Pesticides (PMRA)
Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) is responsible for pesticide regulation and derives its authority from the Pest Control Products Act (PCPA). 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”.
Canadian pesticide registration is a complex process that involves the evaluation of ingredients, extensive testing to determine the potential risks posed to human health and the environment, and the pesticide’s value which is determined by assessing the product’s efficacy. PMRA will only register a pesticide if there is sufficient scientific evidence to show that a product does not pose unacceptable health or environmental risks and that it possesses value in its use. A registration is typically granted for a term of 5 years, then subject to renewal (however, a registration term can be less than 5 years if it is determined that the risks or value should be reviewed after a shorter time period).
Pesticides regulated under PCPA include
- Antimicrobials (including preservatives, pool and spa products, and sanitizers)
- Biopesticides (including microbials and biochemicals)
- Conventionals (including agricultural products such as fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides)
TSG can help
- Prepare and submit registrations and renewals
- Assess pesticide tolerances/MRLs
- Prepare data waivers
- Act as a Canadian Agent for foreign companies