Australia
19 November 2019
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has announced a chemical review of a group of systemic insecticides known as the neonicotinoids.
Based on possible risks, including to pollinators, aquatic invertebrates, birds and small mammals, the reassessment will be environment-focussed. The review will also consider whether product labels carry adequate instructions to protect community and worker health.
“This reconsideration will allow us to reassess the risks posed by neonicotinoid use, and whether any regulatory changes are necessary to protect the health and safety of people, animals, plants, and the environment.
“There has been a lot of global regulatory interest in neonicotinoids and a number of reports linking neonicotinoids with adverse environmental impacts, including on aquatic health and non-target and terrestrial invertebrates.” said the APVMA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Chris Parker.
“There is also a need to ensure our approved labels align with recently published APVMA guidelines (including for pollinators and managing spray drift)."
The APVMA and the New Zealand Environmental Protection Agency (NZ EPA) plan to work together to identify areas of possible collaboration over the course of this review.
“While NZ EPA and APVMA have their own legislative frameworks to operate under, this is an opportunity for the agencies to work together in a collaborative manner to achieve efficiencies that best serve our roles as chemical regulators both in Australia and New Zealand.” said Dr Parker.
The first stage of the review will seek public comment on the scope and work plan, which is available in the Gazette. Submissions will close on 3 February 2020.
More information on the review is available on the APVMA website.
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