Vision, Mission and Purpose
Vision
To be recognised nationally and internationally as a best practice regulator of pesticides and veterinary medicines that has the respect and confidence of governments, the community, the rural sector, chemical users and the chemicals industry.
Mission
To protect the health and safety of people, animals and crops, the environment, and trade, and support Australian primary industries through evidence-based, effective and efficient regulation of pesticides and veterinary medicines.
Purpose
The APVMA is the Australian Government statutory authority responsible for the assessment and registration of pesticides and veterinary medicines, and for their regulation up to and including the point of retail sale. It sits within the portfolio of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
The APVMA is responsible for administering and managing the National Registration Scheme for Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals, which sets out the regulatory framework for the management of pesticides and veterinary medicines in Australia.
The APVMA administers the scheme’s legislation in partnership with state and territory governments and with the active involvement of other Australian government agencies.
The role of the APVMA is to independently evaluate the safety and performance of pesticides and veterinary medicines intended for sale, ensuring that the health and safety of people, animals and crops, the environment and trade are protected. All registered products must be shown to work and be safe for people and the environment. Registered products must also not unduly jeopardise Australia’s trade with other nations.
To ensure that only those products that meet the APVMA’s requirements are actually supplied, the authority constantly monitors the market for compliance. The APVMA also reviews registered chemical products to ensure that they continue to meet contemporary high standards.
The states and territories are responsible for regulating and managing the use of pesticides and veterinary medicines once they are sold.