The EPA Releases New Data Requirements For Antimicrobial Pesticides

On May 8, 2013, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Pesticide Programs, Antimicrobial Division (AD), released its long-awaited final rule regarding data requirements for antimicrobial pesticides.¹  The new requirements (Subpart W of 40 CFR Part 158 or Part 158W) update and replace Part 161 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations with the goal of "providing an up-to-date scientific framework for identifying and assessing the risks of antimicrobial pesticides sold or distributed in the United States."²

This final rule represents a fundamental change in the way antimicrobial products will be reviewed in the US.  The rule sets forth significant new data requirements for antimicrobial products, including food contact materials, antifoulant coatings and paints, and wood preservatives.  The new requirements will likely result in significantly increased data costs for many types of antimicrobial products, and may increase the time required