Use of chemicals

The APVMA does not monitor or enforce the correct use of agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals.

The correct use of agvet chemicals is first-and-foremost the user’s responsibility. The approved directions for use are on the label of every registered agvet product in Australia and must be followed. Incorrect use of agvet chemicals in Australia is monitored and enforced collaboratively by the police, Safe Work Australia and state or territory government authorities. 

The APVMA is responsible for regulating agvet chemicals up to—and including—the point of retail sale.

The APVMA is responsible for regulating agvet chemicals up to—and including—the point of retail sale. While the APVMA doesn’t regulate the use of chemicals, part of the registration process is scientifically assessing potential risks to people’s health associated with the use of chemicals.

The APVMA reviews applicants’ proposed safety and use directions—as part of the relevant particulars of a product label (RLP) assessment. The APVMA will approve the safety and use directions if they are deemed to effectively minimise the user’s risk of exposure to the chemical.

Incorrect use of a chemical can lead to health issues—ranging from relatively minor to life-threatening—for users and their families, neighbours and workmates. It can also harm pets, livestock, crops and the environment. Furthermore, some of the approved safety and use directions on the label are legally binding—incorrect use can lead to fines, litigation and in some circumstances criminal prosecution.

If you suspect agvet chemicals are being used incorrectly or illegally, report it immediately to your workplace supervisor, local police or state or territory government authority.