Australia to approve new agricultural active constituents and pesticide products

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has before it an application for the approval of new active constituents, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and zinc borate (2ZnO.3B₂O₃.3.5H₂O), and new products Ecothor Active Nature Cellmesh Insecticide, containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose applied by Ensystex Australasia Pty Ltd., and Borogard ZB Wood Preservative, containing zinc borate applied by US Borax Inc.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is for use in agricultural products as an insecticide. This active constituent has not previously been used in agricultural chemicals in Australia, although it is used as an emulsifier and thickener in the food industry, and in pharmaceuticals.

The APVMA has evaluated the specifications of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose active constituent and found them to be acceptable. The APVMA has considered the toxicological aspects of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and concluded that there are no toxicological concerns to the approval of this active constituent.

The APVMA is satisfied that the proposed use of Ecothor Active Nature Cellmesh Insecticide would not be an undue hazard to the safety of people exposed to it during its handling and use, or to the safety of people using anything containing its residues, and is not likely to have an unintended effect that is harmful to animals, plants or the environment if used according to the product label directions. The APVMA is also satisfied that data from trials supporting the efficacy of the product adequately demonstrate that if used according to the product label directions, the product is effective for its proposed uses.

Zinc borate is for use as a treatment during manufacture of wood products for protection against borer, termites and fungal decay.

The APVMA has considered the toxicological aspects of zinc borate, and concluded that there are no toxicological concerns regarding the approval of this active constituent. Neither an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) nor an Acute Reference Dose (ARfD) have been established as no food producing uses are proposed.

The APVMA is satisfied that the proposed use of Borogard ZB Wood Preservative a new active constituent, zinc borate, would not be an undue hazard to the safety of people exposed to it during its handling and use, or to the safety of people using anything containing its residues, if used according to the product label directions. And the use of the product would not be likely to have an unintended effect that is harmful to animals, plants or things or the environment. The APVMA is also satisfied that data from trials supporting the efficacy of the product adequately demonstrate that if used according to the product label directions, the product is effective for its proposed uses. And use of Borogard ZB Wood Preservative would not adversely affect trade between Australia and places outside Australia as the product is not for use in food crops or animals producing any major Australian export commodities.

The APVMA invites any person to submit a relevant written submission as to whether the application for approval of above mentioned active constituents and products should be granted. Submissions must be received by the APVMA within 28 days of the date of this notice (April 21, 2020). All submissions to the APVMA will be acknowledged in writing via email or by post.