The Center for Cosmetics and Household/Urban Hazardous Substances Regulation and Research (CCHUHSRR) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hereby informs Pest Control Operators (PCO) for Non-Agricultural Purposes of the following regulatory updates:
- Status of the implementation of FDA Circular No. 2022-010
With the nationwide launch of the online application for License to Operate (LTO) of PCO establishments in June 2023, PCOs engaged in commercial, in-house or government service applications are recommended to proceed with the completion of the documentary requirements and apply for an LTO through the FDA eServices Portal System, accessible at https://eservices.fda.gov.ph/.
After the transitory period ending on 1 January 2025, the LTO requirement shall be mandatory pursuant to FDA Circular No. 2020-010 “Implementing Guidelines of A.O. No. 2019-0010 on the issuance of LTO as Household/Urban Pest Control Operators, and for Other Purposes”.
- Upcoming policies implementing “Certification of Supervising Pesticide Handler and Pesticide Handler”, and “Accreditation of Training Providers for Pest Control Operators, Supervising Pesticide Handlers (SPHs), and/or Pesticide Handlers (PHs)”
Pesticide handlers are highly encouraged to seek trainings related to household/urban pest management from reputable organizations while the implementing guidelines for “Certification of Supervising Pesticide Handler and Pesticide Handler”, and “Accreditation of Training Providers for Pest Control Operators, Supervising Pesticide Handlers, and/or Pesticide” are under development.
In view of this, the PCO establishment seeking for FDA authorization shall submit copies of any proof of attendance to training/s of their SPH and PH issued by the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) or any reputable organizations.
Currently, the FDA recognizes organization to be “reputable” once these organizations submitted all the correct and complete documentary requirements for accreditation of training providers under AO No. 2019-0010 and their training module covered all the minimum information requirements for household/ urban management topics.
- Reiteration of responsibilities of PCOs
PCO establishments and pesticide handlers shall observe their responsibilities as specified under Annex D of FDA Circular No. 2022-010. The following responsibilities are highlighted for the strict observance in the conduct of pest control activities:
a. Use of FDA-Registered Pesticide Products
Only FDA-registered household/urban pesticide products shall be used by PCO establishments in the conduct of their pest control activities.
Duly-registered products have undergone a comprehensive evaluation by the FDA which ensures its quality, safety, and efficacy pursuant to DOH A.O. No. 2019-0008, “New Rules and Regulations in the Registration of Household Pesticide Products and Their Active Ingredients”. PCOs, pesticide handlers and the public are reminded that the use of unregistered products poses significant risks to public health, safety, and the environment.
To check if a product is registered with the FDA, all are advised to use the FDA Verification Portal, accessible at https://verification.fda.gov.ph.
b. Use of Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
For every pesticide application operation, PCO establishment shall ensure that appropriate PPE is worn in order to reduce the risk of health effects from the exposure to multiple chemicals. In addition, to ensure that the PPE is not damaged, regular visual checking shall be done and equipment should be checked in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation.
c. Provision of Safety Advice for Clients and Recordkeeping of Pest Control Activities
PCO establishments, through the supervising pesticide handlers and pesticide handlers, shall ensure that the following safety measures are conducted:
- Adequate advice to their clients on safety precautions, including the observance of re-entry periods after pesticide application, must be provided.
- Appropriate signage shall be prominently displayed at strategic locations, such as entrances to treated premises, to alert the public before the re-entry interval expires.
- PCO establishments shall maintain records related to pest control activities, including inventory, calibration, cleaning, maintenance of pesticide products and equipment, and pest control reports.
Observing such measures ensures prompt access to critical information, in case of regulatory inspections or emergency situations.
d. Reporting of adverse events, pesticide leaks or spills, related to pest control activities
PCO establishments shall report and coordinate with FDA, through CCHUHSRR, via email: [email protected] on the following:
- Serious adverse events such as serious injury/ illness resulting to hospitalization or death that can reasonably be attributed to the conduct of their pest control activities
- Pesticide resistance
- Incidents of pesticide leaks or spill
- Other related health issues arising from their pest control activities
Details and product packaging shall be provided when reporting in order to be addressed accordingly and for consistent monitoring and record keeping purposes.
For further inquiries regarding licensing procedures or the identification of FDA-registered products, please contact the FDA at [email protected].
Dissemination of this Advisory to all concerned is hereby requested.