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Competency Area 5: Pesticide Formulations and Labels

PO 35. Recognize the distinction between the federal and state pesticide regulations, and that state regulations can be more restrictive than federal regulations. Be able to explain what to do if state laws are stricter than label directions.

Federal law gives the states the option of being stricter than the EPA. A state may restrict products, or remove products from sale and use within its borders. They may also choose to modify labels. States may also decide to interpret label statements to give them a more strict meaning, such as New York interprets the phrase “For Professional Use Only” as meaning this product is a “Restricted Use” product and cannot to be sold to uncertified people. The bottom line is: the applicator must follow the more stringent state regulation.