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First harmonized label for pesticide product available

Release Date: 03/02/2007
Contact Information: Frank Montarelli, 303-312-6780, montarelli.frank@epa.gov

(Denver, Colo. -- March 2, 2007) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency have given the first joint approval of a North American Free Trade Agreement harmonized label for a pesticide product. The pesticide product is called Far-Go Granular Herbicide in the United States (EPA reg. 10163-287) and Avadex MicroActiv Herbicide in Canada and is registered for use on wheat, barley, beets, lentils and peas.

"As a result of extraordinary collaboration and leadership on the part of governments, growers, and pesticide producers, now joint U.S./Canadian pesticide labels are a reality,” said EPA Assistant Administrator Jim Gulliford. “Joint approvals maintain high safety standards, help ensure producers have pest control tools available, and advance the goal of a North American market for pesticides."

A harmonized label allows for cross-border movement of pesticide product since the harmonized package labeling satisfies the regulatory requirements in both countries with unique use directions to accommodate differences in the two countries’ use patterns. Thus, the harmonized labels safeguard public health protections in both the United States and Canada.

This accomplishment represents an important milestone to allow pesticide products to move across borders legally. Currently, 12 more pesticide products are in the pipeline for NAFTA label development.

Today’s announcement was presented by EPA Assistant Administrator Jim Gulliford at an event in Bismarck, N.D.