Regulatory Update #256

Clarification on good manufacturing practice (GMP) for veterinary chemicals

There have been recent concerns about agricultural chemical manufacturing in Australia, with reports in the media casting doubt on quality assurance testing for agricultural and veterinary chemical products.

It is important that the record is set straight on this matter. There are approximately 3 200 registered veterinary chemical products available in Australia as of July 2017. Industry are well aware that each of these products types must meet the required quality standards and registration conditions.

Under the code for Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) all veterinary chemicals are subject to testing prior to release. This testing is undertaken by a licensed or—in the case of imported products—recognised manufacturer before supply on the Australian market, unless specifically exempted under the Agvet regulations.

Agricultural chemicals are also generally tested by manufacturers prior to supply into the Australian marketplace. This testing is not a mandatory requirement, but is widely practiced to ensure product quality and effectiveness.

Antibiotic resistance in animals—new report now available

A new report has been released on antimicrobial resistance in animals in Australia.

Antibiotic resistance is an emerging concern across all sectors of health. Over time strains of bacteria have become resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics.

The report—titled Antibiotic resistance in animals—reviews the current status of antibiotic resistance in animals in Australia and details the important role the APVMA plays in limiting the inappropriate use of antibiotics for animal health in Australia.

You can read the Chief Scientist's blog on the report at the newly refreshed science section of our website.

Read the full report on antibiotic resistance in animals.

Register now to secure your place—Canberra industry sessions

Places are limited for the Canberra industry information and education sessions. Register now to secure your attendance.

The industry sessions run over two days from 13-14 September and will provide our clients and stakeholders the opportunity to connect with APVMA regulatory science services and hear about how new scientific developments and business reforms will impact our work.

View the full program for the industry information and education sessions.

Chemical manufacturer charged over contaminated herbicides

The APVMA has issued Accensi Pty Ltd (Accensi) with four fines totalling $100 000 for the supply of herbicides found to contain additional chemical actives other than those listed in the registered formulation.

These are the largest fines ever issued by the APVMA under the Agvet Code. The fines reflect the APVMA's commitment to issues affecting the quality of agricultural and veterinary chemicals.

Read more

Reminder—open for public consultation

We regularly seek input throughout chemical registration and review processes, and other operational and regulatory processes. We're currently seeking input on these two open consultations:

• EnviroDye Red Liquid Marking Dye Containing the New Active Constituent Direct Red 254 - 22 August 2017
• Trade Advice Notice on chlorantraniliprole in the product DuPont Altacor Insecticide for use on pulses - 31 August 2017
• Trade Advice Notice on the proposed use of Sharpen WG Herbicide on wheat, barley and triticale - 4 September 2017
• Proposal to amend Schedule 20 of the revised Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code - 5 September 2017

Contact us

• Phone our general enquiries number: +61 2 6210 4701
• Email: enquiries@apvma.gov.au
• Our mailing address is:

 
Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority
PO Box 6182
Kingston, Australian Capital Territory 2604
Australia