Proposed Amendments to the Pest Control Products Regulations on Labelling Requirements

Health Canada is responsible for the regulation of pesticides in Canada under the Pest Control Products Act. Each pesticide proposed for use in Canada is evaluated to determine if it meets Health Canada’s standards for the protection of health and the environment, and whether the product is effective for its intended use. Pesticides that meet Health Canada’s standards are registered for use.

The import, sale or use of unregistered pesticides in Canada is a violation of the Pest Control Products Act, as is using a pesticide in a manner other than directed on the product label. Health Canada verifies reports of illegal pesticides or misuse through its network of regional officers.

When purchasing a pesticide, consumers should verify that a pest control product number (PCP number) appears on the label. This number indicates that the pesticide has been registered by Health Canada. Consumers should carefully read, understand and follow label directions when using any pesticide, and pesticides must not be used for purposes other than indicated on the label.

Health Canada is proposing changes to the bulk container labelling requirements of the Pest Control Products Regulations (PCPR) and to clarify bulk container outer labelling.

The proposed changes would make the Canadian label requirements more similar to those of the United States. The proposed change for pest control products transported in railway tank cars and transport truck tanker-trailers would likewise align with requirements in the United States, requirements that are the same as those set out in the proposed amendment.

The proposed amendments published in Canada Gazette Part 1, Vol.152 are intended to:

  • Modernize labelling requirements across a variety of different pest control product container types, including large refillable containers, railway tank cars and transport truck tanker-trailers, as well as outer containers (e.g. cardboard boxes) and single use disposable containers; and
  • Address the SJCSR request that Health Canada clarify the meaning of the term “bulk container” (hence the application of the section 31 bulk container labelling provisions of the PCPR).

These Regulations will come into force after six months once published in the Canada Gazette Part II.