Re-evaluation Note REV2012-19, Re-evaluation Project Plan for Imazamox

Pest Management Regulatory Agency
17 December 2012
ISSN: 1925-0649 (PDF version)
Catalogue number: H113-5/2012-19E-PDF (PDF version)

Introduction

In Canada, imazamox is under re-evaluation by Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). The PMRA's pesticide re-evaluation program considers potential risks as well as the value of pesticide products to ensure they continue to meet standards of modern science and current policy established to protect human health and the environment. Under the authority of section 16 of the  Pest Control Products Act, the registrant of imazamox was notified of the initiation of the re-evaluation of imazamox. Following this, the registrant of imazamox technical grade active ingredient in Canada indicated their intention to support all uses included on the labels of commercial products in Canada. This Re-evaluation Note outlines a project plan and timeline for review, as well as summarizes the anticipated areas of focus related to the re-evaluation of imazamox.

Imazamox is a selective early season post-emergent herbicide that has been registered in Canada since 1997. Imazamox is currently registered for alfalfa grown for seed, bird’s foot trefoil, Brassica juncea, canola, dry bean, field pea, fenugreek, soybean, sunflower and wheat (Use-Site Categories 7, 13 and14). Registered imazamox end-use products are formulated as solutions, emulsifiable concentrates or as water dispersible granules, to be applied one time per year by ground spray equipment.

The project plan discussed below outlines the anticipated areas of focus and risk assessments required to complete the re-evaluation of imazamox. Should additional information become available during the re-evaluation period that affects the regulatory status of imazamox, the PMRA will reconsider the areas of focus and risk assessments required. Currently, a proposed re evaluation decision for imazamox is anticipated to be published for consultation in 2013.

Re-evaluation Project Plan

Human Health Risk Assessment

• A review of imazamox toxicology was conducted in support of the initial registration.The toxicology database for imazamox still meets current requirements.
• Exposure assessments previously conducted to support the registered uses will be verified to ensure that health risks associated with the use of imazamox continue to be acceptable.

Environmental Risk Assessment

• Labels will be updated to reflect current standards. Buffer zones for the protection of sensitive terrestrial and aquatic habitats will be re-calculated.
• Imazamox does not meet Toxic Substances Management Policy (TSMP) Track 1 criteria.

Value

• The value of imazamox will be considered. The viability of alternatives will be examined if risks of concern are identified.

Data Requirements

• The value of imazamox will be considered. The viability of alternatives will be examined if risks of concern are identified.

Anticipated Timeline for Re-evaluation

• A proposed re-evaluation decision for imazamox is anticipated to be published for consultation in 2013.

Additional Information

PMRA documents can be found on our website at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/pmra. PMRA documents are also available through the Pest Management Information Service. Phone: 1-800-267-6315 within Canada or 1-613-736-3799 outside Canada (long distance charges apply); fax: 613-736-3798; e-mail: pmra.infoserv@hc-sc.gc.ca