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US EPA thinks about e-labelling transition
May. 21, 2008
The US EPA plans to develop a pilot internet-based pesticide label distribution system in 2009. The new approach is aimed at eventually replacing paper-based labelling for agricultural and specialty pesticides. The topic was discussed at the EPA’s Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee meeting this month and at the CropLife America/Informa conference in April.
The EPA envisages that containers would carry only basic information, with users being directed to an EPA website to download detailed application instructions. Entering a unique registration number on the website would allow users to access a printable label. Those without access to the internet would have to call a toll-free telephone number to request a label.
The advantages of such a system are that labels could be updated quickly and users would always have access to the most up-to-date version, says Bill Jordan, senior policy adviser to EPA Office of Pesticide Programs director Debbie Edwards. Labels attached to containers would be much simpler than at present, making them easier to understand, with “more noticeable” health and safety information, he points out.
“Web-based labelling” or “e-labelling” would benefit users, regulators and registrants, Mr Jordan believes. He points to lower costs for industry and the EPA. The industry recognises the benefits, such as more rapid product introductions, but questions the extent of cost savings to the EPA. The system would not apply to consumer products, which make up the bulk of work by federal and state regulators. Agricultural and specialty products represent only 20% of their workload, points out Wendy Johnson, manager of state registration and labelling for BASF’s US agricultural products business.
Ms Johnson also raises legal concerns over liability issues that might arise from incorrect pairing of a product with its e-label. The security and integrity of label information in distribution could also be a concern. However, one of the greatest challenges to introducing an e-labelling system could be customer acceptance. While the EPA envisages that pesticide dealers could distribute printed labels, Ms Johnson indicated that there would be reluctance to do this.
A web-based labelling system would enable users to download labels specific to their state or county, Mr Jordan points out. It could provide access to the county bulletins that are used to set restrictions on pesticides deemed to pose a threat to endangered species. From a state regulator’s perspective, it will be important to ensure that state registration decisions are synchronised with centrally-posted label amendments. Steve Foss of the Washington State Department of Agriculture says that the EPA should consider mirroring or partnering with existing online state labelling systems rather than building a new EPA system to track all state decisions.
Source: U.S. EPA
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