Label content

This Labelling Code explains the information that must be placed on labels if they are to meet the legislative requirements, and provides examples of acceptable wording for certain statements where specific words are not mandated by the legislation.

Where the term 'must' is used, it is a legal requirement that labels comply with this provision. This Labelling Code also provides advice on how the requirement might be met, under the sub-heading ‘best practice guide’. This is for guidance only, and is not mandatory. It contains words that have previously been considered by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and are likely to be able to be accepted as suitable without an in-depth assessment. Any variation from these words would need some justification and may require submission and evaluation of supporting information or argument.

The specific wording required to be included on a particular product label will be determined by the APVMA during evaluation of the application for approval of the label or variation of the approved label.

This Labelling Code sets out the minimum requirements for placement and legibility of label information. The Agricultural Labelling Code contains general requirements that apply to all products, subject to some variations to these requirements and guidance that apply to certain classes of products, such as the home garden and domestic pest-control products, aerosol products and antifouling paints. Specific information is provided for these classes of products.

1. Signal heading

1.1. Signal words

1.1.1. Relevant particulars 

The Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Regulations 1995 (Agvet Code Regulations) require that the label must contain the appropriate signal words required by the current Poisons Standard. 

The relevant signal words for agricultural chemical products are:

• Schedule 5: CAUTION
• Schedule 6: POISON
• Schedule 7: DANGEROUS POISON

1.1.2. Layout and placement

If the product label is required to include signal words, in accordance with the current Poisons Standard, they must be on the first line of the main panel of the label, with nothing other than a class label – as specified in the Australian code for the transport of dangerous goods by road or rail (ADG Code) – written on that line. Note that for a Schedule 5 poison only, a statement of the principal hazard of the poison may be written on that line.

1.1.3. Legibility

If the product label is required to include signal words, they must be:

• in bold-face, sans-serif capital letters of uniform thickness
• in a letter size that is at least half the height of the largest letter or numeral on the label, but not larger than 6 mm on labels for containers of nominal capacity of 2 L or less, or larger than 15 mm for larger containers. For the purposes of determining the largest letter, do not include a single letter or numeral that is larger than other lettering on the label or is an affix forming part of the trade name.

1.2. Other cautionary words or phrases

1.2.1. Keep out of reach of children

1.2.1.1. Required wording

If the product contains a substance that is classified as a poison in the current Poisons Standard, the following statement must be included on the label as part of the signal heading:

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

1.2.1.2. Layout and placement

If the product label is required to include these words, they must be immediately below the signal words, with nothing other than a class label – as specified in the ADG Code – written on that line.

For products that do not contain any scheduled poisons, this statement must not appear as a signal heading. If the statement is included on the label of such a product (and this is voluntary), it must be shown in the ‘Storage and disposal’ section.

1.2.1.3. Legibility

Where the statement is required on the label as part of the signal heading, it must be in:

• bold-face, sans-serif capital letters of uniform thickness
• a letter size that is at least four-tenths the height of the letters used for the signal words.

1.2.2. Fire and explosion hazard

1.2.2.1. Required wording

If the product is a dry, chlorinating compound containing more than 10% of available chlorine – except for products that are not classified in the ADG Code as being a dangerous good of Class 5.1 (oxidising substances) – the following cautionary statement must be included:

FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD

1.2.2.2. Layout and placement

If the product label is required to include these words, they must be written on a separate line, immediately below the cautionary statement ‘Keep out of reach of children’, with nothing other than a class label, as specified in the ADG Code, written on that line.

1.2.2.3. Legibility

Where this statement is required on labels, it must be in:

• bold-face, sans-serif capital letters of uniform thickness
• a letter size that is at least four-tenths the height of the letters used for the signal words.

1.2.3. Read safety directions before opening or using

1.2.3.1. Required wording

Either of the following statements must be included whenever safety directions are shown on the label:

READ SAFETY DIRECTIONS BEFORE OPENING OR USING

READ SAFETY DIRECTIONS

This requirement may apply to products that do not require any other signal heading (that is, they are not scheduled poisons) as long as safety directions are shown on the label.

In the case of packs that do not require opening, such as aerosols, the following alternative statement is applicable:

READ SAFETY DIRECTIONS

1.2.3.2. Layout and placement

If this statement is required on the product label, it must:

• be on a separate line immediately below the cautionary statement ‘Keep out of reach of children’
• placed immediately below other cautionary statements that are required to be on the line immediately below ‘Keep out of reach of children’
• have no other statement on the same line, other than a class label as specified in the ADG Code.

If this statement is required for products that do not contain any scheduled substances, it must be the first line of the signal heading.

1.2.3.3. Legibility

Where this statement is required on the label, it must be in:

• bold-face, sans-serif capital letters of uniform thickness
• a letter size that is at least four-tenths the height of the letters used for the signal words.

1.2.4. Products containing an aqueous solution of paraquat

1.2.4.1. Required wording

If the product is an aqueous solution of paraquat, the following cautionary statements must be included:

CAN KILL IF SWALLOWED
DO NOT PUT IN DRINK BOTTLES
KEEP LOCKED UP

1.2.4.2. Layout and placement

If the product label is required to include these words, they must be:

• written on separate lines, immediately below the cautionary statement ‘Keep out of reach of children’
• have no other statement on the same line, other than a class label, as specified in the ADG Code.

1.2.4.3. Legibility

Where these statements are required on labels they must be in:

• bold-face, sans-serif capital letters of uniform thickness
• a letter size that is at least four-tenths the height of the letters used for the signal words.

2. Product name

2.1. Relevant particulars 

The label must include the name of the chemical product. This does not have to be the same as the distinguishing name recorded in the APVMA Register for the chemical product.

A product name must not be misleading, confusing or inconsistent with other label instructions or be easily confused with the names of other registered products.

2.2. Layout and placement

The product name on the label must be:

• positioned between the signal heading and the ‘Active constituent’ statement
• the prominent wording or feature in that section of the label
• written as a single expression.

2.2.1. Legibility

There are requirements for other wording. For example, wording on a label for which there is no minimum type size specified elsewhere must have a minimum letter height of 1.5 mm, which equals 6 points. Letters with ascenders or descenders (such as b, f, g, h, l, t, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1.5 mm in height. Letters without ascenders or descenders (such as a, e, i, o, u, m, r, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1 mm in height.

2.3. Best practice guide

A product name should:

• be sufficiently different from the name of any other product; for example, when a name is based on the common name of the agricultural chemical, the product should contain the company name (for example, SMITH’S MCPA HERBICIDE), thereby making the name sufficiently different from other product names
• describe the intended usage of the end-use product; for example, where appropriate you should use words and terms such as herbicide, insecticide, fungicide, weed killer, insect repellent, fox bait, pool and spa sanitiser and so on.

Any component of a name that could be considered a claim needs to be justified.

When numbers are included, they should reflect the level of active constituent expressed in metric units or relate to some other feature of the product. Letters in the ‘formulation type’ list may only be used in the product name if the product is that formulation type. For example, the use of EC would not be acceptable in the product name for a product formulated as a wettable powder whereas MX would be acceptable as it does not refer to a recognised formulation type.

The use of terms such as ‘plus’, ‘extra’, ‘extra strength’, ‘double strength’, ‘tropical strength’ or ‘professional strength’, in the name must be justified.

3. Constituent statements

The active constituent(s) is/are the substance(s) that are primarily responsible for the biological or other effect identifying the product as an agricultural chemical product (or veterinary chemical product, as the case may be). This biological activity or other effect, together with the proposed uses of the product, makes the product an agricultural chemical product.

The label must include all active constituents, even if they are not scheduled poisons. The label must also include a declaration of any solvent, or other constituents contained in the formulation, that are scheduled poisons.

3.1. ‘Active constituent’ statement

3.1.1. Relevant particulars

The label must include the name and proportion of each active constituent in the product.

3.1.2. Layout and placement

The concentration and name of all active constituents in the product must be shown after the following heading:

ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS

This heading must appear immediately below the product name and parallel to other printed matter on the label. It should not have any other wording that is not associated with the ‘Active constituent’ statement on the same lines.

3.1.3. Concentration

The concentration of active constituent must be clearly stated in front of the name of the chemical.

3.1.4. Mixtures

Where 2 or more active constituents are present in the end-use product, the following conditions apply:

• The active constituents must be shown one under another in descending order of concentration (highest to lowest).
• When synergists are present, even when present at higher levels than the active constituent, they must be shown after the main active constituents.

