and controls, and no ban of the substance.The reassessment application has been approved with controls in accordance with Section 63 of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996.The final decision adopted the following classification changes, as originally proposed:•          Classify as skin and eye corrosive, rather than as an irritant.•          Change the specific target organ toxicity classification (from Category 1 to 2).•          Classify as hazardous to soil organisms.Hydrogen cyanamide will not be classified as a suspected carcinogen (Category 2) which was originally proposed. Changes to the controls are detailed in Appendix C of the decision document.Use-controls such as buffer zones, application rate and frequency, application method, application period and qualification requirements have been applied largely as proposed.  Additional labelling requirements have been applied. A person must not supply this substance to any other person unless the substance label:shows information detailing the requirements of the Use restrictions control. shows information detailing the requirements of the Application method restrictions control. includes a statement to the effect of the following: “Do not consume alcohol the day before or up to seven days after application. In combination with alcohol, a severe temporary reaction known as “cyanamide flush” may be produced. Symptoms of cyanamide flush include skin flushing, dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, and a rapid pulse.” includes a statement to the effect of the following: “WARNING: The substance may not be compatible with integrated pest management (IPM).” includes a statement to the effect of the following: “WARNING: Very toxic to some plant species. Certain plants may be damaged or killed from contact with this product. The substance should not be applied within a specified distance of a downwind area containing any non-target plants, the distance varies per use pattern. Before application, users should be aware of any wetlands, indigenous vegetation habitat areas, or reserves that may contain threatened plants adjacent to the application area, in which case it is recommended to increase the buffer zone, the distance varies per use pattern. See buffer zone information.”From 1 July 2025, all substance labels must be compliant with all label requirements. During the transitional period for the application of new label controls, a person must not supply this substance to any other person unless additional documentation is provided which includes the information set out in the additional label requirements controls detailed above.Full details of the changes are available in the decision document: APP203974_20240523_Final-Decision.pdf (epa.govt.nz)All information relating to the reassessment, including submissions received through the public consultation process and the EPA’s updated assessments can be found on the EPA website: Hydrogen cyanamide reassessment | EPA

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FR:File here

ES:File here

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