APVMA basics

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) is the Australian Government regulator of agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemical products, established in 1993 to centralise the registration of all agvet chemical products into the Australian marketplace.

Our purpose

We regulate agricultural and veterinary chemicals to manage the risks of pests and diseases for the Australian community and to protect Australia’s trade and the health and safety of people, animals and the environment.

Our vision

To be a global leader in agriculture and veterinary chemicals regulation for the benefit of Australia.

Our role

For an agvet chemical product to legally be manufactured, imported, supplied, sold or used in Australia, it must be registered by the APVMA – unless exempt by the Agvet Code. Our registration process involves scientifically evaluating the safety and efficacy (effectiveness) of a product in order to protect Australia's trade and the health and safety of people, animals and the environment.

The APVMA regulates agvet products up to – and including – the point of retail sale.

We also monitor and enforce compliance with the Agvet Code and other legislation we administer.

Learn more about the APVMA and the work we do in the An introduction to the APVMA video below.