Challenges and Opportunities in the Global Regulation of Crop Protection Products

Abstract

Crop protection active ingredients and formulated products are essential tools for modern agriculture that serve to prevent yield loss related to insect, weed, or fungal pest pressure. Prior to commercialization, crop protection products must be authorized or registered across various regulatory jurisdictions globally. Registration decisions are based on the results of comprehensive testing requirements across multiple scientific disciplines. Full characterization of physical/chemical properties must be conducted, and specifications must be put in place for active ingredient purity and impurity levels. Additionally, studies to assess fate, behavior, and transformation in relevant environmental matrices are conducted. Hazard properties are identified by conducting multiple toxicology studies utilizing in vitro test systems as well as relevant invertebrate and vertebrate species. Hazard end points derived from these studies are then assessed relative to the exposure potential of the chemical obtained throug...