Pesticide Registration Toolkit

Authorize only low-risk packaging

Description of the measure

The occupational or handling risk of a pesticide may sometimes be reduced by authorizing a pesticide only if low-risk packaging is being used. Examples are water-soluble sachets to avoid dermal exposure during loading of the sprayer, and child-resistant packaging for domestic use pesticides.

In many countries, child-resistant packaging -which reduces the probability that young children can open a pesticide container- is mandatory for all domestic use pesticides, or for domestic use pesticides exceeding a certain toxicity.

Conditions for effective implementation

Low-risk packaging should be compatible with the pesticide formulation that is to be registered. For instance, water-soluble sachets are not compatible with aqueous liquid formulations.

Estimated risk reduction potential

The risk reduction potential of this measure depends on the type of low-risk packaging. 

Potential constraints

Lower risk pesticide packaging can be more costly and may therefore not be competitive if the higher-risk cheaper packaging remains on the market.

Further information