APVMA expects to publish a final regulatory decision on paraquat in mid-2025

Consultation on the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority’s (APVMA) proposed regulatory decision on paraquat closed at 5pm on Tuesday 29 October 2024.

The APVMA Chief Executive Officer Mr Scott Hansen said the regulator received submissions from across industry, community, medical and public health sectors.

″We recognise that there is heightened interest in paraquat, both from those who rely on it as a key tool in farm management, as well as those who have concerns of a possible link between paraquat and Parkinsons Disease.

″The APVMA is committed to completing a rigorous scientific assessment and will take the necessary time to consider all the evidence provided to us during the public consultation. We expect to publish a final regulatory decision on paraquat in mid-2025.

″However, we take human health risks seriously and should new evidence emerge out of this consultation process that shows an imminent risk to human health, then we have the power to take quick action.

Mr Hansen highlighted the 3 month public consultation, where the APVMA called for submissions relating to the scientific information used and methods of its assessments.

″I want to thank everyone who took the time to participate in the public consultation, we received more than 100 submissions. We will make all submissions* and our responses public when we release the final regulatory decision.

″The APVMA’s team of scientists will now assess all the comments, information and supplementary data we received, which may result in refinement or a change in our risk management recommendations.″

The APVMA’s chemical review process incorporates legislative, administrative and scientific elements that contribute to the final decision to affirm, vary, suspend or cancel an approval or registration.

When a chemical currently approved for use in Australia undergoes a review, it is assessed using contemporary scientific standards against the statutory criteria of safety, efficacy and trade.

*The APVMA will publish all submissions, except those which have asked for their submission to remain confidential.