Restricted use and restricted supply chemicals

Restrictions apply to the supply and use of certain higher-risk chemicals.

'Restricted supply' products

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Association (APVMA) restricts who can buy certain higher-risk chemicals. In Victoria, these are referred to as 'restricted supply' chemicals. They can only be supplied to authorised people. To become authorised, a person must complete approved training in the safe handling and use of these chemicals and hold a relevant licence or permit.

For more information, and a list of ‘restricted supply’ chemicals, see APVMA restricted chemical products.

To find out if a product is a restricted supply chemical, read the product label. Check:

• whether the product contains a restricted supply chemical, or
• whether the label includes the statement:
  ‘Restricted chemical product – Only to be supplied to or used by an authorised person’

'Restricted use' chemicals

In Victoria, there are restrictions on who can use certain higher-risk chemicals and how they can be used. These are referred to as ‘restricted use’ chemicals.

Restrictions apply because these chemicals can cause greater harm to the user's health, the environment and/or trade.

‘Restricted use’ chemicals are:

• Schedule 7 Poisons ‘DANGEROUS POISON‘
• atrazine
• metham sodium
• ester forms of 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, MCPA and triclopyr

To check if a product is a ‘restricted use’ chemical, read the product label and confirm what chemical it contains.

You can search for products and view labels on the Public Chemical Registration Information System.

You must use restricted use chemicals according to all label directions. It is illegal to use a ‘restricted use’ chemical off-label unless:

• you have a permit from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, or
• the chemical is used in low-risk situations.

Authorisation for supply or use

To purchase ‘restricted supply‘ or use ‘restricted use‘ chemicals, you need to hold one of the following appropriately endorsed licence or permit issued by Agriculture Victoria:

• Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP)
• Commercial Operator Licence (COL)
• Pilot (Chemical Rating) Licence (PCRL)

How to tell if it's restricted supply or restricted use