The National Poisons Centre (NPC)
New Zealand SDS legislation
In New Zealand SDS regulations are undertaken by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). For advice regarding compliance of SDS for the New Zealand market they can be contacted at hazardous.substances@epa.govt.nz . They also have information regarding SDS requirements at www.epa.govt.nz
Some important requirements from the legislation are:
- SDS must be updated every 5 years or earlier if they need an update due to composition or name change
- If using an external emergency contact (e.g. the NPC) you must gain permission to use their number on an SDS and provide them with the SDS
- The name used on an SDS must be the same as on the label
The NPC as an emergency contact
The NPC is happy to act as an emergency contact for first-aid or medical advice in the event of an acute exposure. The NPC number can be used on the product label or on the SDS or both. Our 24 hour contact within NZ is 0800 764 766 (0800 POISON). This service is currently free of charge. If you wish to use our number on your products or SDS's, please email poisons@otago.ac.nz to request permission.
If our number is used on the SDS or the product label, it is a legislative requirement that manufacturers or suppliers of chemical products provide us with a copy of the SDS. We then have the information readily available in case it is required in any poisoning situation. These should be supplied before a product is marketed.
How can I provide the NPC with an SDS?
Please note that under current legislation you must ask for the NPCs permission to put the NPCs number on an SDS or label.
Memory sticks and CD/DVD roms can be sent to the following address. Files must be named as per the products name on the label.
Postal Address
The National Poisons Centre
SDS submission
University of Otago
PO Box 56
Dunedin 9054
New Zealand
Courier Delivery Address
The National Poisons Centre
SDS submission
University of Otago
2nd Floor, Adams Building
18 Frederick Street
Dunedin 9016
New Zealand
Digital pdf and word formats can be sent to the following email address: poisons@otago.ac.nz
Please note that .zip files are currently not accepted. Files must be named as per the products name on the label.
Online databases of SDS: if you have an online repository for SDS that we can access this is an appropriate way to provide SDSs. You must still ask permission to use the NPC details and inform us on how to access and use and access the repository. If a username and password is required then these details must be provided. It is preferable for the database to be searchable via the product name that is provided on the label of the product.
Frequently asked questions
Are SDS the same as material safety datasheets (MSDS)?
Yes
Can the NPC write an SDS for us?
No but there are many companies who can do this for you if you do not have the specialty expertise within your company.
Is there a cost for providing the NPC with SDS?
Currently there is no cost
Can I send an SDS that does not comply with the NZ format?
SDS available in NZ should comply with the NZ format. To find out how to make an overseas SDS NZ compliant please contact the EPA.
What phone number should we use for the NPC contact number?
0800 764 766 (0800 POISON)
If you require a number that can be called from overseas for shipping purposes please email poisons@otago.ac.nz for the current number
All other phone numbers are obsolete
Further Information
For further information on NZ requirements of SDS contact the EPA at hazardous.substances@epa.govt.nz
For further information on supplying SDS to the NPC contact poisons@otago.ac.nz