Pesticides
On this page:
- Hot topics
- List of products to disinfect COVID-19
- Enforcement discretion letters
- Contact us
- Pesticides updates listserv
DEC regulates pesticides and handles compliance assistance, public outreach activities, and enforcement of the requirements in the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL).
Hot Topics:
Chlorpyrifos Pesticide Registration Cancellations and Proposed Regulation
January 27, 2021 -- DEC announced a proposed regulation to prohibit the sale, distribution, possession, and use of pesticide products containing the active ingredient chlorpyrifos. This would add chlorpyrifos to the list of prohibited pesticides in New York's pesticide regulations.
December 31, 2020 the New York State pesticide registrations were cancelled for 29 pesticide products containing chlorpyrifos. These products can no longer be offered for sale or sold, distributed, or used in New York. Fifteen more chlorpyrifos pesticide products, that allow for applications to apple tree trunks, remain registered for sale, offer for sale, use, and distribution until July 31, 2021.
Enforcement Discretion - Applicators and Businesses
November 24, 2020 -- certified pesticide applicators must now have a valid, current certification identification (ID) card in their possession to make any commercial or private applications of pesticides and registered pesticide businesses. Agencies need a current registration to operate as a pesticide business or agency.
February 24, 2021 -- DEC will assess penalty credits, related to recertification, as prescribed in regulation.
Neighbor Notifications in Spanish Language
2020 -- ECL now requires that the 48-hour prior notification for certain commercial lawn applications, the information sign posted by retailers, and the visual notification markers posted for residential lawn applications be printed in English and Spanish. Other languages may be necessary. The requirements of the amendments, like the Neighbor Notification Law, effect counties and cities with a population of one million or more, that have adopted a local law to "opt into" the Neighbor Notification Law in its entirety.
Stakeholder Meetings - Pesticide Regulations
DEC held stakeholder webinars to get input, on potential changes to pesticide regulations. Stakeholders heard about potential revisions, expressed views, provided input and participated to help develop comprehensive regulations.
Learn more:
- Fact sheets (PDF),
- Slide Presentations (PDF)
- Comment Form (PDF)
Have input as a stakeholder? Email pestregs@dec.ny.gov.
Looking to provide feedback about aquatic pesticides regulations? Email AQpestregs@dec.ny.gov.
Recertification
Certified applicators and technicians need a valid certification ID card in their possession to work. Many will not be able to get the continuing education credits required for recertification because most classroom courses are cancelled in the near term. Enforcement discretion (see information in the right column on this page) to delay enforcement of the pesticide certification period is currently in place.
DEC will allow any applicator whose certification lapsed on or after November 1, 2019, to continue to operate until 60 days after the end of Executive Order 202 and any related extensions.
DEC will re-assess the situation periodically. If you are a certified applicator effected by this extension -- carry a copy of the enforcement discretion letter along with your ID. Show customers, inspectors, commercial permittees, and others that you are still allowed to operate.
Business Registration
If you are a business or agency, with registrations lapsed on or after March 1, 2020, you can continue to operate during the current crisis. This applies to 60 days after Executive Order 202 or any related extensions expire.
This allowance for business registration expiration also applies to the expiration date on the pesticide application equipment/vehicle decals. Equipment/vehicle operators can also carry a copy of the enforcement discretion letter as part of their proof that they can still operate.
Although applicators with expired certifications and businesses and agencies with expired registrations continue to operate during this time, pesticide applicators and pesticide businesses should submit their recertification and business registration renewal information to the DEC as soon as possible to avoid any delays in the processing. This will not change recertification dates and when the recertification paperwork is completed. Applicators will remain on their current recertification cycle.
Pesticide Products for Use Against COVID-19
Pesticide products used to disinfect surfaces or objects must be registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and then by DEC. EPA has activated its Emerging Viral Pathogens Guidance for Antimicrobial Products to allow the use of certain EPA-registered disinfectant products against COVID-19.
DEC has created a list of products to disinfect COVID-19 (Updated June 16, 2021) (PDF) registered in New York State that correspond to the list of products identified by the EPA.
Note: This list is subject to change -- check back for updates.
DEC reminds users to follow the label directions for disinfecting surfaces for viruses, including adherence to contact times and appropriate personal protective equipment as listed on each product label.