3.1.4.1. Legibility

The ‘Active constituent’ statements must be:

• in bold-face, sans-serif letters of uniform thickness
• prominent and printed in letters of not less than 1.5 mm in height.

The heading and the name of the chemical must be written using capital letters.

3.1.4.2. Best practice guide

3.1.4.2.1. Use of common names

The name of the chemical used in the ‘Active constituent’ statement must conform with the common name of the substance(s) as given in the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code (Agricultural Active Constituents) Standards 2022 (Active Constituent Standard) if this name is available.

If the common name is not listed in the Active Constituent Standard, you should use the name approved or proposed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). 

If a common name is not listed in either of the above, you should use the chemical name that conforms with the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) system of nomenclature or provide justification for an alternative common name.

You should not use a trademark or trade name as the name of an active constituent, except when it becomes an approved common name.

If there is a particular Australian standard that applies to the active constituent, an appropriate brief statement may be included in brackets after the active constituent, for example:

ACTIVE CONSTITUENT: 900 g/L HIGH TEMPERATURE CREOSOTE (conforming to AS 1143)

3.1.4.2.2. Concentration

The concentration of active constituent must be clearly stated in front of the name of the active, for example:

ACTIVE CONSTITUENT: 800 g/L 2,4-D present as the ethyl ester

(not: 2,4-D present as the ethyl ester 800 g/L)

All units of mass or volume should be represented by their correct symbols, namely, g (grams), kg (kilograms), mL (millilitres), or L (litres).

Statements of concentration that are not acceptable on their own include, but are not limited to: w/w; w/v; or %.

Where salts and esters of active materials are present, the amount shown on the label should apply only to the active ion or grouping and be shown as:

ACTIVE CONSTITUENT: 500 g/L 2,4-D present as the triethanolamine salt

The manner of stating certain active constituents is set out in the requirements for the uniform expression of active constituents.

3.2. Solvents

3.2.1. Relevant particulars

The label must include the name and proportion of any solvent contained in the formulation that is a scheduled poison in the current Poisons Standard.

3.2.2. Layout and placement

When required to be included, a ‘Solvent’ statement must include the heading:

SOLVENT

This must be positioned immediately below the ‘Active constituent’ statement and parallel to other printed matter on the label.

3.2.3. Legibility

These statements must be:

• in bold-face, sans-serif letters of uniform thickness
• prominent and printed in letters of not less than 1.5 mm in height.

The heading and the name of the chemical must be written using capital letters.

3.2.4. Best practice guide

The ‘Solvent’ statement should be in either of the following formats:

SOLVENT: [X] g/L LIQUID HYDROCARBONS

SOLVENT: [X] g/L TOLUENE [or XYLENE]

3.3. Other scheduled constituents

3.3.1. Relevant particulars

The label must also include the name and proportion of any other constituent contained in the formulation that is a scheduled poison in the current Poisons Standard.

3.3.2. Layout and placement

When required to be included, the statement that describes other constituents must:

• include an appropriate heading, for example

ALSO CONTAINS: PRESERVATIVE, CROP SAFENER

• be positioned immediately below the ‘Active constituent’ statement or ‘Solvent’ statement and parallel to other printed matter on the label.

3.3.3. Legibility

These statements must be:

• written in bold-face, sans-serif letters of uniform thickness
• prominent and printed in letters of not less than 1.5 mm in height.

The heading and the name of the chemical must be written using capital letters.

3.3.4. Best practice guide

These statements should be in the form:

[HEADING]: [X] g/L [NAME OF POISON]

The name of the poison must be the approved common name as used in the Poisons Standard.

3.4. Anticholinesterase compounds

3.4.1. Required wording

The following statement must be included on labels for organophosphorus or carbamate compounds:

an anticholinesterase compound

However, this statement does not have to be included for:

• dazomet, mancozeb, metiram, propineb, thiram, tri-allate, zineb or ziram
• an organophosphorus compound or carbamate contained in impregnated plastic resin strips or impregnated plastic resin granules
• an organophosphorus compound or carbamate contained in pressurised spray packs for household use.

3.4.2. Layout and placement

Where this statement is required on labels, it must appear immediately below, following or beside the ‘Active constituent’ statement for each active constituent with anticholinesterase activity.

3.4.3. Legibility

This statement must be written in:

• English and in durable characters on the outside face of the label or container
• a colour or colours, to provide a distinct contrast to the background colour
• letters that are at least 1.5 mm in height (note: for containers of 20 mL or less, smaller wording may be approved for use).

3.4.4. Best practice guide

If a product contains several active constituents and only some require the ‘Anticholinesterase’ statement, you may use an asterisk (*) placed after the relevant compounds, and show the ‘Anticholinesterase’ statement below the ‘Active constituent’ statement. For example:

ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS:
200 g/kg SULPHUR
12 g/kg CARBARYL*
10 g/kg MALDISON*
(*anticholinesterase compounds)

4. ‘Mode of action’ indicator

The ‘Mode of action’ identification indicator allows users to distinguish between similar products with different modes of action. The indicator is part of a labelling strategy in the overall management of resistance to herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. The resistance management activity group classifications are determined by 3 CropLife Australia Resistance Management Review Groups, in conjunction with researchers, agronomists and farmers, and take into account any relevant Australian and international information. Current ‘Mode of action’ tables are available on the CropLife Australia website. If the active constituent is not listed in one of these tables, you may contact CropLife to have it included in an appropriate group.

If a product is of a type not covered by the CropLife arrangements, you may propose suitable labelling for it; however, you must provide relevant justification.

4.1. Required wording

The ‘Mode of action’ indicator must be included on all product labels of agricultural chemical insecticides, herbicides and fungicides. It is not required for home garden and domestic products, swimming pool products, antifouling paints or industrial fungicides such as timber treatments.

4.2. Layout and placement

Where a ‘Mode of action’ identification indicator is required on labels, it must be positioned immediately below the ‘Active constituent’ statements.

4.3. Legibility

The text of these indicators should:

• be in a sans-serif font
• be in black font on a white background, except for the ‘Mode of action’ letter(s) or group number(s), which should be in white font on a black background, with a white gap of at least 1 mm between the ‘Mode of action’ group letters
• include the words GROUP and HERBICIDE, FUNGICIDE or INSECTICIDE (as appropriate) in capital letters – these letters should not be less than one-quarter of the height of the largest letter or numeral on the label and be between 2 mm and 12.5 mm high (note: the largest letter or numeral on the label does not include a single letter or numeral)
• include letter(s) or number(s) representing the ‘Mode of action’ group(s) of each active constituent(s); these are to be inserted between the words GROUP and HERBICIDE, FUNGICIDE or INSECTICIDE
• have the letter(s) or number(s) representing the mode of action written in capital letters – these letters should not be less than one-half the height of the largest letter or numeral on the label and between 4 mm and 25 mm high. In any event, the words GROUP and HERBICIDE, FUNGICIDE or INSECTICIDE must be no less than half, and no more than the actual size of the group number and letter
• have a black rectangle surrounding the whole indicator.

Note that where a product has 2 or more active constituents, and these are represented by 2 or more modes of action, you must use 2 or more appropriate ‘Mode of action’ identifier letters in a single statement. If these active constituents perform different types of functions in the product (for example, an insecticide and a fungicide), you must show each function separately (that is, one statement for the insecticide and another for the fungicide component).

4.4. Best practice guide

Example 1: Product with a single active constituent

Example 2: Product with 2 active constituents

Example 3: Product with different types of active constituents

5. Statement of claims for use

5.1. Relevant particulars

Unless the name of a product describes the intended uses, the label must include a concise statement of the purposes for which the product is to be used.

5.2. Layout and placement

If a ‘Claims for use’ statement is required on a label, it must be positioned immediately below the ‘Mode of action’ indicator, or below the Active constituent statements if no ‘Mode of action’ indicator is required.

5.3. Legibility

There are requirements for other wording. For example, the wording on a label for which there is no minimum type size specified elsewhere must have a minimum letter height of 1.5 mm, which equals 6 points. Letters with ascenders or descenders (such as b, f, g, h, l, t, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1.5 mm in height. Letters without ascenders or descenders (such as a, e, i, o, u, m, r, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1 mm in height.

5.4. Best practice guide

The following are examples of ‘Claims for use’ statements:

For pre-emergence control of grasses and broadleaf weeds in cotton.
For control of scale insects on citrus, olives and ornamentals.
For prevention of unwanted vegetation on railway lines, roadsides and drainage ditches.

If a product has many uses, a general statement such as follows can be made:

For control of a wide variety of weeds in various situations as per the ‘Directions for use’ table.

