Agricultural data guidelines

Relevant data for module levels—agricultural chemical products

The following sets out the data that may be relevant to particular assessment modules detailed in the Agvet Regulations. This list is not exhaustive and is only intended to provide you with guidance in putting your application together. Please review this information in consultation with the Module Descriptors 6A guideline.

1. Chemistry
2. Toxicology
3. Residues
4. Occupational Health and Safety
5. Environment
6. Efficacy and Host Crop Safety
7. Module 9 Non-Food Trade
8. Module 10.3 GM Organism / other special data

Chemistry

Detailed data guidelines for chemistry and manufacture are available in Part 2.

Module 2.1

Module 2.1(a)

For applications referred to at 2.1(a) of the Module Descriptors 6A guideline, a chemistry data package for comprehensive assessment may include submission of the following data or submission of valid scientific argument:

Active constituent

• identification (ISO common name, IUPAC chemical name, molecular and structural formula, spectral data, physical and chemical properties)
• stability data
• manufacturer's name and site of manufacture
• manufacturing process (including quality control, impurities, formation and structure)
• declaration of composition (DoC) (specifications)
• batch analysis data (manufactured in the past five years)
• analytical methods
• validation data for all analytical methods
• analytical reference standards, including impurities
• description of the primary packaging material  

Product

• active constituent standard
• product details
• distinguishing name
• formulation type
• name of formulator and site of formulation
• formulation composition
• non-active constituent specifications
• manufacturing process (including quality control)
• physical and chemical properties
• product specifications
• batch analysis data (manufactured within the past five years)
• stability data
• in-use stability data (where relevant)
• analytical methods
• validation data for all analytical methods
• analytical reference standards, including impurities (if applicable)
• description of the primary packaging material
• draft label

Module 2.2

Module 2.2(a)(1) and (2)

For applications referred to at 2.2(a)(1) and (2) of the Module Descriptors 6A guideline, a chemistry data package for reduced assessment may include submission of the following data or submission of valid scientific argument:

Active constituent

• identification (ISO common name, IUPAC chemical name, molecular and structural formula, spectral data, physical and chemical properties)
• information on active constituent consisting of or derived from GMOs (where relevant)
• stability data
• manufacturer's name and site of manufacture
• manufacturing process (including quality control, impurities, formation and structure)
• declaration of composition (DoC) (specifications)
• batch analysis data (manufactured in the past five years)
• analytical methods
• validation data for all analytical methods
• analytical reference standards, including impurities (if applicable)
• description of the primary packaging material  

Product

• active constituent standard
• product details
• distinguishing name
• formulation type
• name of formulator and site of formulation
• formulation composition
• non-active constituent specifications
• manufacturing process (including quality control)
• physical and chemical properties
• product specifications
• batch analysis data (manufactured within the past five years)
• stability data
• in-use stability data (where relevant)
• analytical methods
• validation data for all analytical methods
• analytical reference standards, including impurities (if applicable)
• description of the primary packaging material
• draft label

Module 2.2(a)(3)

For applications referred to at 2.2(a)(3) of the Module Descriptors 6A guideline, a chemistry data package for reduced assessment may include submission of the following data or submission of valid scientific argument:

Active constituent

• identification (ISO common name, IUPAC chemical name, molecular and structural formula, spectral data, physical and chemical properties)
• information on active constituent consisting of or derived from GMOs (where relevant)
• manufacturer's name and site of manufacture
• manufacturing process (including quality control, impurities, formation and structure)
• declaration of composition (DoC) (specifications)
• batch analysis data (manufactured in the past five years)
• analytical methods
• validation data for all analytical methods
• analytical reference standards, including impurities (if applicable)
• description of the primary packaging material  

Product

• active constituent standard
• product details
• distinguishing name
• formulation type
• name of formulator and site of formulation
• formulation composition
• non-active constituent specifications
• manufacturing process (including quality control)
• physical and chemical properties
• product specifications
• batch analysis data (manufactured within the past five years)
• stability data
• in-use stability data (where relevant)
• analytical methods
• validation data for all analytical methods
• analytical reference standards, including impurities (if applicable)
• description of the primary packaging material
• draft label

