Recalls and Compliance
The APVMA encourages industry and the public to report the advertising and supply of unregistered and unapproved chemicals or the promotion of products inconsistent with approved labels. Current policy is that all reports are acknowledged upon receipt and prioritised for action on the basis of 'chemical risk'. Chemical risk is based on the potential or actual harm to the environment, human, plant or animal health, or trade with other countries.
Higher risk reports are pursued through an inquiry that may escalate to an investigation, with a view to prosecution or product recall. Those assessed as representing a low to medium, or continuing risk, are primarily dealt with through warnings and negotiation to achieve compliance.
Download the Compliance with the Law fact sheet (PDF, 315kb) | (RTF, 1.45Mb)
Recalls
The ability to recall defective or non-compliant product is fundamental to assuring quality and safety of agricultural and veterinary chemicals in the Australian marketplace and compliance with Australia's agricultural and veterinary chemicals legislation.
Compliance with the Law
Before an agricultural or veterinary chemical product can be legally imported, supplied, sold or used in Australia, it must be registered by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
Part of the APVMA's role and responsibility is to monitor and enforce compliance with the Agvet Codes up to and including the point of retail sale. The APVMA also works closely with State and Territory departments to ensure there is effective coordination and communication of compliance efforts.