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Restricted Chemicals

Restrictions apply to the supply and use of certain high risk chemicals to manage risks associated with their use.

‘Restricted supply’ chemicals

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Association (APVMA) has restricted the supply of high risk chemicals to ensure they are only supplied to ‘authorised persons’ who have successfully completed accredited training in their handling and use. In Victoria, these chemicals are known as ‘restricted supply’ chemicals. Information on APVMA restricted chemical products, visit the APVMA website.

‘Restricted use’ chemicals

In Victoria, there are a number of high risk chemicals that are restricted in terms of who can use them and what they can be used for. These are known as 'restricted use' chemicals. Restrictions were placed on these chemicals because they have a potentially higher risk of adversely affecting the users health, the environment and trade.

'Restricted use' chemicals are agricultural chemicals that:

  • are Schedule 7 Poisons (Dangerous Poisons) - these substances have a high potential to cause harm at low exposure and require special precautions during manufacture, handling and use. Some examples of the active constituents in some Schedule 7 products are: aldicarb, dichlorvos, endosulfan, fenamiphos, methomyl, methyl bromide, aluminium phosphide, mevinphos, paraquat. (This does not include veterinary chemicals).
  • contain atrazine - these products have the ability to contaminate waterways and groundwater.
  • contain metham sodium, ester formulations of 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, MCPA and triclopyr.

To determine if a product contains any of these chemicals please read the chemical's label and accompanying information sheet or search the APVMA Pubcris website.

‘Restricted use’ chemicals MUST only be used in strict accordance with label directions.

It is illegal to use a 'restricted use' chemicals off-label unless a a Section 25A(2)(b) permit has been issued by DEPI. (refer to Application for Off-label use of restricted chemical product permit to DEPI for details).

Authorisation

To use ‘restricted use’ or purchase ‘restricted supply’ chemicals, you need an appropriately endorsed Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP), Commercial Operator Licence or Pilot (Chemical Rating) Licence).

Further information

APVMA restricted chemical products
Off-label use
Giving chemical use advice
Licences and permits