Module 2.2(c)

For applications referred to at 2.2(c) of the Module Descriptors 6A guideline, a chemistry data package for reduced assessment may include submission of the following data or submission of valid scientific argument:

Active constituent

• identification (ISO common name, IUPAC chemical name, molecular and structural formula, spectral data, physical and chemical properties)
• stability data
• manufacturer's name and site of manufacture
• manufacturing process (including quality control, impurities, formation and structure)
• declaration of composition (DoC) (specifications)
• batch analysis data (manufactured in the past five years)
• analytical methods
• validation data for all analytical methods
• analytical reference standards, including impurities (if applicable)
• description of the primary packaging material  

Product

• active constituent standard
• product details
• distinguishing name
• formulation type
• name of formulator and site of formulation
• formulation composition
• non-active constituent specifications
• manufacturing process (including quality control)
• physical and chemical properties
• product specifications
• batch analysis data (manufactured within the past five years)
• stability data
• in-use stability data (where relevant)
• analytical methods
• validation data for all analytical methods
• description of the primary packaging material
• draft label

Module 2.3

Module 2.3(a)

For applications referred to at 2.3(a) of the Module Descriptors 6A guideline, a chemistry data package for product-only assessment may include submission of the following data or submission of valid scientific argument:

Product

• active constituent standard
• product details
• distinguishing name
• formulation type
• name of formulator and site of formulation
• formulation composition
• non-active constituent specifications
• manufacturing process (including quality control)
• physical and chemical properties
• product specifications
• batch analysis data (manufactured within the past five years)
• stability data
• in-use stability data (where relevant)
• analytical methods
• validation data for all analytical methods
• description of the primary packaging material
• draft label

Module 2.3(c)(1), (2) and (3)

For applications referred to at 2.3(c)(1), (2) and (3) of the Module Descriptors 6A guideline, a chemistry data package for limited assessment may include submission of the following data or submission of valid scientific argument:

Product

• product details
• distinguishing name
• formulation type
• name of formulator and site of formulation
• formulation composition
• non-active constituent specifications
• manufacturing process (including quality control)
• physical and chemical properties
• product specifications
• batch analysis data (manufactured within the past five years)
• stability data  
• analytical methods
• validation data for all analytical methods

Module 2.3(c)(4)

For applications referred to at 2.3(c)(4) of the Module Descriptors 6A guideline, a chemistry data package for limited assessment may include submission of the following data or submission of valid scientific argument:

Product

• product details
• distinguishing name
• formulation type
• product specifications
• stability data
• in-use stability data (where relevant)
• analytical methods
• validation data for all analytical methods
• description of the primary packaging material
• draft label (where relevant)

Module 2.3(d)

For applications referred to at 2.3(d) of the Module Descriptors 6A guideline, a chemistry data package for limited assessment may include submission of the following data or submission of valid scientific argument:

Product

• product specifications
• batch analysis data
• stability data
• analytical methods
• validation data for all analytical methods
• draft oversticker / label

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Toxicology

Detailed data guidelines for toxicology are available in Part 3.

Module 3.1

Module 3.1(a) and (b)

For applications referred to at 3.1(a) and (b) of the Module Descriptors 6A guideline, a toxicology data package for comprehensive assessment may include submission of the following data or submission of valid scientific argument:

• chemistry and manufacture (data Part 2)
• Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (toxicokinetics, pharmacokinetics) (data Part 4);
• acute toxicity studies:
• studies on the active constituent;
• studies on the product;
• short-term toxicity studies (repeat-dose);
• sub-chronic toxicity studies (repeat dose);
• long-term (chronic) toxicity studies (repeat dose):
• Chronic toxicity studies
• Carcinogenicity studies
• Combined chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity studies
• reproduction studies;
• developmental studies (including developmental neurotoxicity)
• genotoxicity studies
• neurotoxicity studies
• additional studies
• toxicity of metabolites and impurities
• other adverse effects
• toxicity of mixtures
• mechanistic studies and mode of action
• immunotoxicity
• human toxicological data;
• no-observed-effect level (NOEL);
• acceptable daily intake (ADI);
• acute reference dose (ARfD);
• first aid instructions and safety directions;
• Toxicological database/bibliography

