EPA Eliminates Double Paperwork for Pesticide Registration Support Data

US EPA has announced a change to modernize the procedures for submitting data in support of pesticide registrations (when required under FIFRA). For the “Data Matrix” submitted by pesticide registrants—EPA Form 8570-35—EPA is establishing electronic online submissions and eliminating the need to submit paper copies of the form.

Previously, EPA required registrants to submit two paper copies—one for EPA’s use and another for public records. EPA is also removing the instructions to submit paper copies of the Data Matrix from the regulations. The Notice is effective as of March 28, 2025. 

Read the revised procedures: PR Notice 2025-1, “Revised Procedures for Citing Data to Support Pesticide Registrations.”

First Update Since 1998 

The new rule updates the submission requirements for these pesticide registration forms for the first time since 1998. The new PR Notice was proposed in 2024 and is part of a continuing effort across the Federal government to implement electronic reporting and reduce paperwork burdens. 

EPA provided the nuts and bolts of the decision in a Notice in the Federal Register: 
 

In 2024, OPP received a total of 3,309 Data Matrices. The current process for submitting Data Matrices requires respondents to fill out and submit a secondary copy of EPA Form 8570–34. According to the Form’s PRA Burden statement it takes anywhere between 0.25 to 1.25 hours to fill out the form.

In 2024, the total burden sum of all respondents was a total range of 1,654.5 to 8,273 hours to fill out and submit the forms. With this PRN, respondents will only need to submit just one form instead of two, halving the total sum burden by 50% between 827.25 and 4,136.5 hours.

"Revised Procedures for Citing Data to Support Pesticide Registrations; Notice of Availability."

More information about electronic submissions can be found on EPA's website.

About FIFRA Pesticide Registration 

All new and existing "pesticide products" must be registered with US EPA before they are distributed for sale in the US. The registration process is mandated by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The purpose is for EPA to evaluate whether a new pesticide, when used according to the manufacturer's directions, will pose an unreasonable risk to human health or the environment.

When a pesticide registration is approved, the product is classified based on the danger it presents. There are three classifications: "Restricted use," "general use" and "unclassified." Individuals wishing to use "general use" or "unclassified" pesticides are required by law to follow the manufacturer's directions for use as printed on the pesticide product's label.

Most "restricted-use" pesticides may only be applied by, or under the direct supervision of, a certified applicator. Some "severely-restricted-use" pesticides can only be used in accordance with stricter terms and conditions prescribed by EPA.

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