Tyres not a ‘Priority Product’ for New Zealand

The association representing companies that import and sell used vehicles in New Zealand has expressed its disappointment in a government decision not to proceed with the declaration of tyres as a Priority Product under the country’s Waste Minimisation Act 2008.

Noting recent news reports of tyre stockpiles and the risks they pose, the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (IMVIA) states that the key issue “was and remains the market failure in the collection and disposal of end-of life tyres.” The IMVIA opines that “a declaration of tyres as a Priority Product would have been the first step toward responsible product stewardship and mitigating the environmental effects of end-of-life tyres.”

The New Zealand government’s decision not to give tyres Priority Product status follows the submission, at the direct request of Housing and Conversation Minister Nick Smith, of a report and consensus recommendation produced by an industry-wide working group.