Herbicide approvals: They can be relied on!

Take home messages

• The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) undertakes a comprehensive risk assessment of all pesticide products prior to registration, addressing risks associated with the product when used according to label directions
• The APVMA also keeps abreast of the developing science and world developments in both science and regulation to ensure that all pesticides are safe.

All pesticides are assessed by the APVMA prior to approval of actives and registration of products. This assessment is risk based, considering both the intrinsic hazard of the pesticide as well as the likely exposure resulting from their use, and is based on internationally accepted guidance. Australian evaluations are consistent with those carried out by other major regulators, as well as international organisations such as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

While the APVMA can build on assessments carried out by other regulators and trading partners, such as the EU and the USA, many pesticides are approved in Australia prior to approval elsewhere in the world, and in these cases, other regulators may be utilising the Australian assessment as part of their own considerations. The rigor of the Australian assessment provides confidence that products registered in Australia are fit for purpose and are safe when used according to the label instructions.  They are safe for the people who apply them, and for the environment in which they are used. Food crops treated with registered products are safe to eat, and for international sale, provided the label instructions are followed.  APVMA also assesses that pesticides will meet label claims and will do the job needed.

The APVMA plays a key role in the National Registration Scheme, and, together with the states and territories, who have responsibility for the control of use of pesticides as well as ensuring compliance with label instructions, ensures that approved herbicides, insecticides and other pesticides can be relied on by users.

Contact details

Jason Lutze
Australia Pesticide and Veterinary Medicine Authority
Ph: 02 6770 2451
Email: Jason.lutze@apvma.gov.au