The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has called for submissions as part of a reassessment of insecticides used to treat fleas on pets and for household and commercial pest control.
The public consultation on fenthion, propoxur, and products containing these substances runs until the 26th of August 2026.
In New Zealand, fenthion has historically been used in pet flea treatments, and propoxur has been used in pet flea treatments and in household and commercial insect pest control.
However, the EPA believes that they are no longer in use in New Zealand and has proposed revoking all approvals for substances containing these active ingredients.
Max Thoma, Acting Hazardous Substances Reassessments Manager, said these insecticides pose significant risks to both the environment and human health.
“At this stage, we haven’t seen any evidence that these insecticides are still being used in New Zealand, but we’d like to get up-to-date information and check that we haven’t missed anything,” said Thomas.
“If anyone is aware of products containing these substances being used in New Zealand, we’d like to hear from them before a decision is made. We propose banning them so we can remove the risk of them being used in the future.”
Assessments by recognised international regulators show significant risks to human health and the environment from the use of fenthion and propoxur.
Alternative pest control methods are available to farmers and pet owners.
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