Submission on proposal to prohibit the production and export of 180 chemicals in the EU

The NZKGI Submission on the Proposed EU Export Ban strongly opposes banning the production and export of cyanamide and bifenthrin, arguing that a blanket prohibition fails to recognise New Zealand’s unique regulatory, environmental and biosecurity context. NZKGI highlights that hydrogen cyanamide (Hi‑Cane) remains essential for reliable budbreak – particularly as warming winters reduce natural chill – and that no equally effective alternatives or tolerant cultivars yet exist. Bifenthrin is similarly critical for rapid response to major biosecurity threats such as Brown Marmorated Stink Bug. The submission emphasises that both substances are tightly regulated in New Zealand, have long records of safe, controlled use, and underpin the viability of the country’s largest horticultural export sector and the wellbeing of grower communities. Rather than an export ban, NZKGI urges the EU to take a more nuanced approach – supporting global research into safer alternatives and promoting responsible use in countries with strong regulatory systems.