The EPA, Commonwealth and NSW government agencies and other stakeholder organisations all play a role in managing pesticides in NSW to ensure they do not damage the environment or harm human health.
A pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances used to destroy, suppress or alter the life cycle of any pest.
Pesticides are regulated in NSW from the point of sale under
Pesticide products sold in Australia must be approved and registered by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
Before registering a product, the APVMA assesses the pesticide’s
If a pesticide contains an active constituent not previously used in Australia, the APVMA must seek public comment before registering it.
Only registered pesticides can be used in NSW, unless the APVMA grants approval for use under a permit. Registration includes approval of label directions, which specify
After registration, the APVMA regulates pesticides up to and including the point of retail sale. After sale, pesticides in NSW are regulated by the EPA.
Under its Chemical Review Program, the APVMA also reviews the registration of existing pesticides to determine whether
Public submissions are considered during the review.
Find out more about the APVMA’s role and responsibilities
The EPA enforces the proper use of pesticides in NSW, including those used
The EPA licences
Some pesticides, because of their flammability, combustibility or toxicity, are classified as dangerous goods. When they are transported on public roads, the EPA regulates them under the Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Act 2008.
Pesticide pollution and waste may be regulated under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act). For example, fish kills caused by pesticide residues in waterways are generally investigated under the POEO Act.
The EPA encourages pesticide users to improve their management of pesticides through education programs and by fostering liaison and communication with other stakeholders.
Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act), SafeWork NSW seeks to protect workers in the workplace. Regulations under the WHS Act control hazardous substances including most pesticides.
The Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (WHS Regulation) covers
SafeWork NSW has developed codes of practice to help industries achieve the health, safety and welfare standards required by the WHS Act and Regulation.
SafeWork NSW regulates the classification, packaging, labelling, use and storage of dangerous goods and the transport of dangerous goods on private roads.
NSW Health has a range of responsibilities in relation to pesticides. These include
Under the NSW Food Act 2003, the NSW Food Authority
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) regulates
DPI also
For more information, see Agriculture and horticulture.
Local Land Services (formerly Livestock Health and Pest Authorities) responsibilities include
The detection and control of plague locusts is coordinated nationally by the Australian Plague Locust Commission.
Local councils have planning, regulatory, management, research and monitoring roles. Local councils and some county councils are responsible for local noxious weed control.
The agricultural and veterinary chemicals industry program, Agsafe, accredits agricultural and veterinary chemical supply premises and staff, and may impose sanctions where accreditation obligations are not met. Commercial resellers of agricultural and veterinary chemicals must have Agsafe-trained staff who are bound by an industry code of conduct to provide responsible and professional advice.
Agsafe also coordinates DrumMuster, a program managing waste farm-chemical containers, and ChemClear, a program for disposing of unwanted chemicals.
Many other industry groups, chemical suppliers, and community and environment organisations have expertise in pesticide matters.