A phase-out of paraquat use in California has begun, according to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), which has stated that all producers of pesticide products containing paraquat-dichloride (paraquat) have voluntarily cancelled their product registrations in the state.
In November 2024, DPR started reevaluating paraquat. According to preliminary scientific evaluations, paraquat exposure may have negative effects on other organisms, especially birds, as well as thyroid problems and birth malformations.
In order to fill in the gaps in the human health toxicology database and fulfils other requirements, DPR mandated that registrants submit new scientific data by June 5, 2026, as part of the revaluation. In April 2026, manufacturers started voluntarily terminating their registrations rather than providing the necessary information. On August 6, 2026, the final registrant cancelled their paraquat registration.
California Paraquat Ban 2026: What This Means
According to California law, DPR-licensed dealers are permitted to keep and sell goods whose registrations were voluntarily cancelled for a maximum of two years following each product’s effective cancelation date. Growers must abide by all applicable label requirements as well as state and federal rules if they continue to utilize existing products.
The paraquat reevaluation, according to DPR, is a component of its continuous efforts to assess and lessen any pesticide effects when new scientific data becomes available.
Through its Sustainable Pest Management (SPM) Grants Program, the department is also assisting in the creation and uptake of alternatives. The 2027 priority areas include initiatives to reduce the use of pesticides, such as paraquat, that DPR has selected for mitigation or review, as well as initiatives centred on alternative weed-management strategies.
California has essentially started the phase-out of paraquat pesticide products with the voluntary cancelation of the final paraquat registration on August 6, 2026; however, current stockpiles may still be accessible under the relevant two-year sale and possession conditions.
