Thiophanate-methyl chemical review

Completed

Thiophanate-methyl [dimethyl ((1,2-phenylene) bis(iminocarbonothioyl)) bis(carbamate)] is a systemic benzimidazole fungicide used in Australia to control soil-borne diseases in ornamental plants.

Thiophanate-methyl breaks down in plants and the environment to form carbendazim, and its use of can lead to residues of carbendazim in treated commodities. For this reason, the APVMA conducted concurrent reviews of carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl.

Work plan

Work plan

Click on the tabs for more information about the status of each phase in the review process. For more information about how each phase is conducted, please read about the reconsideration process.

Chemicals

  • Thiophanate-methyl
1. Nomination

1. Nomination

Phase status

Completed

In February 2007, the APVMA began a review of thiophanate-methyl because of occupational health and safety and public health concerns. (Residues were not included in that assessment, no products containing thiophanate-methyl are currently registered for use on food-producing plants). This action was based on advice from the Office of Chemical Safety that exposure to carbendazim and compounds that can form it (benomyl and thiophanate-methyl) could possibly cause developmental abnormalities in experimental animals and hence might pose a potential public and occupational health and safety risk.

2. Prioritisation

2. Prioritisation

Phase status

Completed
3. Scoping and work plan

3. Scoping and work plan

Phase status

Completed
4. Notice of reconsideration

4. Notice of reconsideration

Phase status

Completed
5. Assessment

5. Assessment

Phase status

Completed
6. Proposed regulatory decision

6. Proposed regulatory decision

Phase status

Completed

In August 2010, the APVMA released the Thiophanate-methyl preliminary review findings report. To minimise the risks to people from the handling and use of thiophanate-methyl, the APVMA proposed amending existing product poison scheduling, label safety directions and re-entry intervals.  In addition, the restraint ‘NOT FOR HOME GARDEN USE’ is required.

7. Consultation

7. Consultation

Phase status

Completed
8. Final regulatory decision

8. Final regulatory decision

Phase status

Completed

Following a period of public consultation, comments were considered and all recommendations proposed in the preliminary report were incorporated into the November 2010 Thiophanate-methyl final review report and regulatory decision. A minor change was made to the restraint: ‘DO NOT use this product in the home garden’.

9. Implementation

9. Implementation

Phase status

Completed
Publication archive
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