Will the joint APVMA initiative streamline chemical registrations?

Historically, a business wishing to use a new agricultural or industrial chemical in Australia and New Zealand has had to undergo a separate pre-market regulatory approval process in each country. However, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (NZ MPI) have proposed a joint, streamlined pathway for agricultural and veterinary chemical product (“Agvet Chemical”) registrations. This article examines existing registration processes and the likely impacts for businesses if a joint registration pathway is finalised.