Labels may also include pictures or diagrams as part of the statement of claims for use. Illustrations must be consistent with, and related to, the approved uses of the product. Pictures and diagrams must not suggest that the product may be used for a purpose not included in the directions for use.

6. Restricted chemical product statements

6.1. Required statement

The Agvet Code stipulates that a product declared by the Agvet Code Regulations to be a restricted chemical product must if it is going to be supplied, include the following statement on the label:

RESTRICTED CHEMICAL PRODUCT – ONLY TO BE SUPPLIED TO OR USED BY AN AUTHORISED PERSON

6.2. Layout and placement

If the product requires a statement that it is a restricted chemical product, the statement must be shown immediately below the statement of claims for use.

6.3. Legibility

Where required to be shown, this statement must be printed in boldface, sans-serif capital letters of not less than 2 mm in height.

6.4. Best practice guide

Inclusion of the ‘Restricted chemical’ product statement on labels for restricted chemical products is mandated by the Agvet Code. The APVMA therefore specifically approves this statement as part of the label approval process.

Schedule 4 of the Agvet Code Regulations lists the chemical products that have been declared to be restricted chemical products.

7. ‘Net contents’ statement

7.1. Relevant particulars

The Agvet Code Regulations require that the net contents of the container of the product must be stated on the label. In accordance with the requirements of the Commonwealth National Measurement Act 1960 and its regulations, units of mass or volume must be metric, and be written in full or represented by their correct symbols.

Liquids must be expressed by reference to volume, usually as mL (millilitre/s) or L (litre/s). Solids, semi-solids, pastes or aerosols must be expressed by reference to mass, usually as g (gram/s) or kg (kilogram/s). When a liquid is a liquefied gas, it may be considered as an aerosol and expressed in kg.

7.2. Legibility

There are requirements for other wording. For example, the wording on a label for which there is no minimum type size specified elsewhere must have a minimum letter height of 1.5 mm, which equals 6 points. Letters with ascenders or descenders (such as b, f, g, h, l, t, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1.5 mm in height. Letters without ascenders or descenders (such as a, e, i, o, u, m, r, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1 mm in height.

7.3. Best practice guide

If using a heading, you should only use the following heading for products sold by mass:

Net contents

For products sold by volume or by mass, you can use:

Contents

The National Trade Measurement Regulations 2009 contain provisions for the marking of measurements on packages. These include that the ‘Net contents’ statement must be on the principal display panel (that is, the main panel).

8. Name and address of person primarily responsible for marketing the product

8.1. Required information

The Agvet Code Regulations require that the label must include the name and address of the person who is primarily responsible for marketing the product.

The address shown on the label must be an Australian street address (not a post office box) and must include a contact telephone number (not a 000 number only).

8.2. Legibility

There are requirements for other wording. For example, the wording on a label for which there is no minimum type size specified elsewhere must have a minimum letter height of 1.5 mm, which equals 6 points. Letters with ascenders or descenders (such as b, f, g, h, l, t, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1.5 mm in height. Letters without ascenders or descenders (such as a, e, i, o, u, m, r, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1 mm in height.

8.3. Best practice guide

The contact person or company may be qualified by any of the following words:

Packed for

Distributed by

Sold by

Holders need to be careful that the wording chosen does not infer that the product is manufactured in Australia if this is not the case. The Competition and Consumer Act 2010 establishes rules about making false and misleading representations. Further information can be obtained from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

Holders should also note that the Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act 1905, administered by the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, establishes rules for the labelling of imported goods that relate to the country of origin.

You may also show other information on labels, including details of branch offices, local agents or distributors, phone numbers and web addresses. These details will not be checked for approval by the APVMA.

9. Directions for use

9.1. Relevant particulars

The label must include adequate directions for use of the product. The ‘Directions for use’ section of a label must include the heading:

Directions for use

The section is divided into the following subsections:

• Restraints
• Directions for use
• 'Not to be used' statement
• Other limitations and prohibitions
• Withholding periods
• Trade advice

Where these subsections are required on the label of a product, they must be included on the label in the above order.

9.2. Layout and placement

The appropriate heading must be placed above the details for the specific elements as described below. The directions for use are usually placed prominently on an ancillary panel.

9.3. Legibility

There are requirements for other wording. For example, the wording on a label for which there is no minimum type size specified elsewhere must have a minimum letter height of 1.5 mm, which equals 6 points. Letters with ascenders or descenders (such as b, f, g, h, l, t, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1.5 mm in height. Letters without ascenders or descenders (such as a, e, i, o, u, m, r, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1 mm in height.

9.4. Best practice guide

The heading for this section of the label should be prominent and would normally be in boldface.

9.5. Restraints

9.5.1. Relevant particulars

A restraint is a limitation placed on the use of the product. The limitation applies to the use of the product in all approved situations. The limitation is required to manage a significant risk associated with the use of the product, which has been identified from the APVMA’s assessment of the product. These include restraints relevant to managing spray drift, where relevant to the product type.

9.5.2. Layout and placement

If restraint statements are required on a label, they must:

• be preceded by the following subheading (except for home garden and domestic pest-control products, where no subheading is required)

Restraints

• be the first item in the ‘Directions for use’ section
• be placed before the ‘Directions for use’ table
• generally, be in the form of ‘Do not’ statements
• each commence on a new line.

Where a product requires ‘Spray drift restraint’ statements, these must be placed under the following heading, and follow any other restraints.

SPRAY DRIFT RESTRAINTS

When a product requires buffer zones, restraint statements and tables for buffer zones must be placed immediately following the ‘Spray drift restraints’ section and under the heading:

MANDATORY BUFFER ZONES

9.5.3. Legibility

When the following words are used in a ‘Restraint’ statement, they must be printed in bold-face capital letters:

DO NOT

There are requirements for other wording. For example, the wording on a label for which there is no minimum type size specified elsewhere must have a minimum letter height of 1.5 mm, which equals 6 points. Letters with ascenders or descenders (such as b, f, g, h, l, t, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1.5 mm in height. Letters without ascenders or descenders (such as a, e, i, o, u, m, r, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1 mm in height.

9.5.4. Best practice guide

A restraint is a limitation placed on the use of a product. A limitation on use will only be considered a restraint if the following conditions apply:

• The limitation applies to the use of the product in all approved situations.
• The limitation is required to manage a risk posed by use of the product.
• The APVMA decides that a particular limitation be placed under the ‘Restraints’ heading.

Examples of ‘Restraint’ statements are:

DO NOT apply if rain is expected within 2 hours.

DO NOT apply to plants suffering from stress.

DO NOT use in a knapsack on back of user.

DO NOT use in protected cropping situations

9.5.5. Spray drift restraints

For products subject to spray drift you must meet the requirements in the Agricultural Labelling Code.

9.6. Directions for use

9.6.1. Relevant particulars

The label must include adequate directions for use table, including the crop or situation where the product may be used, the pests controlled or the purpose of use, the rate of application and other instructions that are critical for correct use.

9.6.2. Crop or situation

The label must show the specific crops, groups of crops or situations in which a product will be used.

9.6.3. Pests controlled or purpose of use

The label must show the common names of the pests to be controlled or, where the product is not for the control of a pest, a clear description of the purpose for which the product is intended.

9.6.4. Rate

The rate of application must be stated in clear terms and be suitable for the intended method of application.

All units of mass or volume must be expressed in Australian legal units of measurement under the National Measurement Act 1960 of the Commonwealth and the National Measurement Regulations 1999 and, where abbreviations are used, they must be represented by their correct symbols.

9.6.5. Other instructions for use

The label must also contain information that, when read in conjunction with the restraints and general instructions, is sufficient to allow accurate use of the product for all purposes indicated.

9.6.5.1. Layout and placement

The detailed directions for use must be placed under the appropriate heading and must follow the ‘Restraints’ statements.

9.6.5.2. Legibility

There are requirements for other wording. For example, the wording on a label for which there is no minimum type size specified elsewhere must have a minimum letter height of 1.5 mm, which equals 6 points. Letters with ascenders or descenders (such as b, f, g, h, l, t, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1.5 mm in height. Letters without ascenders or descenders (such as a, e, i, o, u, m, r, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1 mm in height.

9.6.5.3. Best practice guide

The specific crops, groups of crops or situations in which a product will be used should be listed in alphabetical order to assist users in locating the desired information. This is particularly important on labels that list many uses. The names of the crop groups should conform to the Codex classification of foods and animal feeds, published by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

9.6.6. Pests, diseases, weeds controlled

You should use the common name for the pest, weed or disease, based on the appropriate current references listed below: 

For insects:

• Naumann, IJ, 1993, CSIRO handbook of Australian insect names: common and scientific names for insects and allied organisms of economic and environmental importance, CSIRO Australia, East Melbourne, Victoria.

