Source: Environmental Protection Authority
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is calling for submissions during a reassessment of insecticides used to treat fleas on pets and for household and commercial pest control.
The public consultation about fenthion and propoxur and products containing these substances runs from 15 July to 26 August 2026.
In New Zealand, fenthion has historically been used in flea treatments for pets and propoxur has been used in flea treatments for pets and in household and commercial insect pest control. However, we believe that they are no longer in use in New Zealand.
The EPA proposes revoking all approvals for substances containing these active ingredients.
Max Thoma, Acting Hazardous Substances Reassessments Manager, says 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. 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.