US EPA releases updates to suggested pesticide benefits information submittals

On November 6, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released updates to suggestions EPA provides to registrants when they develop benefits information for new conventional pesticide registrations and new outdoor uses of conventional pesticides. These suggestions can help registrants ensure they are submitting useful and complete benefits-related information, helping save time in EPA’s review of new pesticide registrations and uses.

The updated suggestions provide registrants with expanded instructions on the preferred format and content for submitted benefits information including draft labels and summaries of use, key target pests, and other registered pesticides available. In addition, examples are provided for what information can complicate the benefit assessment process or increase uncertainty, such as submitting marketing information in lieu of data generated from research trials, existing scientific literature, or scientific rationale.

During the registration process for pesticides under Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, EPA conducts risk and benefit assessments to consider the economic, social, and environmental costs and benefits of the proposed pesticide. To assist EPA’s evaluation of the benefits, registrants may provide information regarding the potential benefits of a pesticide. Both quantitative and qualitative information can be provided to assist EPA in its consideration of benefits. In many cases, benefit submissions are formatted where applicants list specific benefit claims and then provide supporting information for the claims. Supporting information, such as scientific rationale, published references, or summarized study data. should be included for all claims. When benefit submissions are received, EPA reviews the information and considers it as part of its evaluation of the benefits of a pesticide’s use.

The updated suggestions are available on EPA’s website.