What does FIFRA require regarding the registration of pesticides?

The requirement that pesticides must be registered for federal approval before shipping is rooted in the objectives of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This legislation was established to ensure that any pesticide sold or distributed in the United States has been evaluated for safety and efficacy by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Before a pesticide can be marketed or used, the manufacturer must submit data demonstrating its safety for human health and the environment, along with its effectiveness for its intended use. This registration process is crucial because it helps protect agricultural workers, consumers, and the ecosystem from potentially harmful chemicals. By mandating federal registration prior to shipping, FIFRA aims to maintain a consistent standard across all states, thus ensuring that only those products that meet these safety standards can enter the market.

This federal oversight is particularly important as pesticides can have wide-ranging effects on health and the environment, and a registry helps in tracking and regulating their use effectively.