For weeds:

• Shepherd RCH, Richardson, RG & Richardson, FJ, 2001, Plants of importance to Australia: a checklist, Meredith, Victoria.
• Lazarides, M, Cowley, K & Hohnen, P, 1997, CSIRO handbook of Australian weeds, CSIRO Publishing, East Melbourne, Victoria.
• Lazarides, M & Hince, B, 1993 (eds.), CSIRO Handbook of Economic Plants of Australia, CSIRO Publications, East Melbourne, Victoria.

For diseases:

There are no current national reference lists. However, checklists of recorded plant diseases are available from state agriculture authorities.

You should use full scientific (Latin binomial) names for pests, weeds or diseases only where there is a possibility of confusion.

9.6.7. Rate

The rate of application must be stated in clear terms that are suitable for the intended method of application. The rate should, whenever possible, be expressed:

• as a quantity of product per unit area, for example, g, kg or L/ha
• as a product dilution, for example, g, kg or L/100 L
• per volume treated, for example, g, kg or L/m3.

If a product may be used in combination with another product, the application rate for the product may change when it is mixed according to instructions on another registered product. If a mandatory mixture is included on product labels, manufacturers of such products must show, on each product label, the proposed rates and directions for use on how to mix and apply the chemical combination.

9.6.8. Critical comments

The other instructions for use will usually be shown under the heading:

Critical comments

The critical comments should contain information that, when read in conjunction with the restraints, withholding periods and general instructions, is sufficient to allow accurate use of the product for all purposes indicated. More specifically, the critical comments should contain information on one or more of (but not necessarily all of, or limited to) the aspects of product use listed below:

• The timing and frequency of application(s), including crop growth stage, weed or pest stage or pressure.
• The selection of the appropriate rate when a range of rates is shown.
• Host safety (crop or other vegetation, treated animal or treated area such as carpet or timber).
• The volume of prepared spray needed for proper application.
• Any other required information.

For herbicides, the terms ‘pre-emergence’, or ‘post-emergence’ refer to crop stages and not weed stage, unless the label clearly specifies otherwise.

9.6.9. State

The inclusion of a separate ‘State’ column is not necessary unless the label requires it for clarity. Where a product is not approved in all states and territories, and the product use pattern in the approved states or territories is similar to that in the not-approved ones, you should identify the approved states or territories on the label by including them in brackets after the directions-for-use heading; for example:

Directions for use (ACT, Victoria only)

Unless otherwise indicated, a particular use or uses will be considered to be approved for all states or territories. In other words, there is no need to include the term ‘all states’.

For the purposes of this Labelling Code, and hence for labelling of agricultural products in general, the term ‘all states’ includes the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory.

Where differences between states occur for a particular use, you may incorporate the information into the use table in either the ‘Crop/situation’, the ‘Pest/diseases/weeds’, the ‘Rate’, or the ‘Critical comments’ column, as is most appropriate. For example, if Queensland requires a higher rate of application, then the entry for the ‘Rate’ column may be shown as:

10 mL per 100L (except Qld)

20 mL per 100L (Qld only)

10. ‘Not to be used’ statement

10.1. Relevant particulars

A label must include the following ‘Not to be used’ statement:

NOT TO BE USED FOR ANY PURPOSE, OR IN ANY MANNER, CONTRARY TO THIS LABEL UNLESS AUTHORISED UNDER APPROPRIATE LEGISLATION.

10.2. Layout and placement

The ‘Not to be used’ statement must be placed immediately below the directions for use.

10.3. Legibility

This statement must be printed in boldface, sans-serif, capital letters of not less than 2 mm (or 1.5 mm for home garden or domestic pest-control products) in height.

11. Other limitations and prohibitions

11.1. Relevant particulars

Any other general limitations or prohibitions on use that may be necessary for human safety, public health or environmental protection must be included on the label.

11.2. Layout and placement

The statements on limitations and prohibitions on use must be placed immediately below the ‘Not to be used’ statement.

Each statement is to start on a separate line.

11.3. Legibility

Where these statements are required, they must be printed in boldface, sans-serif, capital letters of not less than 2 mm in height.

11.4. Best practice guide

Examples include:

DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT IN THE HOME GARDEN.
IN TASMANIA, THIS PRODUCT MUST NOT BE APPLIED BY AIRCRAFT WITHOUT THE SPECIFIC APPROVAL OF THE REGISTRAR OF CHEMICAL PRODUCTS.
IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA, FOR USE BY BULK GRAIN HANDLING AUTHORITIES ONLY.

12. ‘Withholding period’ statements

12.1. Relevant particulars

Labels must include any ‘Withholding period’ (WHP) statements that are required to avoid unacceptable residues of agricultural chemicals and their metabolites in raw agricultural commodities, and food for humans or animals.

If the product is for use on crops, animals or situations where residues of the chemical might arise, but the APVMA determines that no withholding period is needed between the application of a product and harvesting or grazing, or if that interval is defined by other critical comments such as a limitation on crop growth stages at which application can occur, the following statement must be shown:

NOT REQUIRED WHEN USED AS DIRECTED

12.2. Layout and placement

If a WHP statement is required on a label, the statement must be on a separate line immediately below the ‘Not to be used’ statement and the statement on other limitations and prohibitions (if any). Each WHP statement must be on a separate line.

One of the following heading must appear before the statement(s), except for home garden and domestic pest-control products, where no heading is required:

WITHHOLDING PERIOD

WITHHOLDING PERIOD(S)

If there are 2 or more different withholding periods, and the label is in a tabular form, a WHP column should be included in the table, in addition to the statements below the table.

If a use requires both harvest (H) and grazing (G) withholding periods, the label should identify these by including either (H) or (G) after the appropriate WHP figures in the ‘Directions for use’ table. When adopting this approach, you must include a key below the table that explains the meaning of (H) and (G).

If all uses have the same withholding period and the label is in tabular form, you only need to add the ‘Withholding period’ statement below the table.

If a number of crops have the same withholding period, the crop names must appear before the ‘Withholding period’ statement.

The time in a ‘Withholding period’ statement must be shown as a figure in:

• whole hours – for periods up to and including 23 hours
• whole days – for periods up to and including 21 days
• whole weeks – for periods greater than 21 days.

12.3. Legibility

The heading and the statements of withholding periods shown below the directions for use must be printed in boldface, sans-serif, capital letters of not less than 1.5 mm in height.

12.4. Best practice guide

If a number of crops have the same withholding period, the crop names must appear before the statement, for example:

WITHHOLDING PERIODS
– Apples, cherries, nectarines, leafy vegetables:
DO NOT HARVEST FOR [X] DAYS AFTER APPLICATION.
– Grapes, canola, linseed:
DO NOT HARVEST FOR [X] DAYS AFTER APPLICATION.
Other examples of ‘Withholding period’ statements:
DO NOT GRAZE OR CUT FOR STOCK FOOD FOR [X] DAYS AFTER APPLICATION.
DO NOT USE TREATED GRAIN FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION WITHIN [X] DAYS OF TREATMENT.
DO NOT USE TREATED GRAIN FOR STOCK FOOD WITHIN [X] DAYS OF TREATMENT.
DO NOT USE TREATED GRAIN FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR FOR STOCK FOOD WITHIN [X] DAYS OF TREATMENT.
DO NOT USE TREATED PRODUCE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION WITHIN [X] DAYS OF TREATMENT.
DO NOT USE TREATED PRODUCE FOR STOCK FOOD WITHIN [X] DAYS OF TREATMENT.
DO NOT USE TREATED PRODUCE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR FOR STOCK FOOD WITHIN [X] DAYS OF TREATMENT.
REMOVE STOCK FROM TREATED AREA [X] DAYS BEFORE SLAUGHTER.
DO NOT PROCESS INTO FOOD FOR [X] DAYS AFTER APPLICATION.
HOLD GRAIN IN STORE AND DO NOT USE FOR PROCESSING INTO FOOD FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION WITHIN [X] DAYS OF TREATMENT.
DO NOT GRAZE PLANTS GROWN FROM TREATED SEED, OR CUT FOR STOCK FOOD, WITHIN [X] DAYS OF SOWING.
DO NOT HARVEST GRAIN/PRODUCE FROM PLANTS GROWN FROM TREATED SEED WITHIN [X] DAYS OF SOWING.
NOT REQUIRED WHEN USED AS DIRECTED.