Module 3.2

Module 3.2(a), (c) and (e)

For applications referred to at 3.2(a), (c) and (e) of the Module Descriptors 6A guideline, a toxicology data package for reduced assessment may include submission of the following data or submission of valid scientific argument:

• chemistry and manufacture (data Part 2)
• Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (toxicokinetics, pharmacokinetics) (data Part 4);
• acute toxicity studies:
• studies on the active constituent;
• studies on the product;
• short-term toxicity studies (repeat-dose studies of less than 90 days duration);
• sub-chronic toxicity studies (90 days to less than 12 months);
• developmental studies (including developmental neurotoxicity)
• genotoxicity studies
• additional studies:
• toxicity of metabolites and impurities
• other adverse effects
• toxicity of mixtures
• mechanistic studies and mode of action
• immunotoxicity
• human toxicological data;
• no-observed-effect level (NOEL);
• first aid instructions and safety directions;
• Toxicological database/bibliography

Module 3.2(b) and (d)

For applications referred to at 3.2(b) and (d) of the Module Descriptors 6A guideline, in addition to submission of the studies listed above, or submission of valid scientific argument, the following data may be included:

• long-term (chronic) toxicity studies (12 months or longer):
• Chronic toxicity studies
• Carcinogenicity studies
• Combined chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity studies
• reproduction studies;
• acceptable daily intake (ADI);
• acute reference dose (ARfD)

Module 3.3

Module 3.3(a), (b), (d), (e) and (g)

For applications referred to at 3.3(a), (b), (d), (e) and (g) of the Module Descriptors 6A guideline, a toxicology data package for limited assessment may include submission of the following data or submission of valid scientific argument:

• chemistry and manufacture (data Part 2)
• acute toxicity studies:
• studies on the active constituent;
• studies on the product  

Notes:

Overseas Health Report

Please note for applications for a new product or permit with a new active constituent, a toxicology data package for limited assessment may include submission of an acceptable overseas health report and a data package comprising all of the studies associated with that report. The provision of a comprehensive toxicological assessment report on the active constituent, which is of acceptable quality and dated from 1 July 2005, would enable classification of the application as a limited toxicology assessment. Please note that summary reports would not be sufficient to modify the level of assessment required.

Definition of a major formulation change

For the purposes of Module 3.3 a major formulation change is a change to the formulation of an agricultural or veterinary chemical product, including new combinations of existing active constituents, such that safety to humans may need separate assessment.  Some examples include:

• where there has been a significant increase in the concentration of active constituent which could affect the hazard potential, poison scheduling, safety directions or residues;
• where a major change in non-active constituent significantly affects the performance, stability or other attributes of the product; or
• where the formulation has been changed significantly to accommodate a new application method/use-pattern (e.g. changing from a wettable powder to an emulsifiable concentrate; changing from an oral drench to a topical pour-on dosage form).

Definition of a biological chemical product

Biological chemical products may be either agricultural or veterinary chemical products.  A biological chemical product is a chemical product where the active constituent comprises or is derived from a living organism (plant, animal, micro-organism, etc), with or without modification.

Definition of a biotechnology chemical product

A biotechnology chemical product is one that is developed by means of one of the following biotechnological processes:

• recombinant DNA technology.
• controlled expression of genes coding for biologically active proteins in prokaryotes and eukaryotes including transformed mammalian cells.
• hybridoma and monoclonal antibody methods.

Module 4

This is an additional module that applies to any application for either an agricultural or veterinary chemical, where the application must be referred to the NDPSC for poisons scheduling.
Data relevant to scheduling is covered by toxicology modules 3.1, 3.2 or 3.3.

