Which federal law is the primary regulation for pesticides?

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) is the primary regulation for pesticides in the United States. This law governs the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides, ensuring that they are safe and effective for their intended purposes. Under FIFRA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for evaluating and approving pesticide products before they can be marketed and used.

FIFRA establishes a framework for setting standards related to pesticide safety, labeling, and effectiveness, making it the cornerstone of federal pesticide regulation. The act requires that any pesticide must be registered with the EPA, ensuring compliance with the required safety and efficacy standards, which protects public health and the environment.

While other laws mentioned, such as the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, play important roles in regulating substances that may impact food safety and human health, they do not primarily focus on the regulation of pesticides like FIFRA does. Similarly, the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act addresses specific aspects of pesticide registration but operates within the framework set by FIFRA rather than serving as the primary law itself. The Environmental Protection Act refers to a broader set of environmental protections and does not singularly address pesticides. Therefore, the Federal In