Advocacy

The UPFDA Regulatory Advocacy Committee is committed to advancing the interests of manufacturers, formulators, distributors, and suppliers serving the professional pest management industry. Our efforts are grounded in science-based decision-making and a commitment to promoting sound, balanced regulations that protect public health, food, and property while supporting the industry's ability to deliver effective pest management solutions.

Knowledge is the foundation of effective advocacy. To help members better understand and navigate the complex regulatory landscape, UPFDA is developing a collection of resources designed to build regulatory knowledge, encourage informed discussions, and support compliance and advocacy efforts.

Our growing resource library includes a Regulatory & Advocacy Glossary of Terms to establish a common understanding of key terminology and a State Pesticide Regulatory Agency Directory to help members connect with the agencies responsible for pesticide product registration in each state.

As this resource library expands, UPFDA will continue to provide members with tools, information, and insights to help them stay informed, navigate regulatory challenges, and engage in advocacy efforts that impact our industry.

State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies

Pesticide products must be registered with the EPA and the appropriate state regulatory agency before they can be sold or distributed in that state. To help UPFDA members navigate these requirements, we have compiled a directory of state lead agencies responsible for pesticide regulation, along with links to their websites.

This resource is specifically designed for pesticide manufacturers, formulators, distributors, and product registrants. Wherever possible, the links direct members to the sections of state agency websites that address pesticide product registration, regulatory requirements, and compliance information relevant to suppliers of pest management products, rather than information intended primarily for licensed pesticide applicators.

Territories – Pesticide or Environmental Programs with Pesticide Functions

  • American Samoa – American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency – Pesticides / Chemical Programs
    https://asepa.gov/
    (Navigate to pesticides/chemical management programs.)
  • Guam – Guam Environmental Protection Agency – Pesticides Management
    https://epa.guam.gov/
    (Use site search for “pesticide” or “pesticides program.”)
  • Northern Mariana Islands – Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) – Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality
    https://becq.gov.mp/
    (Search for “pesticide” within environmental programs.)
  • Puerto Rico – Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture – Oficina de Reglamentación y Certificación de Productos de la Agricultura
    https://www.agricultura.pr.gov/
    (Spanish; navigate to regulatory/certification sections that include pesticides.)
  • U.S. Virgin Islands – U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources – Division of Environmental Protection
    https://dpnr.vi.gov/environmental-protection/
    (Includes hazardous materials, pesticiderelated oversight—details may change.)

Tribal / Sovereign Pesticide Contacts and Resources

Because pesticide authority in Indian Country is often shared between EPA regional offices and tribal environmental departments, the most reliable entry points are EPA’s tribal pesticide program pages and then the specific tribal environmental agencies.

  • National Tribal Resource – EPA Tribal Pesticide Program Council (TPPC)
    A national forum of tribal representatives that works with EPA on pesticide issues affecting Indian Country.
    https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/tribal-pesticide-program-council
  • National Tribal Resource – EPA Pesticide Programs: Tribes
    Central hub for tribal pesticide program contacts, guidance, and funding opportunities.
    https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/pesticide-programs-tribes
  • Navajo Nation – Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency – Environmental / PesticideRelated Programs
    (Program structure and URLs change; these are primary portals.)
    Public Health/EPA main portals:

https://www.navajopublichealth.org/

https://www.nec.navajo-nsn.gov/
(Navigate to environmental or waste programs for pesticide/chemical links or confirm via EPA Region 9 tribal contacts.)

  • Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (example tribal environmental program)
    Department of Natural Resources – Environmental / PesticideRelated Oversight (often in cooperation with EPA and state agencies).
    https://ctuir.org/
    (Navigate to Natural Resources and Environmental programs for pesticiderelated information.)

For tribes not listed individually, UPFDA members and site users should start with:

Disclaimer: State requirements and website links may change. Members should verify current product registration requirements, fees, deadlines, and procedures directly with the appropriate state agency.