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Residues

Detailed data guidelines for residues are in Part 5A
Detailed data guidelines for trade are in Part 5B

Module 5.1

Module 5.1(a)

For applications referred to at 5.1(a) of the Module Descriptors 6A guideline, a residues data package for comprehensive assessment may include submission of the following data or submission of valid scientific argument:

• studies detailed in the Metabolism and Kinetics (Part 4) and Residues (Part 5A) data guideline, and their supporting specific guidelines, which include:
• metabolism data
• analytical methodology and storage stability
• residues trial data
• an overseas trade (residues) package for commodities listed in the Overseas Trade (Part 5B) data guideline.

Module 5.2

Module 5.2(a)(2),(3) and (4)

For applications referred to at 5.2(a)(2),(3) and (4) of the Module Descriptors 6A guideline, a residues data package for reduced assessment may include submission of the following data or submission of valid scientific argument:

• studies detailed in the Residues (Part 5A) data guideline, and the supporting specific guidelines, which include:
• analytical methodology and storage stability
• residues trial data
• an overseas trade (residues) package for commodities listed in the Overseas Trade (Part 5B) data guideline

Module 5.3

Module 5.3(a)(1) and (2)

For applications referred to at 5.3(a)(1) and (2) of the Module Descriptors 6A guideline, a residues data package for reduced assessment for a permit application may include submission of the following data or submission of valid scientific argument (which may include published residues information):

• studies detailed in the Residues (Part 5A) data guideline, and the supporting specific guidelines, which include:
• analytical methodology and storage stability
• residues trial data
• an overseas trade (residues) package for commodities listed in the Overseas Trade (Part 5B) data guideline.

Module 5.4

Module 5.4(a)

For applications referred to at 5.4(a) of the Module Descriptors 6A guideline, a residues data package for limited assessment may include submission of the following data or submission of valid scientific argument:

• studies detailed in the Residues (Part 5A) data guideline, and the supporting specific guidelines, which include:
• analytical methodology and storage stability
• residues trial data
• an overseas trade (residues) package for commodities listed in the Overseas Trade (Part 5B) data guideline.

Module 5.5

5.5(a)(1) and (2) and 5.5(b)

For applications referred to at 5.5(a)(1) and (2) and 5.5(b) of the Module Descriptors 6A guideline, a residues package for limited assessment for a permit application may include submission of the following data or submission of valid scientific argument (which may include published residues information):

• studies detailed in the Residues (Part 5A) data guideline, and the supporting specific guidelines, which include:
• analytical methodology and storage stability
• residues trial data
• an overseas trade (residues) package for commodities listed in the Overseas Trade (Part 5B) data guideline.

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Occupational Health and Safety

Detailed data guidelines for occupational health and safety are in Part 6

Module 6.1

Module 6.1(a)

For applications referred to at 6.1(a) (new product, new active), and (b) (chemical reconsideration), of the Module Descriptors 6A guideline, an OH&S data package for assessment may include submission of the following data or submission of valid scientific argument:

Hazard:

• physical and chemical properties:
• active constituent;
• product;
• individual constituents;
• toxicology;

Exposure:

• mixing and loading;
• product application;
• re-handling;
• dermal absorption;

Risk management and workplace information:  

• measures to control user exposure:
• before and during end-use;
• re-entry or re-handling;
• Measures to control public and bystander exposure:
• During end-use
• Re-entry or re-handling
• product label;
• Safety Data Sheet (MSDS);
• training requirements;
• occupational exposure monitoring:
• exposure standard
• ambient air monitoring;
• health surveillance;
• tank mixing
• contraindications

Risk characterisation:

• margin of exposure (MOE);
• further requirements where the MOE is inadequate;
• risk assessment proposed by the applicant (acute and repeat dose)

Module 6.2

Module 6.2(c), (d) and (e) 

For applications referred to at 6.2(c), (d) and (e) of the Module Descriptors 6A guideline, an OH&S data package for reduced assessment may include submission of the following data or submission of valid scientific argument:

Hazard:

