The HSNO Act requires the Authority of ERMA New Zealand to take account of international obligations when making decisions on applications for new organisms and hazardous substances.
The Authority will pay particular attention to international agreements that are concerned with:
- protection of the natural, social and cultural environment
- protection of human health and safety, and
- trade.
In the first instance it is the applicant's responsibility to make sure that they consider international agreements, and include any relevant information with their application.
Applicants may not have expert knowledge about international agreements. Where possible ERMA New Zealand staff will help applicants by providing information about particular agreements or directing applicants to where further information might be obtained.
ERMA New Zealand has made short summaries to the agreements that are most likely to affect applications. These summaries will be sufficient for most circumstances, but sometimes applicants may need to review the full text of the agreement.
Applicants and international agreements
Applicants who believe that their application may have international implications should:
- Read the ERMA New Zealand summaries of International Agreements
- Contact the lead agencies for particular agreements directly, or talk to ERMA New Zealand staff
- Record the information in their application
ERMA New Zealand has made short summaries the agreements that are most likely to affect applications. These summaries will be sufficient for most circumstances, but sometimes applicants may need to review the full text of the agreement.