Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority

The APVMA assesses applications from chemical companies and individuals seeking registration so they can supply their product to the marketplace. Applications undergo rigorous assessment using the expertise of the APVMA's scientific staff and drawing on the technical knowledge of other relevant scientific organisations, Commonwealth government departments and state agriculture departments. If the product works as intended and the scientific data confirms that when used as directed on the product label it will have no harmful or unintended effects on people, animals, the environment or international trade, the APVMA will register the product. The time taken to register a product varies. A new product with a similar composition to an existing registered product takes as little as 3 months or less before it is registered and available for sale. More complex applications, such as the development of a new active constituent, may take up to 15 months to complete the detailed assessment leading to registration. The APVMA's role is that of an industry regulator. It is not involved in identifying opportunities in the marketplace and promoting registration of a product to meet this purpose. It is up to chemical companies and individuals to identify a need and develop a suitable product. Alternatively, farmer associations may identify a market for a new product and request chemical companies to develop and register a product that meets this identified need.