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2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid

2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a systemic phenoxy herbicide used post emergence for the control of broadleaf and grass weeds on crops, commercial and industrial areas, turf, forestry and waterways.

Important Notice: 2,4-D Users

2,4-D Forms and Permits

The review of 2,4-D has been split into two parts:

  • Part 1: contains the environmental risk assessment of high volatile 2,4-D (short-chain) esters
  • Part 2: contains the toxicological, occupational health and safety assessments and the environmental risk assessment of the low and non-volatile forms (acid, salt, and long-chain esters) of 2,4-D.

Currently only the Preliminary Review Findings (PRF) report for Part 1 is available. A report for Part 2 will be released after the initial assessments are completed.

2, 4-D Review

Status: review in progress

In 1995 the APVMA began a review of 2,4-D because concerns over its potential risk to public health, occupational health and safety, and the environment (including impacts on waterways, non-target animals and plants).

In April 2006 the APVMA released the 2,4-D Preliminary Review Findings Report (Environment) Part One: 2,4-D HVE Esters (PDF, 697kb). The APVMA found that short-chain ester (ethyl ester, butyl ester and isobutyl ester) forms of 2,4-D pose an unacceptable risk to crops and the environment.

To minimise the risks to people and the environment the APVMA proposed canceling all approvals and registrations relating to the short-chain esters forms (ethyl ester, butyl ester and isobutyl ester) of 2,4-D. Read a full history of the review.

The APVMA will issue a final report once the assessment of all available data is completed.

For more information please contact the Chemical Review Program on (02) 6210 4749 or by email to chemrev@apvma.gov.au

Review Report Date

2,4-D Preliminary Review Findings Report (Environment) Part 1 HVE esters (PDF, 697kb)
Technical Report (PDF, 864kb)
Appendix 1 (acid) (PDF, 657kb)
Appendix 2 (esters) (PDF, 860kb)
Appendix 3 (salts) (PDF, 922kb)

 Apr 2006

Product search

Search the PUBCRIS database for registered products that contain 2,4-D.

Note: In the Active Constituent 1 field enter 2,4-D.

APVMA 2,4-D archive

Title Date
2,4-D HVE December 2008 Suspension Notice (PDF, 53kb) Dec 2008
Media Release: Regulator Extends the Suspension of High Volatile Forms of 2,4-D May 2007
Gazette Notice: Continued suspension of products containing 2,4-D ethyl, butyl and isobutyl esters and all associated label approvals May 2007
Background Information May 2007
List of suspended products (PDF, 34kb)  
Products not affected by the suspension (PDF, 226kb)  
Gazette Notice: Oct 2006
Recall Action Oct 2006
Media Release: Regulator Suspends Registration of High Volatile Forms of 2,4-D Oct 2006
Media Release: Regulator Proposes to De-Register Some Forms of 2,4-D Apr 2006
Status of 2,4-D products in Australia Jun 2005
Review Scope Document (PDF, 88kb) Jun 2003