Minor Use and Emergency Permits
Download the Residues and minor crops information sheet (PDF, 202kb).
On this page:
Core Criteria for all Applications
To apply for a Minor Use or Emergency Permit, applicants must address three core components:
- Qualification for minor or emergency use status
The proposed use must meet existing guidelines to qualify as a minor use as outlined in the Guide for Determining Minor Uses (PDF, 91kb) or for emergency use as outlined in the Guide for Determining Emergency Uses or Research Purposes (PDF, 43kb).
- Provision of supporting data/information
In considering an application for a Minor Use Permit, the APVMA must be satisfied that the proposed use would:
- not pose unacceptable risks to people or the environment,
- be effective in controlling the pest or disease being targeted,
- not pose unacceptable risks to the crop (or following rotational crops) through things such as phytotoxicity, and
- not adversely affect Australia’s international trade.
The APVMA does NOT research or collate the data needed to support an application. Permit applicants are responsible for providing supporting data and/or information for the proposed use. This information must satisfy the above criteria, by addressing areas of human health, environment, crop residues (including trade), efficacy and crop/host safety.
The level of supporting information required can vary depending on the proposed product and its proposed use. For products already registered in Australia, the APVMA is likely to require less supporting information compared to that required for unregistered products.
Note: Applicants should familiarise themselves with data requirements outlined in Category 21 (minor use) or category 22 (emergency use) of the Manual of Requirements & Guidelines (MORAG). Specific MORAG guidelines for each category may be found in the table of permit types, categories, fees and, timeframes.
- Justification if alternative products are already approved for that purpose.
Minor use or Emergency permits will not be granted if suitable and effective products are already approved for the proposed purpose. Relative cost is not a consideration/justification for a minor use permit. However, certain circumstances exist where permits may be issued despite alternatives being approved and further details are outlined in MORAG (refer to Other Requirements in the appropriate guideline from the Permit types, categories, fees and timeframes page).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for a permit?
Any suitable person who meets the permit holder criteria may apply for a minor use or emergency permit. However, the APVMA prefer that individuals contact their industry association before submitting an application. These organisations are familiar with the application process, can provide technical advice through industry development officers and can coordinate permit applications across many individual growers.
How do I apply?
All applications for a permit must be made in writing and comply with all requirements outlined in section 2 of the appropriate permit guideline. Permit application forms, guidelines and fee schedules may be found in the table of Permit types, categories, fees and, timeframes.
How long are permits issued for?
Permits are generally issued for a finite period which commonly ranged from 1 to 5 years. However, where no further data are required for renewal and the use pattern is unlikely to be promulgated to a registered product label the period may be longer.
For emergency use permits, duration may only be sufficient to address the immediate need.
Users should make note of the permit expiry date and ensure that any data required for renewal is generated during the life of the existing permit.
How do I renew a permit?
Applications for renewal of Emergency Use Permits must be made on an emergency use permit (category 22) application form.
Application under category 20 may be made for renewal of a minor use permit where no further technical assessment is required. Category 20 applications include applications to ‘renew’, ‘extend the duration of’ or ‘mirror’ an existing or previously issued permit for a minor use. Any changes requiring technical assessment must be made under a new Category 21 application.
Users should ensure that any data required for renewal is generated during the life of the existing permit to avoid a refusal to renew the permit.
Consent to Import
Minor use or Emergency permits which require the import of an unregistered product or unapproved active constituent require a separate consent to import certificate. Details of this certificate may be found on the consent to import page. A separate application form must be submitted with the permit application to allow legal import of an unregistered product or unapproved active into Australia.
- where the product will be dealt with under an APVMA Permit
Application for Consent to Import (APVMA Permit - KP40_F88) (RTF, 179kb)
Permit Contacts
Further enquiries may be made by contacting:
Permits for trial or off-label use of chemicals
Pesticides
Phone: +61 2 6210 4748
Fax: +61 2 6210 4776
email: pesticides@apvma.gov.au