The APVMA (Australian) proposes to remove Chlorpyrifos from specific uses

The Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicine Authority (APVMA) has released its proposed decision to review Chlorpyrifos, an insecticide used for pest control in a variety of agricultural, horticultural, commercial and veterinary Settings. The public consultation on the proposed decision is open for three months and will close on 11 March 2024.

The proposed decision takes into account all current active ingredients, chemicals and associated labels: 

• Change and confirm active ingredient approvals that meet the proposed revised purity requirements
   
• Change and confirm chemical registration and associated label approval where at least one mode of use is proposed to support
   
• Cancel residual active ingredient approval, chemical registration and related label approval

The APVMA stated that the proposed decision to amend, confirm or cancel specific registration and labeling approvals is based on potential risks to user safety and the environment, and that the proposed decision is also consistent with initiatives by international regulatory authorities in Canada, the United States and Europe. If the final decision is to eliminate the specific use of Chlorpyrifos, then in the absence of alternatives to Chlorpyrifos, it will work to prioritize the application for an unlabeled license or change existing products or register new products.

During the consultation period (December 12, 2023 - March 11, 2024), registered chemicals containing Chlorpyrifos may continue to be used according to the approved label instructions. The APVMA will review the feedback received during the consultation process before making a final regulatory decision.

A summary of proposed supported or unsupported uses of Chlorpyrifos is available on the APVMA website, and a summary of the risk assessment is also published in the review of the technical report. The APVMA Bulletin of December 12, 2023 contains more information on the proposed decision and how to submit comments.