AMVAC PCNB products re-enter U.S. market

American Vanguard Corporation announced that the United States Environmental Protection Agency has approved certain registrations for the Company’s pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) product line for all major commercial uses. As a result, with today’s action the company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Amvac Chemical Corporation (Amvac) is once again permitted to sell PCNB into the golf course turf, potato, cotton, ornamental bulb and cole crop markets domestically. Amvac continues to work with the EPA on labeling for other uses.

PCNB, a fungicide manufactured, marketed and sold by Amvac, was the subject of a Stop Sale, Use or Removal Order (SSURO) issued by USEPA in August 2010 (AgroNews 2010-08-30). On Aug. 17, 2011, the Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court granted the Company’s motion for summary judgment and vacated the SSURO. Since the court’s order was issued, the Company has worked with the Agency to amend product registrations to ensure they continue to meet EPA requirements.

Eric Wintemute, chairman and chief executive officer of the company commented: “Our technical, legal and customer service teams have worked tirelessly for over a year to ensure our PCNB product line meets EPA’s standards to re-enter the market.  We are pleased by today’s actions as it restores this highly effective product to a marketplace that truly values its importance.”

Wintemute concluded, “American Vanguard always has and always will place great importance on assuring product safety, quality manufacturing and responsible application stewardship for all the offerings in its portfolio. Once again, we thank our customers for their support and patience throughout this process and now are happy to announce that we are ready, willing and able to meet the needs of PCNB customers.”