Regulatory update #151

Permit application for dimethoate

The APVMA has posted a statement on its website explaining why we originally refused to issue a permit (in December 2011) to allow dimethoate treatment of tomatoes to be exported to New Zealand—and confirming the reasons why, after reconsidering the application at the request of the applicant, our original decision has been affirmed.

A full statement of reasons signed by the APVMA delegate provides considerable legal and scientific background to the decision—this document is also available from the website.

While the APVMA accepts there are differences between the Australian and New Zealand regulatory regimes with regard to dimethoate and that this decision will affect local tomato growers, our governing legislation places greatest importance on the protection of human health and safety.

2,4-D registration

We have updated information about 2,4-D, suspending all associated registrations of products containing 2,4-D isobutyl ester.

Methamidophos voluntary cancellation

Following a request from the approval holder, we have cancelled the approval for Methamidophos (O,S-dimethyl phosphoramidothioate) which is a non-systemic organophosphorus (OP) insecticide and acaricide used to control a variety of horticultural and agricultural pests.

The product had been under review and information is available on our website.

Bees and pesticides

Honeybee Pesticide Poisoning—A risk management tool for Australian farmers and beekeepers is a booklet that "enables beekeepers and farmers to identify pesticides that are toxic to bees, and provides information that will help them manage the risk of honeybee poisoning. The booklet also contains a number of useful forms, contact details and other relevant information".

Good Manufacturing Practice

Submissions made to the discussion paper for the Cost Recovery of Compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice are now available.

We would like to thank everyone who provided input.

Reminder—open for public consultation

These proposals are currently open for public consultation:

• Proposal to Amend Standard 1.4.2 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code - until 6 July 2012
• Proposed registration of the products Conserve™ Grain Protector and Conserve™ On-Farm Grain Protector containing the existing active constituent spinosad - until 19 July 2012
• We're listening: a new communication and consultation policy for the APVMA – until further notice
• It's important we get it right: developing our Risk Compendium - until further notice

Release of our draft communication and consultation policy has been delayed, but we are more than happy to receive ongoing feedback about what's important to you and how we can communicate and keep you informed about those issues.

Applications

Advice Summaries published since last issue are listed below. For a complete list and further information, please refer to the Advice Summaries content on our website:

• Talstar 250 EC Insecticide/Miticde
• Tanalith E Copper Based Wood Preservative Concentrate
• Prosaro 420 SC Foliar Fungicide
• Bollgard II Cotton Event 15985
• Prosaro 420 FC Foliar fungicide
• Barricade Turf Herbicide
• Resolve All-In-One Bug and Fungus Killer with TMX Plantguard For Your Tomatoes
• Mycrobor WP Industrial Wood Preservative and Household Insecticide
• Casper Turf Herbicide
• Prosulfuron
• Prosaro 420 FC Foliar fungicide
• Resolva Weed Killer 24h Concentrate
• Maxim 100 FS Fungicide Seed Treatment

Application Summaries are updated weekly. For a complete list, please refer to the Application Summaries content on our website.