The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has recently completed its review of the agrichemicals paraquat and diquat used for weed management. This includes products familiar trade names such as;
- GRAMOXONE 250 HERBICIDE (Paraquat 250 g/L)
- GRAMOXONE 360 PRO HERBICIDE (Paraquat 360 g/L)
- SPRAY.SEED 250 HERBICIDE (Paraquat 135 g/L + Diquat 115 g/L)
- REGLONE NON-RESIDUAL HERBICIDE (Diquat 200 g/L)
As of the 23rd of June 2026, changes will apply to labels of all paraquat and diquat products manufactured after this date. Over a two-year transition period, existing stock of these products will be phased out, allowing for a changeover period for industries to implement new weed management strategies. Whilst paraquat and diquat products have not been completely banned, the changes as a result of the review of these products have severely restricted use in horticultural crops, including the complete removal of use within banana plantations.
Growers can still use existing products with old labels until 22 June 2028. Growers must only use the products in accordance with the labels on the product they have. Once new products and labels arrive, the new label instructions must be followed. Always check the label of the product you have and follow those instructions before use.
Background: The chemical review process
New scientific information may emerge after an agrichemical has been approved or a product has been registered for a particular use, which suggests a change in the potential risks to human health, the environment, animal or crop safety, or trade. This may include credible new scientific information generated after a product has been registered that suggests the existence of previously unknown risks to human health, animal or crop safety, the environment or trade, or that suggests product ineffectiveness. This review process may involve legislative, administrative and scientific considerations that contribute to the final decision to confirm, vary, suspend or cancel an approval or registration of an agrichemical. 1
The APVMA review of paraquat and diquat was initiated in November 1994 and considered whether the active constituents, products and label instructions continued to meet the legal requirements for:
- human health;
- worker safety;
- food residues and dietary exposure;
- international trade;
- environmental safety;
- efficacy; and
- adequate labelling.
Key changes
Below is a list of key changes to be aware moving forwards for paraquat and diquat.
- New label restraints relating to safe handling for the user
- New spray drift restraints including no-spray buffer zones
- New trade advice regarding export of produce to countries without suitable MRLs
- New re-entry periods for workings entering treated fields
- New safety directions for users
Depending on use scenarios, growers should expect revised paraquat and diquat labels to require:
- closed mixing and loading;
- compatible sealed containers and transfer fittings;
- protective clothing and gloves;
- respirators and eye or face protection for specified activities;
- enclosed tractor cabs for some broadacre applications;
- restrictions on application equipment;
- revised re-entry periods;
- restrictions on the quantity handled by one worker; and
- stronger spray-drift controls.
Changes to equipment carried on the operator’s back
- Paraquat and paraquat/diquat products must not be applied using spraying equipment carried on the user’s back.
- Diquat-only products also have worker-exposure limitations applying to backpack application.
- Growers should not assume that historical knapsack practices remain acceptable for safe use.
Closed mixing and loading
- Products containing paraquat, diquat or both must be supplied in containers compatible with closed mixing and loading systems.
- Open pouring or decanting into an unsuitable secondary container will not comply with the revised controls.
Spray drift and environmental controls
Revised labels will include requirements relating to:
- wind speed;
- temperature inversions;
- droplet size;
- boom height;
- downwind buffer zones;
- protection of aquatic areas;
- bystander exposure;
- pollinator areas;
- vegetation areas; and
- livestock areas.
Buffer distances vary according to:
- active constituent;
- application rate;
- equipment;
- boom height; and
- the sensitive area being protected.
The required buffer may be substantial, particularly near natural aquatic areas.
Transition of New Labels
The APVMA has allowed a two-year phase-out period for supply of paraquat products bearing labels approved before the final decision.
For paraquat, this period lasts for two years from 22 June 2026. During the transition, growers may encounter both old-label and new-label products. Growers must follow the directions attached to the particular product container they are using.
Growers should not transfer directions to use product:
- from one brand to another;
- from an old label to a new-label product;
- between different concentrations; or
- between paraquat-only, diquat-only and combination products.
Recommendations for What Growers Should Do Now
- List every paraquat, diquat and combination product currently used.
- Record each product’s APVMA number, concentration and label version.
- Identify the crop, weed, growth stage, rate and application method required (noting no use in bananas plantations under new labels).
- For every container used – confirm that each use remains on the revised product label.
- Pay particular attention to orchard, vineyard, banana, berry, market-garden, nursery and vegetable uses.
- Do not assume that a numerical rate found acceptable in one part of the assessment automatically remains an approved label use. Different crops & situations have different risks.
- Review whether existing equipment meets closed mixing and loading requirements.
- Replace prohibited backpack application practices.
- Review personal protective equipment, enclosed-cab and re-entry requirements.
- Assess whether lower retained rates will provide adequate control of the weed species and growth stages encountered.
- Identify alternative herbicides and non-chemical controls where former uses have been removed.
- Update weed-management and resistance-management programs before old-label stock is exhausted.
Take Home Messages
- The reviews of paraquat and diquat are now finalised.
- The review has resulted in the complete removal of use in banana plantations, other uses/crops have also been affected as a result of the review outcome.
- Use of these products for some non-agricultural situations, around sheds, roadways, paths and firebreaks are still permitted.
- Growers must only use the products in accordance with the labels on the product they have until June 2028 (for paraquat).
- The review decision raises no food safety concerns.
- If in doubt, consult your local product reseller, and/or visit the APVMA website to confirm what uses are permitted for these chemicals (https://www.apvma.gov.au/about/agvet-chemical-regulation/pubcris-and-permits-databases).
Additional information on this review can also be found on the APVMA website.
Acknowledgement: Information has been provided by DTS Pty Ltd through Hort Innovation project MT24008 – Regulatory support and response co-ordination (pesticides).
1 – www.apvma.gov.au/regulation/chemical-review