Canadian pesticide regulations
Expert guidance through PMRA’s evolving regulatory landscape
Canada’s pesticide regulatory framework is built on a foundation of science-based evaluation, public health protection, and environmental stewardship. At Sagentia Regulatory, we help you navigate this complex system with clarity and confidence, so you can bring your antimicrobial, biopesticide and conventional pesticide products to market efficiently and responsibly.
Understanding the Canadian pesticide regulatory landscape
The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), a division of Health Canada, administers the Pest Control Products Act (PCPA) – the primary legislation governing pesticide registration and use in Canada. All pest control products must undergo a thorough risk assessment before approval, and are subject to regular re-evaluation to ensure they continue to meet current scientific and safety standards.
Under the PCPA, the following product categories are regulated:
- Antimicrobials – including preservatives, pool and spa products, devices and air or water sanitizers
- Biopesticides – including microbials and biochemicals
- Conventionals – including agricultural products such as fungicides, herbicides and insecticides
Each category has distinct data requirements and regulatory pathways, making early strategic planning essential for success.
Sagentia Regulatory can help you with pesticide registrations
Whether you’re registering a new product, maintaining an existing one, or responding to a re-evaluation, our regulatory specialists provide tailored support at every stage:
- Strategic planning aligned with Canadian regulatory pathways
- Preparation and submission of registrations and renewals in accordance with PMRA requirements
- Scientific justification and data gap analysis
- Support during stakeholder consultations
- Post-market compliance services, including incident reporting and label updates
- Preparation of data waivers
- Representation as a Canadian agent / regulatory contact for foreign companies
Why choose Sagentia Regulatory?
We collaborate closely with your internal teams to ensure your product strategy aligns with Canadian requirements – minimizing delays and maximizing compliance.
From established agrochemical companies to emerging innovators, organizations rely on Sagentia Regulatory for science-led, practical regulatory solutions that support successful market access in Canada.
Your Canadian pesticide regulatory experts
Led by Joe McCarthy, our Canadian team brings deep expertise and hands-on experience in navigating the PMRA’s regulatory process. From preparing applications for a wide range of pesticide products to managing communications throughout the review, our specialists are here to support you every step of the way.
Frequently asked questions about Canadian pesticide regulations
Who regulates pesticides in Canada?
The use of pesticides is regulated by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency via the Pest Control Products Act. A program of pre-market scientific assessment, enforcement, education and information dissemination is shared among federal, provincial/territorial and municipal governments. It is a complex process, governed by various Acts, regulations, guidelines, directives and by-laws. Sagentia Regulatory’s team has close working relationships with the PMRA and can help clients navigate pesticide regulation in Canada.
How long does it typically take to register a new product in Canada?
This is a little like answering how long is a piece of string, but depending on the product involved the process can take anywhere from months to years. The quality of the original submission is paramount as is following process and maintaining good communication with the PMRA. Delays occur when forms or data need to be resubmitted because of incomplete or inaccurate submissions. At Sagentia Regulatory, we pride ourselves on being able to expedite the process for our clients.
Once I’ve registered my pesticide product is that it?
Registrations need to be kept up-to-date and are typically renewed every 5 years. In cases where it is determined that the risk or value should be reviewed more frequently, a shorter registration term may be granted. Again, renewals are something that Sagentia Regulatory can help with. We operate a comprehensive renewals’ service where we have an effective database for keeping clients’ products compliant.
My product is FIFRA 25(b) exempt – can I bring this product into Canada?
Canada does not have a minimum risk pesticide exemption – all pesticides are required to be registered or be otherwise authorized under the Pest Control Products Regulations.
What are data waivers?
When required data or studies are not submitted to support a data requirement, the applicant may submit a request for a waiver of the requirement based on a scientific rationale or the use of surrogate data. At Sagentia Regulatory, we assist clients in preparing data waivers.
Why does a foreign company need a Canadian regulatory contact?
Under the Pest Control Products Act, all registrants who do not reside in Canada will be required to designate a resident Canadian Representative. Section 62(2)(a) states that this person and address is to whom and where all regulatory correspondence will be sent for all products and submissions belonging to that registrant. A person must be physically present in Canada to represent a foreign registrant. Registrants outside of North America are required to have on the label the name, postal address and telephone number of a contact person in Canada to which public inquiries may be directed. Sagentia Regulatory acts as the Canadian Representative for many clients, providing strategic guidance in addition to the registered office address.