Regulatory updates

(Effective 1 December 2026)

‍Australia is transitioning from the Workplace Exposure Standards for Airborne Contaminants (WES list) to the Workplace Exposure Limits for Airborne Contaminants (WEL list). The WEL list is scheduled to apply from 1 December 2026. Until then, duty holders must continue to comply with the applicable WES and manage airborne-contaminant risks so far as is reasonably practicable. Businesses should confirm implementation requirements with their state, territory or mining regulator.

What does this mean for AgVet retailers?

The transition does not create a new product-sales regime for AgVet retailers. However, businesses that employ workers or manage workplaces may be affected where airborne contaminants are stored, handled, decanted, mixed or generated by activities such as welding, grinding, vehicle operation or handling dusty products.

Existing supplier and SDS obligations also continue to apply.

Key changes to understand:

a. Sensitisers (DSEN and RSEN)

Some chemicals are classified as DSEN (Skin Sensitisers) or RSEN (Respiratory Sensitisers) and may cause allergic skin or breathing reactions. Workers can become sensitised over time and react to very low levels of exposure.

b. Ototoxic substances (OTO)

‍Some chemicals are now identified as ototoxic, meaning they may contribute to hearing loss, particularly when combined with workplace noise. This is relevant for retail workshops, machinery sheds and chemical handling operations.

c. Non-Threshold Genotoxic Carcinogens (NTGCs)

From 1 December 2026, certain cancer-causing chemicals will no longer have workplace exposure limits because no safe exposure level can be established. Businesses using these substances will be expected to eliminate, substitute or minimise exposure as far as reasonably practicable. Most agricultural chemicals used by AgVet retailers are not expected to be affected by this change. Please check product SDS and the Home - HCIS for carcinogen classifications and risk information.

d. Updated WEL

• Updated WELs for calcium sulphate and gallium arsenide to reflect the correct respirable particle size.

• Reduced the WEL for aluminium welding fumes from 5 mg/m³ to 1 mg/m³, requiring stronger exposure controls where welding is undertaken.

PCBU responsibility

Businesses must take reasonable steps to eliminate or minimise worker exposure to airborne contaminants, not just meet the WEL.

‍‍‍‍Examples of selected chemicals relevant to AgVet retailers

These examples illustrate some of the key WEL changes and are not a complete list of affected chemicals.

‍Chemical: Phosphine (e.g., Aluminium phosphide)

• Key change: Releases phosphine gas during use or when exposed to moisture. The phosphine exposure limit reduces from 0.3 ppm to 0.05 ppm (TWA) and from 1 ppm to 0.15 ppm (STEL), representing an 83-85% reduction.

• Recommended action: Review fumigation procedures, gas monitoring, ventilation, emergency response procedures and worker training. Pay particular attention to opened containers, damaged packaging and residual gas.

Chemical: Diquat

• Key change: The previous WES of 0.5 mg/m³ has been replaced with separate limits for inhalable (0.5 mg/m³) and respirable (0.1 mg/m³) fractions. The respirable limit is 80% lower than the previous limit. Diquat is also now classified as a DSEN (Dermal Sensitiser).

• Recommended action: Review controls for powders, aerosols and spray-mixing activities. Ensure appropriate PPE is used and workers are aware of sensitisation risks.

Chemical: Paraquat

• Key change: Respirable limit reduced from 0.1 mg/m³ to 0.05 mg/m³ and now carries an OTO (Ototoxic) notation.

• Recommended action: Review exposure controls and consider the combined effects of chemical exposure and workplace noise.

Chemical: Chlorpyrifos

• Key change: Exposure limit reduced from 0.2 mg/m³ to 0.1 mg/m³. Now carries OTO (Ototoxic) and Sk (Skin absorption) notations and may require health monitoring.

• Recommended action: Review handling procedures, PPE, worker training and health monitoring arrangements where exposure may occur.

Recommended actions

AgVet retailers should:

• Review chemicals held onsite and associated Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).

• Identify products classified as sensitisers, ototoxic substances or carcinogens.

• Assess ventilation and other exposure controls in storage, mixing and workshop areas.

• Determine whether workplace air monitoring may be required.

