Insecticide Labels
Labels for all insecticide products require updating to reflect changes to mode of action groups introduced on 15 September 2009.
The correct mode of action group code and associated resistance management statements must appear on all insecticide product labels before 15 September 2012.
The new insecticide mode of action groups (external site) and associated Insecticide Resistance Management Strategies appear on the CropLife Australia website and will be incorporated into the Ag Labeling Code as soon as practicable.
The insecticide mode of action group code number and/or letter, and specified resistance management statements on registered insecticide product labels, can be updated under APVMA Permit PER6868 without a specific application to the APVMA, provided they meet the conditions as set out in the permit document.
Permit number 6868 is a permit for supplying a registered chemical product with a label which is not identical to the approved label. Under this permit label approval holders do not need to make an application to the APVMA to vary the approved label where the variations are within the conditions of this permit.
Part A, Formatting changes No. 18 of PER 6868 allows for "Mandatory changes to pesticide mode of action group letters or numerals and pesticide resistance management statements for resistance management strategies, that are in accordance with the Agricultural Labeling Code." Use the Permits Database to access PER 6868.
For further information on changes to mode of action groups or labels, email pesticides@apvma.gov.au or call (02) 6210 4748.
Why have the insecticide mode of action group codes been changed?
Changes to the insecticide mode of action group codes have arisen from a recent CropLife Australia initiative to review the Australian insecticide mode of action classification system. The APVMA supports these changes as they align the Australian insecticide mode of action system more closely with the international system.
The changes include minor sub‑group lettering changes and re-allocation of group numbering. There is also a new group, Unknown ("UN"), in which compounds with as-yet unspecified modes of action are placed. Several compounds that were placed in numbered groups will now be specified as "UN", including the codes on product labels. Active constituents are only added to the official list once they have received APVMA approval.
The format of the new Mode of Action Classification Table has also been aligned with the international table published by the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee. The changes in mode of action group will not require any changes in Insecticide Resistance Management Strategies for those active constituents.
What label changes are necessary?
Labels for all insecticide products require updating to reflect changes to mode of action group codes and specified resistance management statements so that they will be consistent with the Insecticide Resistance Management Strategies. The Insecticide Mode of Action Classification Table on the CropLife Australia website lists the approved active constituents in each mode of action group and their chemical sub-group. During the phase-in period for new labels, the Insecticide Mode of Action Classification Table will have appended a list showing the old and new (current) mode of action group codes for all insecticide active constituents in products registered in Australia.
More information
Additional information on insecticide resistance management is available on the CropLife Australia website.