NZ Government Releases Bill for Major Amendments to the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (HSNO Act)

On May 11, 2026, the New Zealand Government introduced the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Amendment Bill (government bill) to Parliament. This bill responds to a recommendation by the Ministry of Regulation from its review of agricultural and horticultural products, aiming to modernize the HSNO Act and streamline decision-making processes. The bill passed its first reading in Parliament on May 14, 2026, and was subsequently referred to a select committee. The select committee is required to submit its report, including any recommendations for amendments to the bill, to Parliament by September 16, 2026. In preparation for this report, the select committee opened the public submission process for the bill on May 18, 2026. The deadline for making a submission is June 15, 2026.