Regulatory update #248

Regulatory decision on dimethoate

Aussie farmers will continue to have access to dimethoate following a decision that confirms the popular insecticide is safe and effective to use on a number of agricultural crops.

The APVMA decision follows a 13-year reconsideration of the insecticide to confirm the safe use of dimethoate and that possible exposure to its residues in food is within safe limits.

The full details of the regulatory decision, including a list of crop uses that are being retained, removed or amended are available from www.apvma.gov.au/dimethoate.

Submitting international assessments and data

We've updated our online guidance material for applicants submitting international data, standards and assessments. Applicants are encouraged to submit relevant overseas assessments and data with their applications and the APVMA will, wherever possible, use the data supplied to inform regulatory decisions.

The use of international assessments reduces the amount of technical report writing by the APVMA and the amount of time applicants spend reformatting a regulatory dossier specifically for Australia.

APVMA finds no grounds for a formal reconsideration of glyphosate

Following concerns raised by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the APVMA has undertaken a detailed assessment of the human health risks associated with the use of glyphosate and determined that a full reconsideration is not required.

The APVMA concluded that the use of glyphosate in Australia does not pose a cancer risk to humans, and that products containing glyphosate are safe to use as per the label instructions.

Voluntary recalls

We are working with a number of companies to facilitate the voluntary recall of registered agvet chemical products in response to contamination that occurred during the manufacturing process.

The APVMA was first made aware of the contaminations in December 2016 when it received verbal and written notifications that several herbicide products had been found to contain additional chemical actives to those listed in the APVMA registered formulation.

A number of voluntary recalls were then initiated by the companies involved and the APVMA has worked with each party to facilitate and actively monitor their voluntary recall actions.

Online levies and fees (OLAF) update

From 31 March 2017, a five year option will be available for OLAF registration renewals in the external portal.

Registration renewals can be submitted for the 2017–18 financial year from 1 April 2017. Product renewal options now include five years, one year or registration cancellation.

Strong executive team leading APVMA relocation

The APVMA is on track for its transition from Canberra to Armidale, welcoming two experienced executives to join our Chief Operating Officer as part of a strong leadership team that will plan and deliver the program of work to transform our business.

Paul Kruspe, Executive Director of Relocation Operations, and Mitch Levy, Executive Director of Digital Strategy, join Stefanie Janiec, Chief Operating Officer, to lead the planning and procurement for our new office in Armidale and the digital systems that will support our business into the future.

Help and assistance

Visit: www.apvma.gov.au
Telephone: +61 2 6210 4701
Email: enquiries@apvma.gov.au

Reminder—open for public consultation

• Proposal to amend Schedule 20 of the revised Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code – until 18 April 2017