Glossary of Terms

Understanding the language of pesticide regulation and advocacy is an important first step toward effective industry engagement. UPFDA has developed this glossary of commonly used regulatory and advocacy terms to establish a shared understanding of key concepts, processes, and terminology. By providing a common foundation of knowledge, this resource is designed to help members better navigate regulatory issues, participate in informed discussions, and strengthen our collective advocacy efforts on behalf of the pest management supply industry.

UPFDA Regulatory Pesticide Glossary

Active Ingredient (AI)

The chemical in a pesticide product that is intended to prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate a pest, or to regulate plant growth. Active ingredients are listed on the pesticide label and are the basis for EPA's risk assessment and registration decisions.

Acute Toxicity

Adverse effects that occur shortly after a single exposure (usually within 24 hours) to a pesticide. Acute toxicity is used to assign signal words (e.g., "Danger," "Warning," "Caution") on labels.

APSEE – Association of Pesticide Safety Educators

A professional organization of educators and extension specialists who develop and deliver pesticide safety training and educational materials. APSEE members support applicator certification, worker protection, and public outreach on pesticide regulations and safe use.

Website: https://apsee.org/

ASPCRO – Association of Structural Pest Control Regulatory Officials

A national association of state officials who administer structural pest control and related pesticide programs. ASPCRO coordinates among states, EPA, and stakeholders on registration, enforcement, and policy issues specific to structural pest management.

Website: https://www.aspcro.org/

Beneficial Organism

Nontarget organisms (such as pollinators, natural enemies of pests, or soil microbes) that provide ecological services. Protection of beneficial organisms is often considered in EPA and state pesticide risk assessments and labeling.

Business Registration (Pesticide Business License)

A state-issued authorization required for companies that sell, distribute, or provide commercial pesticide application services. Terms and requirements vary by state.

Certified Applicator (Certified Operator)

An individual who has demonstrated competency to use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides through exams and/or training, as required by EPA and state lead agencies. Certification categories are typically based on use sites (e.g., structural, turf, agricultural).

Confidential Statement of Formula (CSF)

A detailed, confidential document submitted to EPA as part of the pesticide registration process that lists all active and inert ingredients, their percentages, and functions in a formulation.

Data Call-In (DCI)

A formal request from EPA requiring pesticide registrants to submit specific studies or information (e.g., toxicity, environmental fate, efficacy data) needed to support registration or reevaluation of a pesticide.

Drift (Pesticide Drift)

The physical movement of pesticide droplets or particles through air from the target site to nontarget areas, which may pose risks to people, property, or the environment. Labels often contain drift-reduction requirements.

Endangered Species Act (ESA) Consultation

The process in which EPA evaluates and consults with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and/or National Marine Fisheries Service to ensure pesticide registrations do not jeopardize listed species or adversely modify critical habitat.

EPA ESA-Pesticides page: https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species

EPA – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The federal agency that registers pesticides and regulates their use under laws such as the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). EPA sets labeling requirements, evaluates risks, and coordinates with state lead agencies.

Website: https://www.epa.gov/

EPA Pesticides: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides

Exempt Pesticide (Minimum Risk / FIFRA 25(b))

A pesticide product that meets criteria under Section 25(b) of FIFRA and EPA's minimum-risk exemption, so it is exempt from federal registration. These products must contain only specified active and inert ingredients, follow certain label requirements, and still comply with applicable state registration or notification rules.

EPA Minimum Risk Pesticides: https://www.epa.gov/minimum-risk-pesticides

FIFRA – Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act

The primary federal law governing the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides in the United States. FIFRA authorizes EPA to evaluate pesticide risks and benefits and to establish labeling and use restrictions.

Law text and overview: https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-federal-insecticide-fungicide-and-rodenticide-act

Fumigant

A pesticide that is a gas or forms a gas in a closed space to control pests in structures, soil, or commodities. Fumigants have specialized label and safety requirements due to their inhalation hazards.

