APVMA basics

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) is the Australian Government regulator of agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemical products.

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. The registration process involves scientifically evaluating the safety and efficacy (effectiveness) of a product in order to protect the health and safety of people, animals, plants and the environment.

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

Agvet chemicals—whether used by farmers, pest controllers, veterinarians or other home or professional users—are regulated by the APVMA. This includes:

• agricultural chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, biocides, insecticides and seed treatments
• veterinary chemicals such as medicines, antibiotics, hormonal treatments and some stockfeeds and petfoods, and
• other chemicals such as insect repellents, garden sprays and pool chemicals.

The APVMA regulates these chemicals and products up to—and including—the point of retail sale.