Pesticide Product Registration: Requirements, Process, and Compliance Guidelines

Pesticide Product Registration Requirements in Tennessee

Registering pesticide products in Tennessee is a critical step to ensure compliance with both state and federal regulations. Managed by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA), this process safeguards public health and the environment by ensuring that only safe and effective products are available on the market. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the necessary steps and documentation required for pesticide product registration in Tennessee.

EPA Compliance Prior to State Registration

Most pesticides must first be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under Section 3 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This ensures the product has been reviewed for safety and efficacy. Once a pesticide is federally registered, it can then be registered in Tennessee.

Tennessee Pesticide Regulatory Compliance

In Tennessee, any pesticide product offered for sale must be registered with the TDA. This includes general-use and restricted-use pesticides, as well as adjuvants—substances added to pesticides to enhance their effectiveness.

Required Documentation for Tennessee Registration

Pesticide Label

One label per product must be submitted. For renewals or products with label changes, the new label must be included. The TDA does not require product data sheets, material safety data sheets (MSDS), or the EPA-stamped label for submission. Copies of labels are acceptable, and if more than ten labels are submitted, they should be alphabetized to streamline processing.

Application Form

The application for registration is available on the TDA website and must be completed and submitted along with the pesticide labels.

Fees and Timeline

Registration Fee

The fee for registering each product is $200. Products must be registered annually, with the registration year running from July 1 to June 30 of the following year. Applications received after May 14 will be processed for the next registration year.

Discontinuation

If discontinuing a product, registrants must affirm that no product remains in the channels of trade and write "DISC" on the application form.

Late Fee

A late fee of $100 is assessed for renewals postmarked after June 30.

Exemptions

FIFRA 25(b) Products

Certain natural ingredients like oils, exempt from federal registration under FIFRA 25(b), are also exempt from state registration.

Manufacturing Use-Only Products

These products must be registered but are exempt from the registration fee.

Experimental-Use Permits

Products with an EPA Experimental-Use Permit are exempt from state registration but must provide participant information for inspection purposes.

Compliance and Enforcement

The TDA’s Pesticide Section is responsible for ensuring compliance with these regulations. This includes registering pesticides, licensing dealers, and certifying applicators to ensure public safety and proper pesticide use.

Resources

For more detailed information, you can visit the Tennessee Department of Agriculture's Pesticide Section or contact their Pesticide Product Registration office.

How We Can Help

Ensuring your pesticide products meet Tennessee's regulatory requirements is crucial for compliance and market success. Our team of experts is ready to guide you through every step of the registration process, from understanding EPA prerequisites to navigating state-specific regulations. Contact us today for personalized assistance and ensure your products are fully compliant and ready for the Tennessee market.

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