Prohibited Antifouling Paints

Antifouling paints you can no longer use from 1 August 2023

On 21 June 2023, the Environmental Protection Authority ("EPA") published four notices in the New Zealand Gazette directing anyone with stocks of certain substances to stop using them and safely dispose of the chemicals. An amendment was issued on 1 November 2023.

The following approvals for importing or manufacturing specific substances are affected by the notices:

Antifouling paints containing diuron, octhilinone or ziram

Approval revoked from 1 July 2023
Use prohibited after 1 August 2023
Existing stocks must be disposed of by 1 August 2023

Read the notice on antifouling paints containing diuron, octhilinone or ziram

Antifouling paints containing thiram

Approval revoked from 1 July 2023
Use prohibited after 1 August 2023
Existing stocks must be disposed of by 1 December 2023

Read the notice on antifouling paints containing thiram

Phasing out these antifouling paints

In 2013, EPA decided to phase out several antifouling paints because of the harm they could cause the environment and people.

When we must stop import and manufacture

As a result of this 2013 reassessment, we can't import or manufacture antifouling paints containing thiram from 1 July 2023. We had to stop importing and manufacturing paints containing diuron, octhilinone and ziram in 2017.

When you must stop using them

This year EPA published notices in the New Zealand Gazette detailing what must be done with remaining stocks of these paints. You must stop using them from 1 August 2023.

Check the label of your antifouling paint to see if it contains these substances. You can also contact the importer or manufacturer. Their number will be on the label. Because importers and manufacturers don't have to notify EPA which products they supply, they can't provide a list of affected products.

When you must dispose of them

You must dispose of remaining stocks of diuron, octhilinone and ziram paints by 1 August 2023.

You must dispose of all stocks of thiram paints by 1 December 2023.

Why New Zealand are phasing them out

Antifouling paints work by preventing the growth of marine plants and animals on boats. This helps control marine pests and keep boats efficient. It also creates risks. The substances can harm marine environments and the people who use the products.

In 2013, after reviewing information about their effects and feedback from a public consultation, EPA decided that the use of some of the paints leads to more risks than benefits.

How to safely dispose of antifouling paints

Because antifouling paints are toxic to people and to the environment, you must follow the rules to dispose of your paints appropriately. You must not dump them in your local rubbish collection, down drains, in waterways or in the ground.

You can:

check the manufacturer's disposal instructions
contact your regional and/or district council to find out about hazardous waste landfills
contact a hazardous waste treatment company to collect and dispose of your paints

Learn more about the rules for disposing of hazardous substances:

Consolidated Hazardous Substances (Disposal) Notice 2017 - EPA Consolidations April 2021

Thiram antifouling paints

Products affected

Ablative A Antifouling Range - approval number HSR000035
AF1000 - approval number HSR100847
Reduced Copper Antifouling Range (Range C) - approval number HSR100848
Altex Ablative Antifouling Range LO - approval number HSR101247
Altex Ablative Low Copper Antifouling Range LO - approval number HSR101263

What this means for you

Boat owners, builders, contractors, and other users

From 1 August 2023, you must not use these antifouling paints containing thiram.
By 1 December 2023, you must safely dispose of any stock of these products. Do not mix with other substances if storing before disposal.

Importers, manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers

From 1 July 2023, we must not import or make these antifouling paints containing thiram.
By 1 December 2023, we must have safely disposed of any stock we have left. Do not mix with other substances if storing before disposal. We should also keep records of what we dispose of.
Let our customers know that they:
- must not use these products after 1 August 2023
- must dispose of them by 1 December 2023.

Diuron, octhilinone and ziram antifouling paints

Products affected

Antifouling paint containing 20g/litre diuron (Part A) - approval number HSR000934
Antifouling paint containing 450 - 849g/litre cuprous oxide and 40 - 70g/litre diuron - approval number HSR000924
Antifouling paint containing 450 - 849g/litre cuprous oxide and 40 - 70g/litre diuron (Substance A) - approval number HSR100852
Antifouling paint containing 450 - 849g/litre cuprous oxide and 40 - 70g/litre diuron (Substance B) - approval number HSR100853
Antifouling paint containing 580g/litre cuprous oxide, 65g/litre diuron and 320g/litre zinc oxide - approval number HSR000925
Antifouling paint containing 760g/litre cuprous oxide, 62g/litre diuron and 165g/litre zinc oxide - approval number HSR000926
Alloy Antifouling Range - approval number HSR000038
Antifouling paint containing 230g/litre copper thiocyanate and 40g/litre diuron - approval number HSR000916
Reduced Copper Antifouling Range (Range D) - approval number HSR007955
Hard B Antifouling Range - approval number HSR000040
ABC #3 Antifouling - approval number HSR007897
Sigma Ecofleet antifouling paints - approval numbers HSR100150, HSR100151, and HSR100151 (amended 1st Nov 2023)

What this means for you

Boat owners, builders, contractors, and other users

From 1 August 2023, you must not use these antifouling paints containing diuron, octhilinone or ziram.
By 1 August 2023, you must have safely disposed of any stock of these products.

Importers, manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers

Since 2017, we have not been allowed to import or make these paints.

By 1 August 2023, we must have safely disposed of these antifouling paints containing diuron, octhilinone or ziram. Do not mix with other substances if storing before disposal. We should also keep records of what we dispose of.
Let our customers know that they must dispose of all stocks of these products by 1 August 2023.