Pesticide Labelling


Regulatory authorities as well as pesticide producers use the pesticide label to prescribe how a product is to be used. Through the label, critical information about hazard, parameters for application, as well as emergency information is conveyed in order that the product is used safely.


While the specific label language varies between countries, most labels typically contain the following common elements:

  • Hazard description, (e.g., Toxic to bees);
  • Exposure scenarios which may pose an unacceptable risk, (e.g., during spray application to a flowering crop on which pollinators are foraging);
  • Risk mitigation, (e.g., do not spray flowering crops if bees are visiting the treatment area).


Regulatory authorities may express the mandatory components of a pesticide label, such as the risk mitigation language, using terms that are directive and unequivocal, such as “must” or “may not”.


More information on label and other mitigation measures relevant to insect pollinator protection of OECD Member Countries can be accessed under Laws, Policies and Guidance.




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