Pesticides containing the active ingredient bifenthrin

Application for reassessment an approval – APP204919 application to reassess bifenthrin. 29 pages. English.

The EPA is proposing to make changes to the approvals for substances containing bifenthrin.

The approvals under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 for the import and manufacture for release for bifenthrin and bifenthrin containing substances are proposed to be reviewed and the restrictions applied to their use changed.

The EPA is proposing to prohibit the use of wide dispersive methods to apply of bifenthrin (e.g. via boom and airblast sprayer and by broadcast aerial sprayers), with the exception of the use of these substances for biosecurity where a permit from the EPA will be required.

There are non-negligible risks to the environment, in particular the aquatic environment associated with exposure when the substances are applied with wide dispersive application methods. The EPA therefore proposes that these application methods should be prohibited with a 6 month phase out period from the date of decision. Additional restrictions on the use of bifenthrin containing substances are proposed to manage risks from bifenthrin which may occur when the substance is applied through targeted spot spraying.