Need help navigating pesticide regulations in Canada?
Our professionals
TSG’s regulatory and scientific specialists are experienced in preparing applications for all varieties of pesticide products, tracking progress through to registration and responding to questions that arise during PMRA’s review. Our experts have good working relationships with PMRA and extensive familiarity with scientific approaches that are unique to Canada. TSG’s Canadian team is led by Laurie Tyo, who has over 20 years of experience assisting clients in the preparation of Canadian registration applications.
Frequently asked questions
PCPA defines a pesticide as “any product, device, organism or substance that is used for directly or indirectly controlling, preventing, destroying, mitigating, attracting or repelling pests”.
The use of pesticides is regulated by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency via the Pest Control Products Act. A program of pre-market scientific assessment, enforcement, education and information dissemination are shared among federal, provincial/territorial and municipal governments. It is a complex process, governed by various Acts, regulations, guidelines, directives and by-laws. TSG’s team has close working relationships with the PMRA and can help clients navigate pesticide regulation in Canada.
This is a little like answering how long is a piece of string but depending on the product involved the process can take anywhere from months to years. The quality of the original submission is paramount as is following process and maintaining good communication with the PRMA. Delays occur when forms need to be resubmitted because of incomplete or inaccurate submissions. At TSG we pride ourselves on being able to expedite the process for our clients.
Registrations need to be kept up-to-date and are typically renewed every 5 years. In cases where it is determined that the risk or value should be reviewed more frequently, a shorter registration term may be granted. Again, renewals are something that TSG can help with. We operate a comprehensive renewals’ service where we have an effective database for keeping clients’ products compliant.
Canada does not have a minimum risk pesticide exemption – all pesticides are required to be registered.
When required data or studies are not submitted to support a data requirement, the applicant may submit a request for a waiver of the requirement based on a scientific rationale or the use of surrogate data. At TSG, we assist clients in preparing data waivers.
Under the Pest Control Products Act, all registrants who do not reside in Canada will be required to designate a resident Canadian Representative. Section 62(2)(a) states that this person and address is to whom and where all regulatory correspondence will be sent for all products and submissions belonging to that registrant. A person must be physically present in Canada to represent a foreign registrant. Registrants outside of North America are required to have on the label the name, postal address and telephone number of a contact person in Canada to which public inquiries may be directed. TSG acts as the Canadian Representative for many clients, providing strategic guidance in addition to the registered office address.
