19 February 2010
HC Pub: 100059
ISBN: 978-1-100-14625-6 (print version)
ISBN: 978-1-100-14626-3 (PDF version)
Catalogue number: H113-8/2010-4E (print version)
Catalogue number: H113-8/2010-4E-PDF (PDF version)

Help on accessing alternative formats, such as Portable Document Format (PDF), Microsoft Word and PowerPoint (PPT) files, can be obtained in the alternate format help section.

On this page:

• Instructions for Preparing Comments
• Pesticide Labelling Framework
  • Background
  • Objectives
  • Scope
  • Regulatory Context
  • Policy Statement
  • Labelling Activities
  • Effective Date

Instructions for Preparing Comments

Health Canada's Pest Regulatory Management Agency (PMRA) invites comments from all those interested in ensuring that information on labels of all classes of pest control products in Canada is clearly presented and understandable, while minimizing the impact of making label changes on registrants and the government. This document proposes activities in support of the framework's objectives.

This pesticide labelling framework is proposed to be implemented voluntarily. The PMRA will recommend that registrants use this framework when developing or amending new labels for end-use products.

The PMRA will accept written comments from the public on this proposed pesticide labelling framework up to 90 days of publication of this document.

To assist in undertaking an effective consultation, please consider the following when preparing your feedback:

• Explain your views as clearly and as concisely as possible.
• Be sure to distinguish between what you support and what you object to in the proposal.
• Provide the rationale for your views and concerns, and whenever possible support these with facts, data or specific examples.
• Offer alternative wording or approaches.
• Describe any assumptions that you used.
• If you have concerns regarding the potential burden of costs of implementing the proposal or certain aspects of it, please provide: specific information about the nature of those burdens and costs; an estimate of the costs; an explanation of how you arrived at the estimate; and any suggestions for how costs could be reduced.
• Provide copies of any technical information or data you used in your comments.

Send your written comments by e-mail, fax or regular mail to Publications. The PMRA will consider all comments received before making a final decision on this proposed pesticide labelling framework.

Pesticide Labelling Framework

Background

A pesticide label is a legal document that serves the important role of informing users of a product's proper use and its potential hazards. As such, the label information must be clearly written and presented to help users comply with the instructions and minimize the risks associated with the product's use.

This labelling framework of the PMRA is being proposed in support of continuously improving product labelling and minimizing the risks associated with pesticide use.

Objectives

The objectives of this pesticide labelling framework are to ensure that information on labels of all classes of pest control products in Canada is clearly presented and understandable, and to minimize the impact of making label changes on registrants and the government.

Scope

This framework applies to the review of all pest control product labels:

• during registration;
• during re-evaluation; and
• when product amendments are made.

Regulatory Context

Sections 22 to 33 of the Pest Control Products Regulations describe the requirements for presenting information on pesticide labels, and the PMRA publishes specific requirements in the form of Registration Decisions (RD and RDD series), Re-evaluation Decisions (RVD and RRD series) and Regulatory Notes (REG series). Information for preparing labels is also provided on the Pesticides and Pest Management portion of Health Canada's website in the form of Directives, a bilingual labelling lexicon, and a Checklist of Labelling Requirements.

Section 23 of the Pest Control Products Regulations requires information on pesticide labels to be presented in a manner that is clearly legible and indelible, and in such a way that graphic designs and symbols do not detract from or obscure the required information. There are no regulations that specifically define criteria for legibility, design or comprehensibility of information presented on pesticide labels.

Policy Statement

Information presented on all pesticide labels will meet the requirements of the Pest Control Products Regulations in order to protect the health and environment of Canadians, and be clearly legible and understandable in both official languages.

Labelling Activities

To achieve its labelling objectives, the PMRA will:

• consult with Canadians when developing labelling directives and guidelines;
• develop guidance for registrants to promote label readability and comprehension by users;
• coordinate the implementation phases of any broad label amendments;
• make all label text available and searchable on its website;
• provide consistent advice on labelling requirements;
• work with registrants to ensure their proposed label amendments satisfy the provisions of the Pest Control Products Act and Regulations, the Agency's pesticide labelling framework, and associated labelling guidelines; and
• pursue international regulatory collaboration, which includes:
  • learning from international best practices, and
  • considering any new information pertaining to labelling and packaging.

Industry will:

• use product-specific PMRA-prescribed and/or approved text for labels;
• consult PMRA directives and guidance documents when drafting labels; and
• draft labels based on final decisions (Registration Decisions and Re-evaluation Decisions) as opposed to consultation documents open for public comment such as Proposed Registration Decisions and Proposed Re-evaluation Decisions.

Effective Date

With respect to the review of pesticide labelling, this framework is effective upon its date of publication and will be implemented as directives and guidance on the preparation of labels are published.