New Zealand EPA announced phased compliance deadlines for the PFAS ban in cosmetics under the updated Cosmetic Products Group Standard. Import and manufacture of cosmetics containing PFAS are prohibited from December 31, 2026. Sale and supply of PFAS-containing cosmetics are prohibited from December 31, 2027. All remaining PFAS-containing cosmetic products must be disposed of by June 30, 2028. The definition covers 'any substance that contains at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom'. Cosmetics include soap, shampoo, toothpaste, shaving products, deodorant, perfume, hair dye, insect repellent, sunscreen, self-tanning products, lipstick, and make-up. Compliance teams should verify product formulations and establish phase-out schedules.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of New Zealand has introduced a phased ban to protect people and the environment from the risks of PFAS, which are used in cosmetics for skin smoothing and water resistance. The regulation bans the intentional use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in all cosmetic products. The updated standard enters into force on January 1, 2026; the import or manufacture of PFAS-containing cosmetics is prohibited as of December 31, 2026; the sale or supply of such products is prohibited from December 31, 2027; and all remaining PFAS-containing cosmetics must be disposed of by June 30, 2028.
New Zealand has published its updated National Implementation Plan (NIP) under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. The updated NIP incorporates New Zealand's implementation commitments for recently listed persistent organic pollutants including PFAS-related substances such as long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs), PFHxS, and other PFAS compounds added to the Convention at COP-12. The NIP outlines New Zealand's regulatory approach and timelines for implementing these international obligations.
New Zealand has published an updated National Implementation Plan (NIP) under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. The NIP outlines how New Zealand implements its international obligations to eliminate or restrict persistent organic pollutants, including PFAS substances such as PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS. The document includes regulatory measures, monitoring programs including the 2024 NZ Total Diet Study for PFOS and PFHxS, and strategies for managing PFAS contamination in alignment with Stockholm Convention requirements.
The New Zealand EPA has implemented a complete phase-out of PFAS-containing firefighting foams under the Fire Fighting Chemicals Group Standard. From 3 December 2025, all PFAS-containing firefighting foams are prohibited, including both legacy C8 and modern C6 fluorotelomer foams. The regulation requires thorough cleaning of all firefighting systems to remove PFAS residues, safe disposal of all PFAS-containing foam products and wastes, and proper labeling requirements. Any use after the phase-out date requires EPA permission on a case-by-case basis.
Australia and New Zealand release PFAS National Environmental Management Plan (NEMP) Version 3.1, providing updated national guidance for managing per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in the environment. The plan has been jointly developed by the Australian, state, territory and New Zealand governments through the National Chemicals Working Group of the Heads of EPA Australia and New Zealand, establishing a framework for consistent PFAS management across both jurisdictions.
The New Zealand EPA has opened public consultation on proposals to amend Schedule 2A of the HSNO Act to implement Stockholm Convention obligations. The consultation includes LC-PFCAs (long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids), their salts and related compounds, which are a PFAS class. Submissions close 17 April 2026. The amendments must be adopted by 16 December 2026 to comply with Stockholm Convention obligations. The consultation also covers chlorpyrifos, MCCPs, methoxychlor, Dechlorane Plus, and UV-328.
New Zealand's EPA has amended the Cosmetic Products Group Standard 2020 to prohibit perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetic products. The class-based ban covers approximately 14,000 PFAS chemicals in all cosmetics including makeup, skincare, hair care, personal care, sunscreens, and professional salon products. The ban applies to intentionally added PFAS and covers both domestically manufactured and imported cosmetics. Phased implementation: manufacturing/import prohibition takes effect December 31, 2026; sale/supply prohibition takes effect December 31, 2027; mandatory disposal deadline June 30, 2028.
New Zealand EPA amended the Cosmetic Products Group Standard 2020 to add PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) to Table 2 of Schedule 4 'Prohibited Ingredients'. The amendment introduces a phased ban: import and manufacturing of PFAS-containing cosmetics is prohibited from December 31, 2026, with a full ban taking effect in 2027. New Zealand becomes the first country to enact a comprehensive PFAS ban in cosmetics.