ChemMatrix: Helping Kiwi Farmers Stay on Top of Pesticide SDS and HSNO Compliance

Pesticides — Useful, Powerful, and Regulated for a Reason

Pesticides keep New Zealand’s crops alive, yields high, and weeds and bugs at bay. But they also bring risk. Whether you’re spraying insecticides in an orchard, applying herbicides across paddocks, or using fungicides in a greenhouse, every drop of that chemical is covered under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Regulations.

And here’s the catch — HSNO compliance isn’t optional. Every pesticide on your farm needs a current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and a proper record in your Hazardous Substances Register. That’s not just good practice — it’s the law.

The problem? Most farms are buried under paper, expired SDSs, or random folders saved across five devices.
That’s where ChemMatrix steps in — your all-in-one tool for pesticide compliance done right.

What HSNO Actually Requires (Without the Legal Jargon)

If you use any herbicides, insecticides, or fungicides, HSNO says you must:

• Keep an up-to-date SDS for each chemical on site (must be renewed every 5 years).

• Make SDSs accessible to every worker who handles pesticides.

• Include each chemical in your Hazardous Substances Register.

• Use SDS data to inform storage, handling, and emergency planning.

• Ensure all containers are clearly labelled and stored safely.

That means knowing exactly what’s in the shed, how it’s classified, and what to do if something spills, leaks, or catches fire.

For most farmers, that’s a paperwork nightmare.
For ChemMatrix, it’s what we were built for.

ChemMatrix: The Smart Way to Manage Pesticide SDS Requirements

ChemMatrix isn’t a spreadsheet or a filing cabinet. It’s a cloud-based compliance platform that keeps your pesticide information accurate, organised, and HSNO-ready — without the fuss.

Here’s how ChemMatrix makes life easier:

✅ Automatic SDS Library Access
Instant access to up-to-date SDSs for hundreds of NZ-approved pesticides, straight from the EPA database. No more chasing suppliers.

✅ Smart Register Builder
Upload or scan your pesticide labels — ChemMatrix automatically creates your Hazardous Substances Register, including hazard classes and storage categories.

✅ Expiry and Alert System
Never get caught with outdated SDSs again. ChemMatrix tracks expiry dates and sends reminders before you fall out of compliance.

✅ Visual Hazard Classification
Every pesticide is flagged with its HSNO hazard classes — toxic, flammable, ecotoxic — so you can plan safe storage and worker training at a glance.

✅ Offline Access for Rural Sites
Even when there’s no signal in the back paddock, ChemMatrix keeps your key SDS data available on mobile devices.

Why SDS Management Matters for Pesticides

WorkSafe and the EPA have been stepping up inspections. When inspectors visit a farm, one of the first things they check is your SDS documentation.

Having ChemMatrix in place shows that your farm:

• Understands its HSNO obligations

• Manages pesticides safely and transparently

• Protects workers and the environment

• Avoids penalties for non-compliance

A tidy shed and a solid SDS register say a lot about how seriously you take health, safety, and the land.

ChemMatrix: Built for Real Farms, Not Bureaucrats

Most compliance systems are clunky, expensive, or made for factories. ChemMatrix was built by people who understand rural operations. It uses plain language, visual tools, and mobile access — no “compliance speak,” no jargon.

You’ll know what’s on your property, how dangerous it is, and what to do if something goes wrong.
It’s not about ticking boxes — it’s about working smarter and staying safe.

The Bottom Line

Pesticides are essential for modern farming — but so is compliance.
With ChemMatrix, you get both: strong protection for your crops, your people, and your future.

Stay legal. Stay safe. Stay ahead with ChemMatrix.