The EPA decision-making committee has determined that the risks associated with the use of chlorpyrifos outweigh the benefits.
The Environmental Projection Authority has determined that the risks associated with the use of chlorpyrifos outweigh the benefits and is revoking all approval for substances that contain it. For users of the grass grub control product, suSCon Green, this means an 18-month phase out period beginning immediately (10 July 2025). Most other substances containing chlorpyrifos will have a six month phase-out period. After that they will no longer be able to be imported or manufactured.
The EPA decision making committee considered the assessments of the risks, impacts on Māori and taonga, costs, and benefits associated with the use of chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-containing substances. They acknowledged the concerns of industry regarding the use of chlorpyrifos-containing substances to control New Zealand grass grub, but concluded that the risks to human health and the environment outweighed the benefits of grass grub control.