Chitosan to be added to exempt pesticide list

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) has proposed adding chitosan to the list of active chemicals authorised in exempted least risk pesticides. This approach is consistent with a recent action by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Regulation and background

The DPR’s proposed change to Title 3 of the California Code of Regulations (3 CCR) section 6147(a)(5)(A) is consistent with the EPA’s inclusion of chitosan to Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR) section 152.25(f)(1), which was published in the Federal Register on November 8, 2022.

Updates on Chitosan pesticide exemption

This change will affect pesticide registration efforts in California. Chitosan, a naturally occurring biopolymer generated from crustacean shells, has shown promise as a biopesticide. Its inclusion on the list of exempted components will speed up the registration procedure for chitosan-based goods.

The DPR believes that this action will benefit Californians by boosting the availability of alternatives to traditional pesticides, potentially resulting in decreased regulatory burdens for producers and lower consumer costs. The government also expects a rise in the manufacture and availability of chitosan-based insecticides.

Commenting Period for Chitosan pesticide exemption

Interested parties are encouraged to provide written opinions on the proposed action by March 17, 2025. While no public hearings are presently scheduled, one will be convened if a written request is made to the DPR no later than 15 days before the end of the comment period. The DPR’s contact information for sending comments is provided on their website.