Read more about COVID-19 on the Coronavirus webpages for the New York State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Links leave DEC's website)
Have questions about pesticide products used in relation to COVID-19? Call 518-402-8768 or email ppr@dec.ny.gov
Enforcement Discretion Letters
DEC will exercise its authority to utilize enforcement discretion with respect to certain provisions of the ECL and associated regulations relating to commercial pesticide applicator certification requirements in the following areas:
- Chlorpyrifos (PDF) - Enforcement Discretion for distribution of unregister products containing chlorpyrifos.
- Enforcement Discretion Letter (PDF) - Explains DEC's policy in relation to pesticide recertification and business registration during the coronavirus crisis.
- Enforcement Discretion Letter - Category 1A (PDF) - Notice of Termination of Enforcement Discretion for Agricultural Plant (Category 1A) Commercial Pesticide Apprentices to Apply Federally Restricted Use Pesticides During the COVID-19 Emergency.
- Commercial Lawn Application Contracts (PDF) - Recognizes common, customer-friendly business practices and flexibility in providing and signing contracts and amendments, conducting warranty work, and specifying costs in multi-year contracts.
- Utility Worker Protection from Stinging Insects (PDF) - Helps protect utility workers from imminent threat of stinging or biting insects in emergency situations.
- Applying Registered Rodenticides with Dry Ice as Only Active Ingredient (PDF) - Allows technicians and apprentices, in appropriate certification categories, to apply dry ice rodenticides under off-site direct supervision of a certified pesticide applicator.
Read more to find information about how to protect workers from imminent threat of stinging or biting insects in emergency situations:
- Highway Worker Protection from Stinging Insects (PDF)
- NYC Department of Environmental Protection (PDF)
- Monroe County Water Authority (PDF)
Pollinator Protection - Learn how to report a "Pollinator Incident" and about resources available for protecting and encouraging pollinators.
Compliance Checklists - A business compliance checklist (PDF) and Worker Protection Standard (WPS) compliance checklist (PDF) have been developed for Registered Pesticide Businesses, Certified Pesticide Applicators, and farmers that can be used to check compliance with basic regulatory requirements.
NYSPAD Product Search - can help get information on all pesticide products registered in New York. Also, pesticide product labels can be viewed or downloaded within the NYSPAD search. Please click on the icon below to enter the NYSPAD search webpage.
Contact Us
Call or email the Pesticide:
Reporting and Certification Section at 518-402-8748 or PestMgt@dec.ny.gov.
Product Registration Section at 518-402-8768 or PPR@dec.ny.gov.
Compliance Section at 518-402-8727 or PesticideCompliance@dec.ny.gov.
Reporting Law (PRL) section at 518-402-8748 or prl@dec.ny.gov.
PesticidesUpdates Listserv
The PesticidesUpdates list is for DEC to provide the list members with information announcements only.
Sign up for the PesticidesUpdates e-mail notification listserv and get notices sent right to your inbox. Subscribe to DEC Delivers,
- enter your e-mail address,
- complete and submit the requested information on the "New Subscriber" page.
- On the "Quick Subscription" page you will see all of the additional topics that you can receive email updates on from DEC. Scroll to the "Prevent and Control Pollution" category and check the box next to "Pesticides."
- You will receive a welcome email from DEC confirming your subscription(s).
More about Pesticides:
- Chlorpyrifos Pesticide Registration Cancellations and Proposed Regulation - Proposed regulatory changes associated with Chlorpyrifos
- Business/Agency Pesticide Information - Information for businesses and agencies who either apply or sell pesticide products.
- Pesticide Product Registration - The Environmental Conservation Law requires every pesticide product which is used, distributed, sold or offered for sale in New York State to be registered with the NYSDEC.
- The Pesticide Reporting Law (PRL) - Information regarding pesticide reporting
- Sponsor a Pesticide Course - Information and instructions related to Department approved pesticide training.
- Aquatic Pesticide Permits - The NYSDEC regulates the application of aquatic pesticides in New York State and is responsible for compliance assistance and public outreach activities to ensure enforcement of State pesticide laws.
- Special Pesticides Initiatives in NY - Pesticide related initiatives in New York State.
- Forms Related to Pesticides - a compilation of various forms used in the Pesticides Program.
- Pesticide Laws and Regulations - Laws and regulations pertaining to pesticides in New York State.
- Proposed Part 326, Registration and Classification of Pesticides - Information on the proposed Chlorpyrifos regulation.
- Reducing Pesticide Use - Information about alternatives to pesticides.
