What is a key provision of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)?

The key provision of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) is that pesticides must be registered before they can be sold or distributed. This registration process is crucial because it ensures that pesticides are evaluated for their safety and efficacy before they reach consumers and the market. The law mandates that manufacturers submit data on their products, which is then reviewed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine whether the pesticide can be safely used without posing unreasonable risks to human health or the environment.

This registration requirement helps to protect public health and the environment by ensuring that only those pesticides that meet safety standards are available for use. The act also establishes labeling requirements to inform users about the safe and effective use of the pesticides, aligning with regulatory controls that are essential in agricultural and non-agricultural settings.