Suitable statements to mitigate the risk of residues in livestock that might consume treated vegetation that may be used for animal feeds may also include:

DO NOT graze treated turf or lawn; or feed turf or lawn clippings from any treated area to poultry or livestock.
DO NOT graze any treated plants or cut for stock food.
DO NOT feed produce or grain harvested from treated plants to animals, including poultry.
DO NOT feed treated grain to animals, including poultry.
DO NOT feed cotton fodder, stubble or trash to livestock.

13. ‘Trade advice’ statements

13.1. Relevant particulars

The label must include any ‘Export interval’ statement or ‘Trade advice’ statement that is required to avoid unacceptable residues of agricultural chemicals and their metabolites in food- or feed-producing commodities that may be exported, where those residues have the potential to unduly prejudice Australian trade.

13.2. Layout and placement

If an ‘Export interval’ statement or ‘Trade advice’ statement is required on a label, the statement must be on a separate line immediately below the withholding period. Each statement should be on a separate line.

An appropriate heading, such as the following, must appear before the statement:

EXPORT OF TREATED PRODUCE
EXPORT SLAUGHTER INTERVAL
EXPORT HARVEST INTERVAL
EXPORT ANIMAL FEED INTERVAL
EXPORT GRAZING INTERVAL

13.3. Legibility

The headings and statements of export intervals shown on the label must be printed in boldface, sans-serif, capital letters of not less than 1.5 mm in height.

13.4. Best practice guide

The APVMA considers the inclusion of trade information on the label to be essential where chemicals are used on crop commodities generally accepted as stockfood.

Where export intervals (EIs) are proposed or required to minimise any trade risks to key export trade commodities, applicants should include the actual export interval value on the label, unless more appropriate industry-based strategies have been determined in consultation with the commodity industry.

Some examples of EI statements are:

LIVESTOCK DESTINED FOR EXPORT MARKETS
The grazing withholding period only applies to stock slaughtered for the domestic market. Some export markets apply different standards. To meet these standards, ensure that in addition to complying with the grazing withholding period, the export slaughter interval is observed before stock are sold or slaughtered.
EXPORT SLAUGHTER INTERVAL (ESI) [X] DAYS
Livestock that has grazed on or been fed treated crops should be placed on clean feed for [x] days prior to slaughter.
EXPORT GRAZING INTERVAL (EG) – [XX] DAYS (Y WEEKS)
Livestock that have been grazing on treated crops should not be sold for export slaughter for [xx] days ([y] weeks) after application of the chemical product unless the export slaughter interval has been observed.
EXPORT ANIMAL FEED INTERVAL (EAFI) (NOMINATED FEEDSTUFF) – [XX] DAYS
A minimum period of [xx] days must elapse between the application of [chemical product name] and grazing or cutting the treated pasture as stockfeed for livestock intended for export.

For crop commodities listed in the crop commodities requirements, where time beyond the WHP is not required to minimise trade risk – and hence an EI that is different from the WHP is ‘not required’ – the APVMA again anticipates that you will include on the label a statement that indicates this, for example:

EXPORT GRAZING INTERVAL – same as the grazing withholding period.

13.5. Other trade advice

If specific EIs are not required or included on a label (for example, where affected commodities are not key trade commodities), but at the conclusion of the withholding period there are residues present that are above the analytical limit of quantification (LOQ) (that is, quantifiable residues), the APVMA expects you to include an appropriate generic statement on the label of products used on food crops or stockfoods. 

Suggested generic ‘Trade advice’ statements are given below.

EXPORT OF TREATED PRODUCE: Growers should note that maximum residue limits (MRLs) or import tolerances may not exist in all markets for [edible produce name] treated with [chemical product name]. If you are growing [edible produce name] for export, please check with [company name, industry body, etc.] for the latest information on MRLs and import tolerances before using [chemical product name].

Example of a statement on products used for direct application to food crops:

EXPORT TRADE ADVICE – TREATED CROPS: Treated crop commodities destined for export may require extra time between application and harvest to be accepted in some export markets. Before you use this product, you are advised to contact [company name] and/or your industry body about any potential trade issues and their management.

Example of a statement used – in conjunction with other statements where appropriate – if a product’s use on food crops raises animal commodity trade issues:

EXPORT TRADE ADVICE – LIVESTOCK: Consumption by livestock of any materials previously treated with this product may produce residues in the animal that might not be acceptable in some export markets. Before you use this product you are advised to contact [company name] and/or the relevant livestock industry body about any potential trade issues and their management. You should also be prepared to inform other livestock producers, who intend using the material as stockfeed, of its chemical exposure history.

14. General instructions

14.1. Relevant particulars

General instructions include any information that the user needs to be made aware of that is not already included under the ‘Directions for use’ statement or elsewhere on the label.

14.2. Layout and placement

If general instructions are required on a label, they must be set out clearly under the heading:

General Instructions

14.3. Legibility

There are requirements for other wording. For example, the wording on a label for which there is no minimum type size specified elsewhere must have a minimum letter height of 1.5 mm, which equals 6 points. Letters with ascenders or descenders (such as b, f, g, h, l, t, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1.5 mm in height. Letters without ascenders or descenders (such as a, e, i, o, u, m, r, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1 mm in height.

14.4. Best practice guide

Under the ‘General instructions’ heading, you may include information on:

• the mode of action of the product
• the equipment needed to apply the product, including information to correctly calibrate the application equipment
• the use, maintenance and cleaning of application equipment
• compatibility of the product with other products and the use of adjuvants
• how to mix the product, including general tank mixing information
• re-cropping intervals or conditions required for safe planting of following crops
• any matters relating to all use patterns in the ‘Directions for use’ statement, but not specific enough to be included as critical comments or restraints.

14.5. Spray drift management

For products subject to spray drift, the requirements in the Agricultural Labelling Code on spray drift must be complied with.

15. Resistance warnings

15.1. Required information

Where a label is required to include a ‘Mode of action’ indicator, the label must also include a warning that identifies the ‘Mode of action’ group to which any active constituent belongs and warns that weeds, insects or diseases may develop resistance to products of that group and this will reduce the effectiveness of the product.

The resistance groups and warning statements are established by CropLife Australia reference groups. Details of the resistance groups and resistance management strategies are available on the CropLife website.

15.2. Layout and placement

Where these statements are required, they must be placed following any other general instructions, using the headings specified below.

15.3. Legibility

There are requirements for other wording. For example, the wording on a label for which there is no minimum type size specified elsewhere must have a minimum letter height of 1.5 mm, which equals 6 points. Letters with ascenders or descenders (such as b, f, g, h, l, t, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1.5 mm in height. Letters without ascenders or descenders (such as a, e, i, o, u, m, r, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1 mm in height.

15.4. Best practice guide

15.4.1. Herbicide resistance warning

A warning about resistant weeds must be included in the general instructions for all herbicide products (except home garden products) under the subheading:

Resistant Weeds Warning

The statement should also be included in all product literature.

The standard statement is:

[Trade name] herbicide is a member of the [chemical group] group of herbicides. The product has the [mode of action group] mode of action. For weed resistance management, the product is a Group [group letter] herbicide.

Some naturally occurring weed biotypes resistant to the product and other Group [group letter] herbicides may exist through normal genetic variability in any weed population. The resistant individuals can eventually dominate the weed population if these herbicides are used repeatedly. These resistant weeds will not be controlled by this product or other Group [group letter] herbicides.
Since the occurrence of resistant weeds is difficult to detect prior to use, [company name] accepts no liability for any losses that may result from the failure of this product to control resistant weeds.

Companies may expand on this with specific ‘Do or do not’ statements required to properly manage the risk of herbicide resistance to their product or its mode(s) of action.

15.4.2. Fungicide resistance warning

For all fungicides, a warning must be included under the subheading:

Fungicide Resistance Warnings

This subheading should be under the ‘General instructions’ heading for all fungicide products, except home garden products and products for ‘industrial’ purposes (for example, timber treatments, antifouling paints). The statement should also be included in any product literature.

15.4.3. Fungicides with a single active constituent

The following ‘Mode of action’ indicator and warning should be used on all products containing a single active constituent:

 

Fungicide Resistance Warning

[Trade name] is a member of the [mode of action] group of fungicides. For fungicide resistance management the product is a Group [group number/letter] fungicide.

