What is required for pesticides to be sold or brought into Canada?

For pesticides to be sold or imported into Canada, they must have a Pest Control Product (PCP) number, which is issued by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). This registration process ensures that the pesticide has been evaluated for safety, effectiveness, and environmental impact before it can enter the Canadian market. The PCP number indicates that the product meets Canadian regulations and provides information on its specific use, application techniques, and safety precautions.

The requirement of having a PCP number is crucial for maintaining public health and environmental safety, ensuring that only approved substances are utilized in agriculture and pest management within the country. This process also includes thorough assessments of labels, which must adequately inform users about how to handle the product safely and effectively, but these labels alone do not suffice for sale; the registration with the PMRA and obtaining a PCP number are mandatory for compliance.

While pesticides may need to have sufficient labeling to convey necessary information, registration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pertains primarily to the United States, not Canada. As for organic pesticides, not all pesticides sold or brought into Canada need to be organic; conventional pesticides can also be registered and sold, provided they comply with established regulations.