• physical and chemical properties:
• active constituent;
• product;
• individual constituents;
• toxicology;

Exposure:

• mixing and loading;
• product application;
• re-entry or re-handling;
• dermal absorption;

Risk management and workplace information:  

• measures to control user exposure:
• before and during end-use;
• re-entry or re-handling;
• Measures to control public and bystander exposure:
• During end-use
• Re-entry or re-handling
• product label;
• Safety Data Sheet (MSDS);
• training requirements;
• occupational exposure monitoring:
• exposure standard
• ambient air monitoring;
• health surveillance;
• tank mixing
• contraindications

Risk characterisation:

• margin of exposure (MOE);
• further requirements where the MOE is inadequate;
• risk assessment proposed by the applicant (acute and repeat dose)

Module 6.3

Module 6.3(c)

For applications referred to at 6.3(c) of the Module Descriptors 6A guideline, an OH&S data package for limited assessment may include submission of the following data or submission of valid scientific argument:

Hazard:

• physical and chemical properties:
• active constituent;
• product;
• individual constituents;

Exposure:

• mixing and loading;
• product application;
• re-entry or re-handling;
• dermal absorption;

Risk management and workplace information:  

• Measures to control user exposure
• Before and during end use
• Re-entry or re-handling
• Measures to control public and bystander exposure:
• During end-use
• Re-entry or re-handling
• product label;
• Safety Data Sheet (MSDS);
• training requirements;
• contraindications

Module 6.3(b)

For applications referred to at 6.3(b) of the Module Descriptors 6A guideline, an OH&S data package for limited assessment may include submission of the following data or submission of valid scientific argument:

Hazard:

• physical and chemical properties:
• active constituent;
• product;
• individual constituents;

Occupational exposure:

• mixing and loading;
• product application;
• re-entry and re-handling;

Risk management and workplace information:  

• measures to control occupational exposure:
• before and during end-use;
• re-handling;
• product label;
• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS);
• training requirements;
• tank mixing;
• contraindications

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Environment

Detailed data guidelines for environment are in Part 7

Modules 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 Environment

Module 7.1(a), 7.2(a),(b),(c) and (d), and 7.3(a) and (c)

For applications referred to at 7.1(a), 7.2(a),(b),(c) and (d), and 7.3(a) and (c) of the Module Descriptors 6A guideline, an environment data package for comprehensive, reduced or limited assessment may include submission of the following studies or submission of valid scientific argument and/or reference to previous assessments:

Environmental chemistry and fate

• physical and chemical properties of the active constituent (solubility in water, vapour pressure, low Kow, dissociation constant, UV-visible absorption)
• rate and route of degradation
• abiotic degradation (hydrolysis, soil photolysis, aqueous photolysis)
• biodegradation under aerobic and anaerobic conditions in soil and water/sediment systems
• mobility (volatility, adsorption/desorption, leaching potential)
• field accumulation/ dissipation (terrestrial, aquatic)

Environmental toxicology

• Terrestrial vertebrates
• Acute, dietary and reproductive toxicity to birds
• Acute and long-term toxicity to mammals
• Aquatic life
• Acute toxicity to fish, microcrustacea and algae
• Chronic toxicity to aquatic organisms depending on persistence in water
• Toxicity to sediment-dwelling invertebrates depending on partitioning and persistence in sediment
• Bioaccumulation in fish depending on bioconcentration potential
• Bees and other non-target arthropods
• Acute oral and contact toxicity to bees
• Bee brood feeding test for insect growth regulators
• Contact toxicity to predatory and parasitic arthropods
• Earthworms and other soil macro-invertebrates
• Acute toxicity to earthworms
• Chronic toxicity to earthworms and other macro-invertebrates depending on persistence in soil
• Soil microbial processes (impact on nitrogen transformation and carbon mineralisation)
• Non-target vegetation (seedling emergence and vegetative vigour)

7.2 Note:

Definition of a major formulation change

For the purposes of Module 7.2 a major formulation change is a change to the formulation of an agricultural or veterinary chemical product, including new combinations of existing active constituents, such that safety to the environment and/or target species may need separate assessment. Some examples include:

• where there has been a significant increase in the concentration of active constituent which could affect the hazard potential;
• where a major change in non-active constituent significantly affects the environmental fate, ecotoxicity or other attributes of the product; or
• where the formulation has been changed significantly to accommodate a new application method/use pattern (eg changing from a seed treatment to an emulsifiable concentrate).