Some naturally occurring individual fungi resistant to the product and other Group [group number/letter] fungicides may exist through normal genetic variability in any fungal population. The resistant individuals can eventually dominate the fungal population if these fungicides are used repeatedly. These resistant fungi will not be controlled by this product or other Group [group number/letter] fungicides, thus resulting in a reduction in efficacy and possible yield loss.

Since the occurrence of resistant fungi is difficult to detect prior to use, [company name] accepts no liability for any losses that may result from the failure of this product to control resistant fungi.

Note: The first sentence of the ‘Fungicide resistance warning’ statement can be omitted for fungicides with multi-site activity.

Companies may expand on this statement with specific ‘Do or do not’ statements required to properly manage the risk of fungicide resistance to their product or its mode(s) of action.

15.4.4. Fungicides with 2 active constituents

The following ‘Mode of action’ indicator and warning should appear on all fungicides containing 2 active constituents:

 

Fungicide Resistance Warning

[Trade name] is a combination of a [mode of action] and a [Activity Group] fungicide. For fungicide resistance management, the product is both a Group [group number/letter] and a Group [group number/letter] fungicide.

Some naturally occurring individual fungi resistant to the product and other Group [group number/letter] and/or Group [group number/letter] fungicides may exist through normal genetic variability in any fungal population. The resistant individuals can eventually dominate the fungi population if these fungicides are used repeatedly. These resistant fungi will not be controlled by this product and other Group [group number/letter] and/or Group [group number/letter] fungicides, thus resulting in a reduction in efficacy and possible yield loss.

Since the occurrence of resistant fungi is difficult to detect prior to use, [company name] accepts no liability for any losses that may result from the failure of this product to control resistant fungi.

Note: The reference to the activity group may be omitted for active constituents with multi-site activity.

Companies may expand on this statement with specific ‘Do or do not’ statements required to properly manage the risk of fungicide resistance to their product or its mode(s) of action.

15.4.5. Insecticide resistance warning

A warning about insecticide resistance must be included under the subheading:

Insecticide Resistance Warning

This subheading must be located under the ‘General instructions’ heading for all insecticide products, except home garden products. The statement should also be included in all product literature.

15.4.6. Insecticides with a single active constituent

The following ‘Mode of action’ indicator and warning should be used on all products containing a single active constituent:

Companies may expand on this with specific ‘Do or do not’ statements required to properly manage the risks of insecticide resistance to their product or its mode(s) of action.

15.4.7. Insecticides with 2 active constituents

The following ‘Mode of action’ indicator and warning should appear on all insecticides containing 2 active constituents:

16. Compatibility statements

16.1. Required information

The inclusion of general information on compatibility is not a relevant particular of a label and is not mandatory. This statement is not checked or considered by the APVMA in approving a label.

If it is necessary to warn of specific incompatibility of the product with other products, you must do this in the ‘General instructions’ section. This would be considered by the APVMA in approving the label.

16.2. Best practice guide

If a ‘Compatibility’ statement is included on the label, all products listed in the ‘Compatibility’ section must be registered (at the time of label approval) and should be suitable for mixing with the product.

17. ‘Precaution’ statements

17.1. Relevant particulars

The label must include any ‘Precaution’ statements necessary to minimise health risks to humans or animals from approved uses of a product. Such risks may be due to direct or indirect exposure to the product or treated materials, or from contamination of food, clothing or housing by the product.

17.2. Layout and placement

If these statements are required on a label, they must be set out clearly under the heading:

Precautions

17.3. Legibility

There are requirements for other wording. For example, the wording on a label for which there is no minimum type size specified elsewhere must have a minimum letter height of 1.5 mm, which equals 6 points. Letters with ascenders or descenders (such as b, f, g, h, l, t, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1.5 mm in height. Letters without ascenders or descenders (such as a, e, i, o, u, m, r, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1 mm in height.

17.4. Best practice guide

‘Precaution’ statements aim to minimise health risks to humans or animals from approved use(s) of a product. Such risks may be due to direct exposure to the product or from contamination of food by the product. Statements relating only to hazards to animals should be placed in the protections section and statements designed to minimise residues in food-producing animals should be placed in the withholding period's section.

You can choose a statement from the examples listed below, or use another as appropriate to the product and its use:

Do not use treated seed for animal or human consumption. Do not allow treated seed to contaminate grain or other seed intended for animal or human consumption. Do not feed treated seed, or otherwise expose, to wild or domestic birds.

Avoid contact with food, food utensils, or places where food is prepared or stored.

Before use, remove or cover all exposed foodstuffs. Cover all dishes and utensils, and places where food is prepared or stored.

Use only as a surface spray. For application only to floors, cracks, crevices, under and behind furniture, furniture or fittings, or lower parts of walls.

Do not mix in steel tank, etc. (as for glyphosate).

17.5. Re-entry periods

An agricultural chemical product may be required to carry a statement about entry into treated crops or areas. In such cases, the ‘Re-entry’ statements must be included in the ‘Precaution’ section under the heading:

Re-entry Period

Some examples of ‘Re-entry’ statements are:

Do not allow entry into treated areas for [x hours/days] after treatment. When prior entry is necessary, wear [list appropriate protective clothing]. Clothing must be washed after each day’s use.

After use, wait [x hours/days] after treatment, then thoroughly ventilate treated area. Clean thoroughly before processing/serving resumes.

18. ‘Protection’ statements

18.1. Relevant particulars

The label must include ‘Protection’ statements necessary to minimise hazards to crops, native and other non-target plants, livestock (including bees), wildlife, fish, crustaceans and the environment through approved use of the product.

18.2. Layout and placement

If these statements are required on a label, they must be set out clearly under the following headings, as appropriate to a product and its uses:

Protection of crops, native and other non-target plants

The label must include any instructions relevant to the protection of crops, native plants and other non-target plants.

Protection of livestock

The label must include any instructions relevant to the protection of livestock, including bees.

Protection of wildlife, fish, crustaceans and environment

The label must include any instructions relevant to the protection of wildlife, fish, crustaceans and the environment.

18.3. Legibility

There are requirements for other wording. For example, the wording on a label for which there is no minimum type size specified elsewhere must have a minimum letter height of 1.5 mm, which equals 6 points. Letters with ascenders or descenders (such as b, f, g, h, l, t, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1.5 mm in height. Letters without ascenders or descenders (such as a, e, i, o, u, m, r, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1 mm in height.

18.4. Best practice guide

‘Protection’ statements (as relevant to the properties of the product) should be selected from the examples listed below or appropriate statements for particular products and situations should be submitted for approval.

18.4.1. Protection of crops, native and other non-target plants

The following general statement must be included on herbicides under the heading:

Protection of crops, native and other non-target plants:

DO NOT apply under weather conditions, or from spraying equipment, that may cause spray to drift onto nearby susceptible plants, crops, cropping lands or pastures.

The above statement may be included on labels for other products where relevant.

The following additional statement must also be included on phenoxy herbicides and other Group I herbicides:

Avoid spray drift and vapour movement onto susceptible crops such as cotton, tobacco, tomatoes, vines, lupins, fruit trees and ornamentals.

Note: Ester formulations require both statements. However, for amine formulations, the latter statement (on vapour movement) may be deleted.

18.4.2. Protection of livestock

Statements necessary to minimise hazards to livestock should be placed in this section. However, statements necessary to prevent residues in exposed livestock should be included in the withholding period's section of the label.

For example ‘DO NOT feed treated grain to animals, including poultry’ would be placed in this section only if there was a potential for the grain to be directly poisonous to livestock with no associated residues risk. Where there is BOTH a risk to livestock and a need for residues management, a statement should appear in both the withholding periods and protection of livestock sections. Examples of statements that may be included (where relevant) on products under the heading:

Protection of livestock:

DO NOT place baits in locations that are accessible to domestic animals, livestock, non-target native animals or birds.

DO NOT graze treated turf or lawn; or feed turf or lawn clippings from any treated area to poultry or livestock.

Before use: remove animals; remove or cover all feed, feed troughs, water troughs, and milking or [specify other] equipment.

After use: Wait [x hours/days] after treatment, then thoroughly ventilate treated area. Clean up thoroughly before allowing re-entry of animals. (This statement is for use in animal housing)

[DO NOT feed treated grain to animals, including poultry.] if appropriate [For bee protection statements see 18.4.3 below]

18.4.3. Protection of honey bees and other insect pollinators

Statements related to the protection of honey bees and other insect pollinators should be included on the label under the following heading:

Protection of honey bees and other insect pollinators

Statements relating to the protection of managed honey bees and other managed insect pollinators are provided in Section 10 of the APVMA Roadmap for insect pollinator risk assessment in Australia 5 tables (Tables 11 to 15) provide suggested statements to be included on the label.

