EPA Again Allows Pesticide Exporters to Label Containers

The Environmental Protection Agency said it is restoring the ability of exporters to meet pesticide labeling requirements by putting required information on “collateral labeling” attached to the shipping container instead of directly on the packaging of each individual product. EPA’s final rule corrects an error made in an earlier change to its regulations that inadvertently required direct labeling on each product by removing a provision allowing for “supplemental labeling.” Subsequent comments from exporters said the change would have increased costs and added trade barriers. Rather than again allowing for “supplemental labeling,” EPA will instead call it “collateral labeling,” defined in EPA policy guidance as “bulletins, leaflets, circulars, brochures, data sheets, flyers or other written, printed or graphic matter which are referred to on the label or which are to accompany the product.” The change takes effect July 29. Any adverse comments on the direct final rule are due to EPA by May 30.