Understanding Pesticide Regulations in New Jersey

Navigating New Jersey's Pesticide Registration Requirements

Registering pesticide products in New Jersey is a critical process governed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). Here are the key requirements and steps to ensure compliance:

Federal Registration

Before any pesticide product can be registered in New Jersey, it must first be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The EPA evaluates pesticides to ensure they do not pose unreasonable risks to human health or the environment when used according to label directions. This involves a rigorous review process that includes the assessment of scientific data on the pesticide's chemistry, toxicology, environmental impact, and efficacy​.

New Jersey State Registration

Every pesticide product that is held, used, distributed, sold, or offered for sale in New Jersey must be registered with the NJDEP before distribution. This requirement also applies to products transported between points within New Jersey through any external point. The responsibility for registration lies with the person or company whose name appears on the label. The annual registration fee for each product is $300.

To register a pesticide product for the first time, you must:

1. Complete the Application: Submit the Application for the Initial Registration of a Pesticide Product. This can be done through the NJDEP web form. If you are an ALSTAR system subscriber, you do not need to submit this form as the NJDEP uses the data from ALSTAR to process initial registrations.

2. Submit Product Labels: Email the finished product labels for all products included in the registration form.

Renewal of Product Registration

Pesticide products are registered on a calendar-year basis, and renewal packages are typically sent out in September for the following year. Renewals are due by December 31st, with a late fee of $100 per product assessed for late submissions. Renewal can be expedited through online payment.

Regulatory Compliance

According to N.J.A.C. 7:30-2.1, all pesticide products must be registered with the NJDEP before any use or distribution within the state. Each version of a pesticide product, including different EPA Registration Numbers, brand names, formulations, and mixtures, must be registered separately.

Exemptions

Certain exceptions to the registration requirement include:

• Pesticides shipped from one plant or warehouse to another for use solely as a constituent part to make another pesticide, provided it is not technical grade material.

• Carriers lawfully transporting pesticides within the state, provided they permit the NJDEP to examine records of the transactions.

• Public officials engaged in administering state or federal pesticide laws or research.

• Pesticides intended solely for export, prepared according to purchaser specifications.

• Minimum risk pesticides exempted by the US EPA under 40 CFR Part 152, though the NJDEP may require registration if needed.

Resources

For detailed instructions and forms, visit the NJDEP’s Pesticide Product Registration page. 

How We Can Help

Navigating the complexities of pesticide product registration can be challenging. Our consultancy specializes in ensuring compliance with state-specific regulations, including New Jersey's stringent requirements. Contact us to streamline your registration process and ensure your products are market-ready.

For assistance or more information, please reach out to us. We're here to help you every step of the way.

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