• Review worker training on chemical handling, PPE and exposure management.

• Seek occupational hygiene advice where significant airborne exposure risks exist.

• Implement health monitoring where workers are at significant risk from exposure to hazardous chemicals and monitoring is required under WHS regulations.

Summary

While the WEL framework does not change product sales or supplier obligations, it increases the focus on worker exposure management, air monitoring, health surveillance and workplace controls. AgVet retailers should use the transition period before 1 December 2026 to review their operations and ensure exposure risks are effectively managed.‍‍

DOWNLOAD FACTSHEET

What has changed?

• New manufacture/packaging rule: Paraquat products made on or after 23 June 2026 must carry the new labels and be supplied in closed-loop compatible containers.

• Two years phase-out period: Products manufactured before 23 June 2026 may be sold and used until 22 June 2028. After that date old stock must not be possessed, sold or used.

• Approved Suppliers Quality Assurance: Our supplier/manufacturer must provide the batch number for each product.

• Use controls: The new labels require closed-mixing/loading systems, reduced application rates, use is completely prohibited on certain crops (e.g., sugarcane) and tighter PPE and engineering controls.

Immediate actions

• Training: Train all staff about this requirement and keep records of training conducted.

• Storage and Logistics: Clearly separate products with OLD LABELS (manufactured before 23.06.26) and NEW LABELS (manufactured on or after 23.06.26) stock and sell old stock first using FIFO principles.

• Stock count for old labels: Record SKU, units, batch number, manufacture date and expiry date for every paraquat product.

• Customer education: Reassure customers that there is a two-year sell-through, so they do not need to panic.

Clarifications we are seeking

We recognise that these sudden changes present massive practical hurdles for retailers. We are actively seeking urgent clarification from APVMA on pack-size exemptions, state rules on transport/manifests/ disposal after 22 June 2028, APVMA enforcement expectations, confirmation of the final sell-through end date, and whether APVMA will publish a draft label template.

Please take immediate action to prevent non-compliance, ensure efficient stock management and avoid waste. Please contact Agsafe for any further clarification at memberservices@agsafe.org.au.

Agsafe wishes to inform members of a recent update from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) regarding second generation anticoagulant rodenticide products.

For second generation anticoagulant rodenticide products, the permits are to be suspended for a year starting 24/03/2026 for a significant range of products that contain actives Broadifacoum, Bromadiolone, Difenacoum, Difenialone and Flocoumafen.

These are common rat and mouse baits, paste and products including TomCat Rat and Mouse Bait and Talon Rat & Mouse Killer Pellets and similar products – there are over 100 products listed. These are typically Schedule 6 products.

The APVMA has placed the following restrictions on the sale and use of the listed products.

View Appendix 2 - Product List

For products that are to be used for domestic use situations:

• There is a limit to the pack sizes that can be sold for this purpose.

• On sale, the retailer must provide a copy of Attachment 2 from APVMA Gazette No 5 dated Tuesday 10 March 2026. This states that the following conditions have to be applied on top of any conditions stated on the label:

  • Products are not to be used outside.

  • They must be used in a tamper resistant bait station.

  • Cannot be used for longer than 35 days when treating an infestation. Advice from a professional pest controller or from the product seller should be sought after this period.

For products that are to be used for commercial situations:

• On sale, the retailer must provide a copy of Attachment 2 from APVMA Gazette No 5 dated Tuesday 10 March 2026. This states that the following conditions have to be applied on top of any conditions stated on the label:

  • Products are not to be used outside for the control of mice.

  • Products cannot be placed in areas accessible to non-target animals, pets or children unless in a non-tamper resistant station.

  • Product must not be used in outside unless in a tamper resistant and weather resistant bait station that is secured in place.

  • Bait stations cannot be placed more than 2m from buildings.

  • Products cannot be applied directly to burrows.

  • Products cannot be used for longer than 35 days when treating an infestation without an evaluation of the state of the infestation and the efficacy of the treatment.

The APVMA has listed that there is a mechanism for them to apply a civil penalty for not following this action.

Members should review this update carefully and ensure they are aware of the conditions associated with the sale and use of the listed products.

If you have any questions regarding this update, please contact Agsafe.