Description of the measure

A precautionary statement is a phrase on a pesticide label which describes the measures that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a pesticide, or its improper handling, application or storage.

Precautionary statements are not internationally harmonized, and many countries will have national legal requirements that define such statements. In the absence of national requirements, or supplementary to them, the Globally Harmonized System of classification and labelling of chemicals (GHS) recommends precautionary statements based on the identified hazard category. Additional examples of precautionary statements which are relevant for pesticide labels are given in the FAO/WHO Guidelines on Good Labelling Practice for Pesticides.

Conditions for effective implementation

Pesticide users should be literate, or can request a literate person in their surroundings to read the pesticide label for them.

Estimated risk reduction potential

The level of risk reduction depends on the mitigation measure that the precautionary statement describes.

Potential constraints

Precautionary statements on a label are an essential element of information provision to pesticide users. However, providing information is, by itself, often not enough to ensure that the precautions are also being followed. This requires awareness building, training and follow-up. Therefore, while placing relevant precautionary statements on labels should always be done, its impact on risk reduction will vary from one situation to another.

Further information

• FAO/WHO Guidelines on Good Labelling Practice for Pesticides (revised) (2015)