US EPA increases transparency for inert ingredients in antimicrobial products

In support of the Trump Administration’s ongoing commitment to increase transparency and at the request of retailers, states, and industry, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is allowing registrants of antimicrobial pesticide products to more efficiently disclose inert ingredients. Through this action, consumers will be able to view inert ingredients for certain products by following a QR code or website link included on a product’s label.

An inert ingredient is any substance other than an active ingredient that is intentionally included in a pesticide product. Inert ingredients play a key role in the effectiveness of a pesticidal product. For example, in some instances, inert ingredients are added to extend the product's shelf-life. The term “inert” does not imply that the chemical is nontoxic.

Websites referenced on product labels are considered labeling under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. In these cases, companies must self-certify that the information provided on the website is consistent with their latest Confidential Statement of Formula. 

Currently, the scope of this policy is limited to antimicrobial pesticide products. The agency may consider expanding to conventional pesticide and biopesticide products in the future.