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.
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 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.
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.