Overview
Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate insecticide used to control a wide range of insect pests, including agricultural pest insects, ants, termites and mosquitos. Products containing chlorpyrifos were initially approved for uses in and around the home, in home gardens, in public spaces, and in agriculture. Regulatory actions taken during the current reconsideration has limited the home garden and domestic use patterns to reduce exposure to bystanders and householders. The APVMA has also proposed to further limit the agricultural, horticultural and commercial uses of chlorpyrifos, primarily due to user safety and environmental risks.
Regulatory action on chlorpyrifos
In 2001–02, based on the information available at the time, the APVMA removed high concentration chlorpyrifos products for home garden and domestic use from sale in Australia based on unacceptable risk of exposure.
In 2019, the APVMA suspended and subsequently cancelled domestic and home garden uses of chlorpyrifos products based on the environmental and health impacts of these products. Holders of products which included both home garden and agricultural uses were given 12 months to vary their labels to remove domestic and home garden uses.
In 2020, the APVMA cancelled the remaining product registrations and label approvals of products which included a combination of home garden and agricultural uses.
In 2023, the APVMA published its proposed regulatory decision on the agricultural uses of chlorpyrifos. The APVMA is proposing to:
- vary and affirm active constituent approvals that comply with the proposed amended purity requirements
- vary and affirm chemical product registrations and associated label approvals where at least one use pattern is proposed to be supported
- cancel remaining active constituent approvals, chemical product registrations and associated label approvals.
Further details of the ongoing reconsideration can be found on the chlorpyrifos chemical review web page.
Currently registered chlorpyrifos products can continue to be used according to the label directions.
What happens next?
Public consultation on the proposed regulatory decision is open for 3 months and will close 11 March 2024. This consultation period will allow affected stakeholders and members of the public to comment on the outcome of the assessments and proposed decision. The APVMA will review all submissions received during the public consultation prior to finalisation of the reconsideration and publication of the final regulatory decision.
Information for users
What has changed?
As a result of the suspension and cancellation of the use of certain chlorpyrifos products with registered uses in domestic, home garden and public spaces in 2019 and 2020, most uses in domestic and urban situations are no longer allowed.
In relation to the agricultural uses of chlorpyrifos, registered chemical products continue to be used in accordance with approved labels instructions during the consultation period for the proposed regulatory decision. Information about registered products can be found on the APVMA’s PubCRIS database.
Which products are affected? Where do I find alternatives?
A full list of products affected by regulatory actions to date is available in the Special Gazette, 24 June 2019 and Special Gazette, 28 July 2020. A full list of products that are proposed to be impacted in the proposed regulatory decision is available in the APVMA Gazette, 12 December 2023.
There is a wide range of alternatives to chlorpyrifos products. Contact your local retailer to discuss alternative options. Other products can also be found using the APVMA’s PubCRIS product search tool. You can filter the search by pest, host, and product type.
How do I dispose of chlorpyrifos products?
Always follow the label instructions for the proper disposal of chemicals and their containers.
Your local state or territory agricultural chemical regulator can provide advice on disposal.
You can also contact ChemClear (1800 008 182) for advice on disposal of agricultural and veterinary chemicals.