,The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is seeking public submissions on proposed restrictions for three Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) recently added to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. As a signatory, Aotearoa New Zealand is required to limit or eliminate the production, use, import, and export of listed POPs. The EPA proposes to regulate chlorpyrifos, a widely used agricultural insecticide; medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs), commonly applied in plastics, paints, and industrial fluids; and long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (LC-PFCAs), used across diverse sectors such as medical devices, textiles, firefighting foams, and consumer products. These chemicals are persistent, capable of long-range environmental transport, and tend to accumulate in living organisms, posing significant health and ecological risks. According to the authority, the restriction of these substances will reduce harmful exposure while ensuring compliance with international obligations. The consultation process aims to assess impacts and identify necessary exemptions. The new POP listings under the Convention will come into force on 16 December 2026.
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