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Efficacy and Host Crop Safety

Detailed data guidelines for efficacy and safety are in Part 8.

Module 8.1

Module 8.1(a), (b) and (d)

For applications referred to at 8.1(a), (b) and (d) of the Module Descriptors 6A guideline, an efficacy and host animal safety data package for comprehensive assessment may include submission of the following data or submission of valid scientific argument:

Efficacy studies

• efficacy studies for every host and pest claimed on the label;
• studies to demonstrate the optimum application rate for each host / pest combination

Host crop safety studies

• safety to host crop including yield data;
• safety to following crops;
• safety to non-target crops;
• effects on taste of produce (organoleptic effects)

Other related studies (where relevant)

• compatibility / tank mix tests;
• studies conducted overseas;
• effects of residues on subsequent processing;
• animal welfare;
• safety to non-target animals;
• implications for resistance management;
• effects on other industries

Module 8.2

Module 8.2(a), (c) and (d)

For applications referred to at 8.2(a), (c) and (d) of the Module Descriptors 6A guideline, an efficacy and host animal safety data package for reduced assessment may include submission of the following data or submission of valid scientific argument:

Efficacy studies

• efficacy studies for any new host or pest claimed on the label;
• studies to demonstrate the optimum application rate for the new host/pest combination

Host crop safety studies (if a new crop or higher application rate is proposed)

• safety to target crops including yield data;
• safety to following crops;
• safety to non-target crops

Other related studies (where relevant)

• studies conducted overseas;
• safety to non-target animals;
• implications for resistance management;
• effects on other industries

Module 8.3

Module 8.3(a), (e), (f), (g) and (k)

For applications referred to at 8.3(a), (e), (f), (g) and (k) of the Module Descriptors 6A guideline, an efficacy and host crop safety data package for limited assessment may include submission of the following data or submission of valid scientific argument:

Efficacy studies

• target efficacy studies to demonstrate comparable efficacy with the registered reference product

Host crop safety studies

• host crop safety studies to demonstrate that any phytotoxicity and yield effects are comparable to the registered reference product

Notes - Major formulation change

For the purposes of efficacy and safety a major formulation change is a change to the formulation of an agricultural or veterinary chemical product, including new combinations of existing active constituents, such that efficacy and/or safety to the host crop will be assessed.  Some examples include:

• where there has been a significant change in the concentration of active constituent and where the application/dose rate to the crop is changed; or
• where a major change in non-active constituent significantly affects the performance, stability or other attributes of the product; or
• where there has been a significant change in product specifications; or
• where the formulation has been changed significantly to accommodate a new application method/use-pattern (e.g. changing from a wettable powder to an ermulsifiable concentrate); or
• where the new formulation is not identical, not closely similar, and not similar to a registered reference product.

Major changes in formulation are expected to require assessment under Module 8.1.  However, applicants may provide valid scientific argument regarding submission of relevant efficacy/safety data to justify a different level of assessment.  For example:

• If the change in formulation is likely to affect only efficacy or safety, assessment under Module 8.3 could be appropriate;
• Data to demonstrate comparable efficacy/bioequivalence with the previous formulation could be assessed under Module 8.3.

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Module 9 Non-Food Trade

For applications referred to at 9 of the Module Descriptors 6A guideline, data specifically relevant to the trade risk may be submitted.

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Module 10.3 GM Organism / other special data

For applications referred to at 10.3(a) of the Module Descriptors 6A guideline, published data and results of Australian field trials, relevant to the criteria for approval of an active constituent or registration of a product described in s.14 of the Agvet Code, may be submitted.

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