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The APVMA's interim suspension of many uses of dimethoate
As a result of findings arising from its review of dimethoate, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has suspended many of the previously registered uses of dimethoate as an interim measure while it completes further assessments of the chemical.
Dimethoate was used in a wide range of crops to control fruit fly and sap sucking insects, such as aphids and mites. Treatment with dimethoate was also included in quarantine protocols for the interstate and international trade of fruit and vegetables that can host fruit fly.
The suspension of dimethoate may lead to a disruption in the interstate and export trade of some horticultural produce.
The Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has convened a response committee to prepare for the outcomes of the dimethoate review. For the past 18 months this group, which includes representatives from the state authorities, who are responsible for interstate quarantine arrangements; Horticulture Australia Limited, which is responsible for investment in horticultural research and development; and horticultural industry bodies that represent growers of affected crops, have been working to raise awareness of the issue and develop alternative treatments.
DAFF is responsible for negotiating alternative options with our trading partners to replace dimethoate as a quarantine treatment for international trade, which is predominantly into New Zealand. DAFF has funded research into alternative treatment options to support continued access to the New Zealand market and has been working with New Zealand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to agree on revised technical market access arrangements.
For more information on the APVMA's regulatory action, including a list of suspended and allowed uses of dimethoate and responses to frequently asked questions, visit the APVMA website.
Dimethoate was used in a wide range of crops to control fruit fly and sap sucking insects, such as aphids and mites. Treatment with dimethoate was also included in quarantine protocols for the interstate and international trade of fruit and vegetables that can host fruit fly.
The suspension of dimethoate may lead to a disruption in the interstate and export trade of some horticultural produce.
The Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has convened a response committee to prepare for the outcomes of the dimethoate review. For the past 18 months this group, which includes representatives from the state authorities, who are responsible for interstate quarantine arrangements; Horticulture Australia Limited, which is responsible for investment in horticultural research and development; and horticultural industry bodies that represent growers of affected crops, have been working to raise awareness of the issue and develop alternative treatments.
DAFF is responsible for negotiating alternative options with our trading partners to replace dimethoate as a quarantine treatment for international trade, which is predominantly into New Zealand. DAFF has funded research into alternative treatment options to support continued access to the New Zealand market and has been working with New Zealand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to agree on revised technical market access arrangements.
For more information on the APVMA's regulatory action, including a list of suspended and allowed uses of dimethoate and responses to frequently asked questions, visit the APVMA website.
Last reviewed:
20 Oct 2011
20 Oct 2011