Groundwater Protection

Regulatory measures, such as use restrictions, setback requirements, or product-specific rules, designed to prevent pesticide contamination of groundwater sources used for drinking water or irrigation.

Incident (Pesticide Incident)

An occurrence of alleged or confirmed adverse effects on human health, animals, or the environment that may be associated with pesticide exposure. Incidents are reported to registrants, EPA, and/or state agencies and can lead to regulatory action.

EPA Incident Reporting: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-incidents

Inert Ingredient

Any substance other than an active ingredient in a pesticide product, such as solvents, carriers, surfactants, or stabilizers. Inert ingredients are reviewed by EPA for safety but are typically not disclosed by name on product labels.

EPA Inert Ingredient Program: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/inert-ingredients-overview-and-guidance

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

A decision-making process that combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools to manage pests in an economically and environmentally sound manner. Regulators, educators, and industry often promote IPM to reduce risk.

General IPM info: https://www.epa.gov/ipm

Label

The written, printed, or graphic matter on or attached to a pesticide or its container. The label is a legally enforceable document specifying approved uses, directions for use, precautions, and restrictions.

Labeling

All labels and all other written, printed, or graphic materials that accompany a pesticide product or are referenced on the label, including brochures, websites, and technical bulletins intended for users.

Limited Use / State-Restricted Use

A classification created by some states for products that are not federally classified as Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) but are restricted within that state due to local risk concerns.

Mode of Action (MoA)

The biochemical or physiological mechanism by which a pesticide affects the target pest. Mode of action classification is important for resistance management and certain regulatory evaluations.

NPMA – National Pest Management Association

A trade association representing professional pest management companies and affiliates. NPMA provides training, standards, and advocacy on regulatory and legislative issues affecting the structural and public health pest management industry.

Website: https://www.npmapestworld.org/

Pesticidal Device

An instrument or contrivance (for example, certain UV light units, ozone generators, or traps) that uses only physical or mechanical means to trap, destroy, repel, or mitigate pests, and does not rely on a chemical active ingredient. Under FIFRA, pesticidal devices must meet EPA production and labeling requirements but generally do not require EPA registration like conventional pesticide products; some states may impose additional requirements.

EPA Devices Policy: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/pesticide-devices

Pesticide 25(b)

A commonly used shorthand for "FIFRA 25(b) minimum-risk pesticides." These are products exempt from federal registration because they use only eligible active and inert ingredients and meet EPA's minimum-risk criteria. Despite the exemption, many states require product registration, listing, or other review before 25(b) products may be sold or distributed.

EPA Minimum Risk Pesticides: https://www.epa.gov/minimum-risk-pesticides

PFAS – Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

A large class of synthetic chemicals valued for their water, oil, and stain-resistant properties. PFAS are highly persistent and can accumulate in the environment and organisms. EPA and states are examining PFAS in pesticide products and containers due to emerging health and environmental concerns.

EPA PFAS: https://www.epa.gov/pfas

Pollinator Protection

Regulatory policies, label requirements, and best management practices intended to reduce pesticide risks to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. These may include application timing, bloom restrictions, or communication plans with beekeepers.

EPA Pollinator Protection: https://www.epa.gov/pollinator-protection

Preemption (State vs. Local)

Legal provisions that limit or prohibit local governments from regulating pesticides more stringently than state or federal law. Preemption is a key policy issue in many states.

Product Registration (State)

The process by which a state reviews and approves federally registered pesticide products (and some exempt products) for sale and use within its jurisdiction. States may impose additional restrictions or deny registration.

REI – Restricted-Entry Interval

The time period after a pesticide application during which entry into a treated area is limited or prohibited, unless specific protective measures are followed. REIs are established on labels to protect workers from harmful exposure.

Registrant

The individual or company that holds the pesticide product registration with EPA and, where required, with state regulators. Registrants are responsible for compliance with data, labeling, reporting, and stewardship obligations.

Registration Review

EPA's periodic reevaluation of registered pesticides to ensure they continue to meet current health and environmental safety standards. This can lead to label changes, use restrictions, or cancellation.

