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Dichlorvos

Dichlorvos (2,2-dichloroethenyl dimethyl phosphate) is an organophosphorus (OP) insecticide, anthelmintic and acaricide used for agricultural and veterinary pest control.

Dichlorvos review

Status: Completed

In December 1996 the APVMA began a review of dichlorvos because of concerns relating to public and occupational health and safety, the environment, residues and trade. This action was based on reports of adverse experiences, regulatory action by the US EPA, and residue violations in cereals and cereal products.

In 2000 the APVMA released the Dichlorvos Draft (Preliminary Review Findings) Report*. After the publication of that report, the APVMA became aware of a new package of dichlorvos toxicological and exposure studies held by a United States manufacturer which had not been submitted at the time of the original data call-in. The APVMA is obliged to consider all information of which it is aware before making a final decision regarding the future of a chemical under review. Therefore, the APVMA, exercised its powers under section 159 of the Agvet Codes, to obtain those studies. 

In June 2008 the APVMA released the revised Dichlorvos Preliminary Review Findings Report (PDF, 706kb) for public consultation with responses required by 3 September 2008.

The APVMA has found that there is insufficient data for the APVMA to be satisfied there is adequate protection for people in relation to worker exposure, exposure arising from some domestic uses, and residues in some food commodities. The APVMA has also found that the safety directions on dichlorvos product labels do not conform to current safety standards and nor do labels contain adequate information to protect the environment.

After considering the submissions received in response to the PRF, the APVMA finalised the review and released the Dichlorvos Final Review Report and Regulatory Decision (PDF, 846kb) | (RTF, 1.5Mb) document. The APVMA has cancelled the registration of one home garden product, deleted some specific uses (including use as a grain fumigant) and has required registrants to revise products labels to include new safety instructions.

Review Report Date
Dichlorvos Final Review Report and Regulatory Decision (PDF, 846kb) | (RTF, 1.5Mb) Mar 2011

Contact

For more information contact:

Chemical Review

Phone: +61 2 6210 4749

Fax: +61 2 6210 4874

Email: chemicalreview@apvma.gov.au

* Please contact the APVMA's Chemical Review section for a copy of Dichlorvos Draft (Preliminary Review Findings) Report from 2000.

Product Search

Search the PUBCRIS database for registered products that contain dichlorvos.
Note: In the Active Constituent 1 field enter dichlorvos.

APVMA dichlorvos archive

Title Date
Dichlorvos Preliminary Review Findings Report (PDF, 706 kb) Jun 2008
Dichlorvos Toxicology Report (PDF, 1.16Mb) Jun 2008
Dichlorvos Occupational Health & Safety Report (PDF ,773kb) Jun 2008
Dichlorvos Environment Report (PDF, 470kb) Jun 2008
Gazette Notice: Preliminary Review Findings of the Review of Approvals and Registrations Related to Dichlorvos (PDF,53kb) Jun 2008
Gazette Notice: call for public comment on the NRA review of dichlorvos (PDF,21kb) Aug 2000
History of the dichlorvos review Jul 2000
Media Release: Call for public comment on review of the insecticide - dichlorvos Jul 2000