The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has published its final regulatory decision for the reconsideration of malathion (also known as maldison), an insecticide used for the control of pests in various broadacre and horticultural crops, vegetables and ornamental plants, and for veterinary and domestic uses. 

The APVMA has decided to vary and affirm malathion active constituent approvals, chemical product registrations, and associated label approvals, including:

• changing the name of the active constituent from ‘maldison’ to ‘malathion’ to harmonise with the name specified in ISO 1750-1981. 
• removing uses to control mosquito larvae and prohibiting direct application to water due to the risks to aquatic species. 
• updating instructions for use, including protection statements, restraints, spray drift buffer zones, re-entry and withholding periods, safety directions, and storage conditions.
• including a provision for all products containing malathion as the active constituent to have a shelf life and for the associated expiry date to be included on labels. 

APVMA has determined a two-year phase out period will apply to malathion products bearing the previously approved labels.

After the phase out ends, these products must be supplied with the new label that contains updated instructions. 

Enquiries about the APVMA’s decision can be directed to enquiries@apvma.gov.au.