The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) regulates agricultural and veterinary chemicals to protect the health and safety of people, animals and the environment.
The APVMA acknowledges reporting on concerns of an association between paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease and reassures the public that the health and safety of all Australians is the central consideration for the APVMA when making regulatory decisions.
As the independent regulator, the APVMA must follow a rigorous statutory process and is unable to pre-empt or release the findings of final decisions before they are formally published. A final regulatory decision on the reconsideration of paraquat remains on track to be handed down in mid-2026.
The APVMA was established in 1993 and is responsible for evaluating, registering, and regulating to the point of retail sale, agricultural and veterinary chemicals in Australia. Registrations are approved with strict usage instructions to ensure they meet safety, efficacy, and quality standards. Ensuring compliance with these instructions is the role of the state and territory governments.
Any regulatory decision made by the APVMA must satisfy the statutory criteria under the Australian legislative framework to ensure a product will not pose a risk to the health and safety of people, animals, and the environment, or adversely impact Australia’s trade, if used in accordance with label instructions.
Chemical approvals and considerations are subject to ongoing monitoring, scientific assessment and regular review to ensure regulatory settings continue to reflect the best available evidence and remain appropriate for contemporary Australian conditions.
The APVMA’s Regulatory Posture Statement 2026–30 outlines the application of its statutory powers, regulatory functions, and how it engages with industry, government and community to build trust and maintain confidence in the agvet chemicals regulatory system.