Which section of FIFRA authorizes emergency use of an unregistered pesticide?

• A. Section 18
• B. Section 12
• C. Section 3
• D. Section 24

Answer: (A)

During a true pest or public health emergency, you can use an unregistered pesticide under FIFRA through an emergency exemption. This authority, found in Section 18, is designed for urgent situations where there’s no registered product available to address the threat. The use is temporary and tightly limited to the specific area and duration of the emergency, with a plan to minimize risk and ensure proper labeling for the emergency use. Reporting and monitoring are usually required as part of the exemption, and once the emergency ends the exemption expires unless a registered alternative is pursued.

This is different from the general registration process, which requires full EPA review before a product can be sold or used (Section 3), and from other provisions like Special Local Needs registrations (Section 24(c)) that modify uses for already registered products.