Australia proposed suspension of dimethoate products used as a post-harvest dip for fruit with inedible peel.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has put forth a proposal to suspend the registration and labelling of chemical products containing dimethoate, primarily used as a post-harvest dip for fruit with inedible peel. Reports received by the APVMA have indicated that the permissible limit of pesticide residue, known as the maximum residue limit […]

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS Rev. 10, 2023) Adopted by the United Nations

In a significant move to enhance the safety and standardization of chemicals worldwide, the United Nations’ “Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals” has approved the tenth revised edition of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS Rev. 10). This revision comes after […]

Antifouling paints containing harmful substances are no longer permitted after 1 August 2023

In a move to protect the environment and public health, New Zealand authorities have officially banned the use, import, and manufacture of certain antifouling paints containing thiram, diuron, octhilinone, and ziram, effective from 1 August 2023.   The decision to phase out these paints was made due to their detrimental effects on marine ecosystems and potential […]

Harmonized Classification and Labelling Consultations Open for Public Comment within the European Union

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has initiated a crucial step in ensuring the safety of chemical substances within the European Union. The agency has invited concerned parties to participate in the consultation process for harmonized classification and labelling (CLH) of various hazardous substances. The hazardous classes currently open for public comment have been indicated for […]

OECD Releases 21 Updated Test Guidelines For Chemical Safety Testing!

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has announced the publication of several significant updates and corrections to its Test Guidelines for chemical safety testing. These guidelines play a crucial role in providing standardized methods for assessing the potential risks associated with various chemicals. The new guidelines aim to enhance the accuracy and reliability […]

EFSA Finds No Critical Areas of Concern in Glyphosate Risk Assessment, Paving the Way for Possible Approval Renewal

In a groundbreaking development, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has announced that it did not identify any critical areas of concern in its recent peer review of the glyphosate risk assessment an active substance commonly used in herbicides. This assessment pertains to the potential risk glyphosate poses to humans, animals, and the environment. The EFSA’s […]

New Rule Authorizes and Encourages Researchers to Use Non-Animal Methods also to Test New Drugs

Amendment to the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules (2023)  Scientists and researchers empowered to explore alternative testing methods, reducing reliance on animal experimentation.   The amendment empowers scientists and researchers to explore alternative testing techniques such as in vitro studies, computer simulations, and other cutting-edge technologies. By leveraging these non-animal methods, researchers can obtain […]

Health Canada Announces Five-Year Work Plan for Pesticide Re-evaluation and Special Review

Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) has released a comprehensive five-year work plan outlining its re-evaluation and special review activities ‘up to March 31, 2028’. The purpose of this plan is to inform registrants, pesticide regulatory officials, and the Canadian public about the agency’s upcoming initiatives. The work plan encompasses both proposed and final […]

European Chemicals Agency Seeks Scientific and Technical Information on PFAS as Part of Consultation Process

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) represent a large class of synthetic chemicals with extensive use. The proposal was prepared by authorities in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden then submitted it to ECHA. Aim of the PFAS restriction proposal is to reduce PFAS emissions into the environment and make products and processes safer for […]