18.4.4. Protection of wildlife, fish, crustaceans and environment

Examples of statements that may be included (where relevant) under the heading:

Protection of wildlife, fish, crustaceans and environment

Dangerous to fish.

Very toxic to fish.

Dangerous to fish and other aquatic organisms.

Harmful to fish and toxic to aquatic invertebrates.

Highly toxic to fish and very highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates.

DO NOT contaminate streams, rivers or watercourses with the chemical or used containers.

DO NOT apply to weeds growing in or over water.

DO NOT spray across open bodies of water.

Highly toxic to birds – incorporation and/or irrigation according to label directions is vital in order to reduce exposure.

Withhold irrigation as long as possible.

Irrigation should be delayed at least [x] days following treatment.

After spraying, first-flush irrigation tailwater or storm run-off from land treated with [product name] should be prevented from entering natural waterways.

Retain all tailwater for [x] days following treatment with [product name].

Do not discharge treated water for [x] days after treatment.

This product contains active materials that can have detrimental effects on marine life. DO NOT contaminate waterways with paint, dust and scrapings or with used containers.

19. ‘Storage and disposal’ statements

19.1. ‘Storage’ statements

19.1.1. Required information

Suitable instructions on the storage of the product must be included on the label. If the product is included in Schedule 7 of the current Poisons Standard, these storage instructions must include the instruction that the product must be stored in a locked room or place away from children, animals, food, feedstuffs, seed and fertilisers.

19.1.2. Layout and placement

‘Storage and disposal’ statements must be set out clearly under the heading:

Storage and Disposal

If not required in the signal heading, the following statement can be shown first:

Keep out of reach of children

19.1.3. Legibility

There are requirements for other wording. For example, the wording on a label for which there is no minimum type size specified elsewhere must have a minimum letter height of 1.5 mm, which equals 6 points. Letters with ascenders or descenders (such as b, f, g, h, l, t, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1.5 mm in height. Letters without ascenders or descenders (such as a, e, i, o, u, m, r, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1 mm in height.

19.1.4. Best practice guide

If a container or package (for example, a carton) or its contents may be significantly damaged by moisture, the following statement should be used:

Store in the closed, original container in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight.

If a container or package is impermeable to moisture (for example, steel drums with weather-proof labels), the following statement is acceptable:

Store in the closed, original container in a cool, well-ventilated area. Do not store for prolonged periods in direct sunlight.

Storage directions that differ from those above may be used for products needing specific storage conditions to maintain the chemical and physical integrity of the material or package for at least 2 years (or until the expiry date). For these products, the following statement may also be included:

The product is stable for [x] years if stored as indicated above.

Refer to Date of manufacture and/or expiry date of product for further information on date-controlled products.

19.1.5. Home garden and domestic pest-control products

For home garden and domestic pest-control products, ‘Storage and disposal’ statements should be set out clearly under the heading:

STORAGE AND DISPOSAL

Aerosol products should be marked as follows:

Keep in a cool place out of the sun, and out of the reach of children. Do not incinerate or puncture this can, even when empty. Dispose of can by putting in garbage, or leaving it at an appropriate metal recycling collection point.

For all other types of packaging, home garden and domestic pest-control products require the following statement:

Store in the closed, original container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children. Do not store in direct sunlight. Dispose of empty container by wrapping in paper, placing in plastic bag and putting in garbage.

19.2. ‘Disposal’ statements

19.2.1. Relevant particulars

You must include suitable instructions about the proper method of disposing of excess prepared spray, spent dip (if applicable), empty containers and other packaging.

19.2.2. Layout and placement

‘Storage and disposal’ statements must be set out clearly under the heading:

Storage and Disposal

19.2.3. Legibility

There are requirements for other wording. For example, the wording on a label for which there is no minimum type size specified elsewhere must have a minimum letter height of 1.5 mm, which equals 6 points. Letters with ascenders or descenders (such as b, f, g, h, l, t, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1.5 mm in height. Letters without ascenders or descenders (such as a, e, i, o, u, m, r, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1 mm in height.

19.2.4. Best practice guide

Reference to drumMUSTER should be included for eligible container types.

Examples of acceptable disposal instructions for various container types are listed below.

Note: You may include disposal directions that differ from those listed below as long as you provide a justification to support those proposed statements.

19.2.5. Refillable containers

Empty contents fully into application equipment. Close all valves and return to [point of supply/designated collection point/other specific collection details] for refill or storage.

19.2.6. Metal drums and plastic containers

Triple-rinse containers before disposal. Add rinsings to spray tank. Do not dispose of undiluted chemicals on site. If recycling, replace cap and return clean containers to recycler or designated collection point.

If not recycling, break, crush, or puncture and deliver empty packaging to an approved waste management facility. If an approved waste management facility is not available, bury the empty packaging 500 mm below the surface in a disposal pit specifically marked and set up for this purpose, clear of waterways, desirable vegetation and tree roots, in compliance with relevant local, state or territory government regulations. Do not burn empty containers or product.

19.2.7. Paper or cardboard containers and paper material bags

Shake and empty contents into spray tank/water/dip/drench, etc. Do not dispose of undiluted chemicals on site. Break, crush, or puncture and deliver empty packaging to an approved waste management facility. If an approved waste management facility is not available, bury the empty packaging 500 mm below the surface in a disposal pit specifically marked and set up for this purpose, clear of waterways, desirable vegetation and tree roots, in compliance with relevant local, state or territory government regulations. Do not burn empty containers or product.

19.2.8. Plastic and foil bags

Single-rinse or shake remainder into spray tank/water/dip/drench, etc. Do not dispose of undiluted chemicals on site. Puncture and deliver empty packaging to an approved waste management facility. If an approved waste management facility is not available, bury the empty packaging 500 mm below the surface in a disposal pit specifically marked and set up for this purpose, clear of waterways, desirable vegetation and tree roots, in compliance with relevant local, state or territory government regulations. Do not burn empty containers or product.

19.2.9. Glass bottles

Triple-rinse containers before disposal. Add rinsings to spray tank. Do not dispose of undiluted chemicals on site. If recycling, replace cap and return clean containers to recycler or designated collection point.

If not recycling, deliver empty packaging to an approved waste management facility. If an approved waste management facility is not available, bury the empty packaging 500 mm below the surface in a disposal pit specifically marked and set up for this purpose, clear of waterways, desirable vegetation and tree roots, in compliance with relevant local, state or territory government regulations. Do not burn empty containers or product.

19.2.10. Containers for formulations that are used undiluted or not applied via a spray tank

For formulations that are not diluted with water before use (ultra-low volume, ready-to-use, etc.) and that are not applied via a spray tank, the following statement should be used:

Triple-rinse containers before disposal. Dispose of rinsate or any undiluted chemical according to state/territory legislative requirements.

If recycling, replace cap and return clean containers to recycler or designated collection point.

If not recycling, break, crush or puncture and deliver empty packaging to an approved waste management facility. If an approved waste management facility is not available, bury the empty packaging 500 mm below the surface in a disposal pit specifically marked and set up for this purpose, clear of waterways, desirable vegetation and tree roots, in compliance with relevant local, state or territory government regulations. Do not burn empty containers or product.

19.2.11. Spent dips

For spent dips, the following statement should be used:

When the product can be used as a post-harvest dip appropriate instructions must be included as to the correct method of disposing of the dip contents. This information may also include a method for neutralising the active constituent in the dip prior to disposal. The applicant should provide an appropriate statement.

19.2.12. Containers accompanied by a leaflet

If a label leaflet is to be used as part of the label for various containers that have different disposal instructions, the following ‘Disposal’ statement may be shown on the label leaflet in place of the full disposal instructions:

The method of disposal of the container depends on the container type. Read the ‘Storage and disposal’ instructions on the label that is attached to the container.

19.2.13. drumMUSTER containers

For eligible drumMUSTER containers that are used undiluted or are not applied via a spray tank, you may use the following statement in place of the recycling statements listed above for drumMUSTER:

This container can be recycled if it is clean, dry, free of visible residues and has the drumMUSTER logo visible. Triple-rinse container for disposal. Dispose of rinsate or any undiluted chemical according to state legislative requirements. Wash outside of the container and the cap. Store cleaned container in a sheltered place with cap removed. It will then be acceptable for recycling at any drumMUSTER collection or similar container management program site. The cap should not be replaced, but may be taken separately.

