Regulatory Glossary

Pesticide products that meet EPA criteria for exemption from registration, using only approved low-risk active and inert ingredients.

The component of a pesticide product that prevents, destroys, repels, or mitigates the target pest or provides plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant effects.

The requirement for registrants to report incidents of harm to humans, animals, or the environment associated with pesticide use.

Marketing statements about a pesticide's performance, safety, or benefits. Under FIFRA, advertising claims must be consistent with the EPA-approved label.

An amendment requires EPA approval before implementation (e.g., adding claims, changing active ingredients). A notification informs EPA of changes but doesn't require pre-approval (e.g., minor formulation changes, new distributor).

A targeted study designed to connect existing data (e.g., from a similar product) to a new product, reducing the need for a full data package.

Monetary fines assessed by EPA for FIFRA violations. Penalties can reach up to $25,000 per violation per day for companies.

A temporary EPA registration granted when certain data requirements are waived or deferred, subject to conditions that must be met later.

Steps taken by a company to remedy FIFRA violations and prevent recurrence, often required by EPA as part of an enforcement settlement.

The requirement for later registrants to compensate original data generators for use of their studies when seeking registration of similar products.

The scientific studies and test results EPA requires to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and environmental impact of a pesticide before granting registration.

Required label statements explaining how to properly and safely apply the pesticide product, including rates, timing, application methods, and use sites.

Under FIFRA, any transfer of a pesticide product in commerce, including sales, shipments, and transfers between facilities—even within the same company.

Test results demonstrating that a pesticide product performs as claimed against the target pests under labeled conditions.

Formal regulatory action taken by EPA or state agencies in response to FIFRA violations, including warnings, penalties, stop-sales, and criminal prosecution.

The unique identifier assigned by EPA to each registered pesticide product, displayed on the label in the format: XXXXX-YYYY or XXXXX-YYYY-ZZZ.

The final printed label, including all text, graphics, and claims, that has been reviewed and accepted by EPA as part of the registration process.

A unique number assigned by EPA to each facility that produces or distributes pesticide products, required on all pesticide labels.

The EPA approval process required before a pesticide product can be legally distributed or sold in the United States.

The combination of active ingredient(s) and inert ingredients in a final pesticide product ready for sale and use.

EPA standards for conducting and documenting studies submitted to support pesticide registrations, ensuring data quality and integrity.

The U.S. entity responsible for ensuring imported pesticide products comply with EPA and FIFRA requirements upon entry.

Any ingredient in a pesticide product that is not an active ingredient, such as solvents, carriers, surfactants, or stabilizers.

EPA or state authority review of facilities, records, labels, and products to verify FIFRA compliance.

Under FIFRA, 'labeling' includes all written, printed, or graphic matter on or accompanying the pesticide product at any time—not just what's on the container.

A pesticide is considered misbranded if its labeling is false or misleading, lacks required information, or makes claims not supported by the EPA registration.

A formal letter from EPA notifying a company of regulatory violations and providing an opportunity to respond or take corrective action before penalties are assessed.

Any substance or mixture of substances intended to prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate any pest, or intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant.

An instrument or contrivance (other than a firearm) intended to trap, destroy, repel, or mitigate pests, or intended to destroy, repel, or mitigate fungi, nematodes, or viruses.

The requirement to maintain records of pesticide sales, purchases, inventory, and distribution for inspection by EPA or state authorities.

The person or company that holds the EPA registration for a pesticide product and is legally responsible for the product's compliance.

Pesticides classified by EPA as requiring special handling due to toxicity or environmental concerns. Can only be applied by certified applicators.

Additional registration required by most states before a pesticide can be sold within that state, even if it has EPA registration.

A regulatory order prohibiting the sale, use, or distribution of a pesticide product until violations are corrected.

A company that distributes a pesticide under its own brand name or label, but relies on another company's EPA registration.

An article or substance treated with, or containing, a pesticide to protect the article itself (e.g., treated lumber, antimicrobial paint).

EPA's decision to excuse a registrant from submitting certain required data based on scientific justification, exposure considerations, or existing knowledge.