EPA Registration Review: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-reevaluation

Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP)

A pesticide product that EPA determines may cause unreasonable adverse effects to the environment or human health without additional regulatory control. RUPs may be purchased and used only by certified applicators or persons under their direct supervision.

EPA RUP info: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/restricted-use-pesticides-rups

RISE – Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment

An industry association representing manufacturers, formulators, distributors, and other companies involved in specialty pesticides and fertilizers for turf, ornamentals, and structural and public health pest control. RISE advocates on regulatory and legislative issues and promotes responsible product stewardship.

Website: https://www.pestfacts.org/

Risk Assessment

The scientific evaluation of potential human health and ecological risks from pesticide exposure, considering toxicity and estimated exposure levels. Risk assessment underpins EPA's registration decisions and many label requirements.

Rodenticide Classification

Acute Rodenticides (Non-Anticoagulants)
Rodenticides that work quickly, with some active ingredients providing first deaths within 24 hours; with others in the category taking a few days for first evidence of control, via metabolic or neurological disruption rather than blood-clotting interference.
Examples: zinc phosphide, bromethalin, cholecalciferol (vitamin D₃).

First-Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (FGARs)
Anticoagulant products that usually require multiple feedings over several days to reach a lethal dose. They interfere with blood clotting, causing internal bleeding.
Examples: warfarin, chlorophacinone, diphacinone.

Second-Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs)
Anticoagulant rodenticides that can be lethal after a single feeding.
Examples: brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difethialone, difenacoum.

Section 18 Emergency Exemption

A provision of FIFRA allowing EPA to temporarily authorize unregistered uses of a pesticide (or use of an unregistered pesticide) to address emergency pest situations when no adequate alternatives are available.

EPA Section 18: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/emergency-exemptions-under-fifra-section-18

Section 24(b) – State Labeling Authority / Preemption

A provision of FIFRA stating that a state "shall not impose or continue in effect any requirements for labeling or packaging in addition to or different from" federal requirements. Section 24(b) is the basis for federal preemption of state and local pesticide labeling mandates and is central to litigation and policy debates over pesticide warnings and marketing claims (sometimes informally referred to as "pesticide 24(b)" issues).

Section 24(c) Special Local Need (SLN)

A provision of FIFRA that allows a state to register an additional use of a federally registered pesticide to address a local need, subject to EPA review and disapproval authority.

EPA 24(c) Overview: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/pesticide-registration-section-24c

Signal Word

A word on the front panel of the pesticide label ("Danger," "Warning," or "Caution") that indicates the product's relative acute toxicity to humans. Products of very low toxicity may have no signal word.

SLN – Special Local Need

Shorthand for pesticide registrations issued by a state under FIFRA Section 24(c) to address a special local need. See "Section 24(c) Special Local Need (SLN)."

State Lead Agency (SLA)

The state agency designated to administer and enforce pesticide laws and regulations under cooperative agreements with EPA. SLAs commonly handle licensing, certification, inspections, investigations, and enforcement activities related to pesticide use and distribution.

Tolerance

The maximum legal residue level of a pesticide on or in food or feed, established by EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. FDA and USDA enforce tolerances in the food supply.

EPA Tolerances: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-tolerances

UPFDA – United Producers, Formulators & Distributors Association

An association of manufacturers, formulators, and distributors of pesticide and fertilizer products. UPFDA engages on regulatory, technical, and policy matters impacting the production and distribution of crop protection and specialty products.

Website: https://www.upfda.com/

Use Site

The specific crop, structure, area, or situation where a pesticide is labeled for application (e.g., food crops, ornamental turf, residential structures). Use sites define where legally compliant applications may occur.

WPS – Worker Protection Standard

An EPA regulation designed to protect agricultural workers and pesticide handlers from occupational exposure. WPS includes requirements for training, notification, personal protective equipment, decontamination supplies, and emergency assistance.

EPA WPS: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/worker-protection-standard-wps