For eligible drumMUSTER containers for products that are applied via a spray tank, you may use the following statement:

This container can be recycled if it is clean, dry, free of visible residues and has the drumMUSTER logo visible. Triple-rinse container for disposal. Dispose of rinsate by adding it to the spray tank. Do not dispose of undiluted chemical on site. Wash outside of the container and the cap. Store cleaned container in a sheltered place with cap removed. It will then be acceptable for recycling at any drumMUSTER collection or similar container management program site. The cap should not be replaced, but may be taken separately.

19.2.14. QuikPour containers

For QuikPour containers the following statement may be used:

Triple- or preferably pressure-rinse inner bladder before disposal. Add rinsings to spray tank. DO NOT dispose of undiluted chemicals on site. If recycling, replace cap and return clean packaging to recycler or designated collection point. If not recycling, deliver empty packaging to an approved waste management facility. If an approved waste management facility is not available, bury the empty packaging 500 mm below the surface in a disposal pit specifically marked and set up for this purpose, clear of waterways, desirable vegetation and tree roots, in compliance with relevant local, state or territory government regulations. DO NOT burn empty containers or product.

20. Safety directions

20.1. Relevant particulars

The label must include safety directions that relate to safety in handling, mixing and using of the product. Guidance is given in the First Aid Instruction and Safety Directions (FAISD) Handbook, which contains information on first aid instructions, safety directions, warning statements and general safety precautions for agricultural and veterinary chemicals, published by the APVMA. Safety directions are product-specific and apply regardless of scheduling considerations related to the product. ‘Safety directions’ statements for a product are determined by the APVMA during product evaluation.

Safety directions are statements included on product labels that specify human hazards, precautions and instructions for handling, mixing and using the product safely.

If no safety direction listing in the FAISD Handbook appears applicable for your product you must apply to the APVMA to obtain an appropriate statement. Statements additional to those listed as mandatory in the FAISD Handbook may be included as Additional user safety information (see section below), provided they are reasonable and do not contradict the mandatory statements.

20.2. Layout and placement

Where safety directions are required on a label, the following heading must precede them:

SAFETY DIRECTIONS

Safety directions must be shown first, followed by first aid instructions. Safety directions and first aid instructions must be visible at all times without having to open packaging or leaflets.

20.2.1. Legibility

There are requirements for other wording. For example, the wording on a label for which there is no minimum type size specified elsewhere must have a minimum letter height of 1.5 mm, which equals 6 points. Letters with ascenders or descenders (such as b, f, g, h, l, t, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1.5 mm in height. Letters without ascenders or descenders (such as a, e, i, o, u, m, r, etc.) are to be a minimum of 1 mm in height.

20.2.2. Best practice guide

The heading must be in boldface, sans-serif capital letters of not less than 1.5 mm in height.

If a leaflet or booklet (or similar) is used for some instructions, the safety directions must be visible without the need to access and open the leaflet or booklet. They must be on the label that is firmly attached to the container.

The statements may be set out in point form.

21. First aid instructions

21.1. Relevant particulars

The label must include first aid instructions from the First Aid Instruction and Safety Directions (FAISD) Handbook, which contains information on first aid instructions, safety directions, warning statements and general safety precautions for agricultural and veterinary chemicals, published by the APVMA. First aid instructions are substance-specific. First aid instructions specify the initial action to be taken to counteract the effects of exposure to the product.

In general, a First aid instruction ‘a’ (see below) should appear on the label of all agricultural and veterinary chemical products unless indicated otherwise. If no ‘First aid’ statement in the FAISD Handbook is appropriate, you must apply to the APVMA to obtain an appropriate statement.

Other substance-specific standard statements in the FAISD Handbook apply only to substances in agricultural and veterinary chemical products registered by the APVMA when present in concentrations at which they would be scheduled as poisons. ‘First aid’ statements for a product are determined by the APVMA during product evaluation.

21.2. Layout and placement

First aid instructions must be preceded by the heading:

FIRST AID

They must be visible at all times without the need to open packaging or leaflets.

21.3. Legibility

The heading must be in boldface, sans-serif capital letters of not less than 1.5 mm in height.

21.4. Best practice guide

Please keep in mind the following advice when creating a ‘First aid’ statement:

• Statement ‘a’:
  If poisoning occurs, contact a doctor or Poisons Information Centre. Phone Australia 13 11 26, New Zealand 0800 764 766.

Additional First aid instructions statements are generally not permitted.

If a leaflet or booklet (or similar) is used for some instructions, the first aid instructions must be visible without the need to access and open the leaflet or booklet. The instructions must be on the label, which must be firmly attached to the container.

22. Batch number

22.1. Required information

The inclusion of a batch number is required by the Agvet Code Regulations.

22.2. Layout and placement

The batch number must be shown on the label, or be suitably affixed to the label or container before the containers of the product are released for supply.

The batch number should comprise either numbers or letters, or a combination of numbers and letters, and must be preceded by either of the statements:

Batch Number

Batch

They can also be preceded by either of the following prefixes in a circle:

BN

B

The appropriate batch number must be printed adjacent to this heading, to ensure it is not confused with any other numerical codes. The batch number must uniquely identify each production batch and must be in English.

22.3. Best practice guide

The batch number of a product should preferably be printed on the bottom of the front panel of the label or container, or be suitably affixed to the label or container.

23. Date of manufacture and/or expiry date of product

23.1. Required information

The inclusion of the expiry date and date of manufacture is required, when applicable, by the Agvet Code Regulations.

Labels for all agricultural chemical products must include a date of manufacture. The actual date of manufacture of a product must be shown on the label, or be suitably affixed to the label or container when the container is filled with the product.

Labels must include an expiry date for those chemical products declared in the Agvet Code Regulations to be ‘date-controlled chemical products’. Both the date of manufacture and the expiry date must be included on the label for these products.

A suitable prefix must also be included to distinguish the date of manufacture from the expiry date.

23.2. Layout and placement

The date of manufacture and, when required, the expiry date must comprise numbers or letters, or a combination of numbers and letters, in English, and must include a suitable heading or prefix.

The appropriate date of manufacture and expiry date must be printed adjacent to the chosen headings or prefixes (see below), to ensure these are not confused with any other numerical codes that may also be on the label.

23.3. Best practice guide

The date of manufacture of a product and, if applicable, the expiry date, should preferably be printed on the bottom of the front panel of the label or container, or be suitably affixed to the label or container. Normally, expiry dates are only required if a product cannot be stored for at least 2 years.

Date-controlled agricultural chemical products are listed in Schedule 1 of the Agvet Code Regulations.

A suitable prefix for date of manufacture may be the prefix:

DOM

A suitable prefix for the expiry date may be the prefix:

EXP

24. APVMA label approval number

24.1. Relevant particulars

The Agvet Code Regulations require that the label include the distinguishing number of the label for the product. This number is unique to each label and is allocated by the APVMA.

24.2. Layout and placement

The following statement must be included in front of the number:

APVMA Approval No

Where label space is extremely limited, the statement, you may also place the number after:

APVMA

24.3. Best practice guide

The number should preferably be placed at the bottom of either a one-panel label or the ancillary panel of the label.

The number must not be written or displayed in any way that implies that the APVMA recommends, warrants or guarantees the use of the product. This would include using letters that are large in comparison with others on the label or prefixing the statement with words that imply that the APVMA recommends, warrants or guarantees the use of the product.

25. Dangerous goods and worker safety legislative requirements

25.1. Layout and placement

Where other legislation requires that labels include other statements or information, such as information relating to transport of dangerous goods and workplace health and safety, these statements must be shown in a distinct panel or clearly delineated box.

They must not be incorporated amongst the APVMA-required safety directions or other instructions approved by the APVMA.

25.2. Best practice guide

You must adhere to the requirements of the ADG Code – which are incorporated into relevant state and territory legislation – when labelling any products that are classified under the ADG Code as dangerous goods.

Inquiries on specific labelling issues arising from the ADG Code should be directed to one of the competent authorities listed in the code.

If the product is classified as a hazardous chemical under the Work Health and Safety Regulations, there are likely to be labelling requirements in those regulations. Inquiries on these requirements should be made of Safe Work Australia or of state or territory workplace health and safety agencies.

Reference to obtaining a safety data sheet for the product is not a relevant particular and therefore not required by the APVMA. It is nevertheless encouraged, to ensure that users are aware of their obligations under relevant state or territory work health and safety legislation. When a safety data sheet is required to be obtained under that legislation, product labels may refer users to the safety data sheet by including a statement such as the following:

Additional information is listed in the safety data sheet.